Singapore 1

By Mark Dawson

Malaysia once again defied the odds and qualified for the Suzuki Cup semi-finals, after defeating hosts Singapore in their own back yard

BY MARK DAWSON

Two years ago it was a victory over Indonesia in their final Suzuki Cup group match which sent the team through to the knock-out stages, which seemed unlikely following their earlier defeat versus Singapore. This time out the Tigers again knew that this match was win or go home following their loss last time out against Thailand.

With both teams fully aware of the high stakes attached to this match, the first half was understandably cautious and low on quality. Malaysia did sporadically find joy down the right with Azamuddin Akil and Norshahrul, and were noticeably more comfortable in possession than they have been in recent years, but this failed to reflect in many chances. The closest they did come was just before half time when again the visitors found space down the right and fired a cross to the far post, Singapore defender Mohd Mukhtar made a mess of the clearance, spooning it back across the face of goal to Safee Sali who hit an instinctive first time shot but was thwarted by the post in a real wasted opportunity for the Tigers.

Even though Singapore did at times look dangerous when breaking forward with pace, they too had precious little in the way of chances on goal. The home team had cause for complaint on the half hour as Malaysia's Gary Robbat could have easily seen red after a high studded challenge on Harris Harun which was only punished with a caution. Robbat can consider himself an extremely lucky boy after launching into a challenge that was both reckless and had excessive force.

Both sides were unable to create much of note, with some desperately poor final passes when promising openings did present themself. And despite the recklessness of both teams, giving away freekicks in dangerous areas, neither team had the quality to capitalise.

There was little attitude change from the home team in the second half as Singapore again were underwhelming, with a fine mazy run and dragged shot by Faris Ramli the only clear chance they created in the early stages. Although the hosts looked to counter attack with pace any time Malaysia ventured forward, it was the away team who began to create the better chances. Norshahrul became the second Malaysian striker to squander a one-on-one opportunity after he timed his run to perfection and latched onto a long ball over the top, but a combination of a heavy touch and being off balance meant that the Singapore defence were able to clear his low shot.

Just after the hour it was Malaysia who took the lead, with Safee Sali atoning for his earlier miss. The impressive Amri Yahyah was the creator, putting in a cross with the edge of his boot which was intended for Mahali Jasuli but with the full back unable to make contact with the cross, it fell invitingly for Sali who took a touch to steady himself before rifling into the roof of the net emphatically.

With the dynamic changed it was Singapore who began to chase the game, trying to remain in the competition. Khairul Fahmi suddenly became a lot busier as he had to save from Khairul Amri and dart off his line to thwart Faris Ramli in a frantic five minute spell. However with seven minutes remaining it was the keeper who was at fault as the Lions of Singapore netted a dramatic equaliser. Fahmi spilled Safuwan Baharudin's free kick directly into the path of Khairul Amri who gleefully tucked home the rebound.

After this crushing blow Malaysia began to loose their cool, giving away yet more needless free kicks in which Fahmi had to be alert to keep out Baharudin. However with time and ideas running out, it was referee Al Kaf Ahmed who changed the game, when he spotted a barge in the back by Singapore substitute Hafiz Abu Sujad on Amri Yahyah. Despite the protests of the home players it was a brave and correct decision by the Omani official, and Safiq Rahim took full advantage by sending Hassan Sunny the wrong way.

With 95 minutes on the clock Malaysia remarkably made it 3-1, breaking forward after Fahmi palmed away a last gasp Singapore corner, with Indra Putra calmly slotting into an empty net to book a semi-final clash with Vietnam.

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