Singapore denied at the death by Malaysia

Singapore became the first team to qualify for the SEA Games semi-finals despite a 1-1 draw with rivals Malaysia at Zayyarthiri Stadium in Naypyidaw on Sunday evening.Afiq Yunos's tap in on the hour mark seemed to have earned the Young Lions all three points, but Rozaimi Rahman's free-kick right at the death ensured both teams went back with a point apiece.The result means Singapore have eight points from four games, which is sufficient to qualify for the semis, considering Malaysia and Vietnam still have to face each other.It was an even first half as chances went begging for both sides. As early as the first minute, Sahil Suhaimi mustered Singapore's first chance after Safuwan Baharudin knocked down a Madhu Mohana throw-in, but the striker's well-taken volley was brilliantly palmed away by Malaysia goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi.Ahmad Hazwan Bakri gave Malaysia their first real chance of the game in the seventh minute from a free-kick, but his shot went well over the bar.Thamil Arasu than had a host of chances to give Malaysia the lead, but failed at every attempt. In the 17th minute, he tried to bulldoze his way through the Singapore defense but his tame shot trickled safely into Izwan Mahbud's hands.The forward had another opportunity five minutes later when he got to the end of a free header after a sweeping counter-attacking move, but he failed to hit the target. In the 26th minute, Thamil had yet another chance, but this time his shot on goal was parried away by Izwan.A few minutes later, a well-worked corner reached Irfan Fazail who did well to volley it, but Izwan comfortably saved it.Singapore then went on the ascendency soon after when Faris Ramli was released on the right. He cut back towards the middle and beat two players, but the Goal Singapore Young Player of the Year's curling shot went just wide off the post.Shahfiq Ghani then came close for Singapore as well, but his free-kick hit the side netting.Malaysia started the second half in dominating fashion as Hazwan had a crack from distance in the 51st minute, but Izwan was equal to it.Singapore was starting to give the ball away cheaply in the middle of the park and Malaysia took advantage of their profligacy.Fadhli Shas had a glorious opportunity to give Malaysia the lead in the 59th minute after Irfan looped the ball to him, but he failed to hit the target with a half volley from six yards out. It seemed only a matter of time before Malaysia was going to break the deadlock but ironically, it was Singapore that scored almost immediately after that let-off.Faris's free kick reached Safuwan at the far post but his header bounced back against the post and the ball landed perfectly for Afiq to tap home the rebound. The goal shocked the Malaysians and Singapore almost capitalised on it five minutes later when Afiq's header from a Zulfahmi Arifin free kick went just wide.Malaysia soon recovered from their setback and started dominating possession again to look for the equalising goal.In the 79th minute, Rozaimi struck a well-taken free kick that deflected into the side netting. Singapore should have heeded the warning signs, as it was Rozaimi again who had a second bite of the cherry right at the death.The Young Lions conceded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area and Rozaimi made no mistake this time, curling in a beautiful effort beyond Izwan's reach, earning his team a share of the spoils.Malaysia now face Vietnam on Tuesday, and either one of the teams will join Singapore in the semi finals.