Football: Singapore hold Malaysia to draw, progress to ASEAN Championship semis

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KUALA LUMPUR: Written off by many even before a ball was kicked at the ASEAN Championship, the Lions showed that they still have plenty of bite.

Away at the Bukit Jalil stadium in Kuala Lumpur, the Lions held Causeway rivals Malaysia to a draw and booked their spot in the semi-finals of the regional tournament on Friday (Dec 20).

This meant the Lions finished second in Group A, behind leaders Thailand who beat Cambodia 3-2. The Thais topped the group with 12 points, as the Lions finishing with seven.

Singapore last made the semi-finals of the regional tournament in its 2021 edition, where they were eliminated by Indonesia.

“Our players were not scared (to play against Malaysia),” said head coach Tsutomu Ogura. “I told them to show their fighting spirit.”

A STALEMATE TO SEAL IT

The Lions went into the game knowing that a win or a draw would be enough for them to progress.

Prior to the match, the Thais sat atop Group A with nine points while Singapore were second with six points. Cambodia and Malaysia had four points apiece.

The tournament format dictates that teams level on points are first differentiated by their head-to-head record and then by overall goal difference. 

This was not an unfamiliar position for the Lions.

At the last edition of the tournament, they travelled up to Kuala Lumpur needing a draw to progress. The Lions had seven points, while Malaysia had six.

However, Singapore would capitulate in spectacular fashion, losing 4-1 as the Harimau Malaya moved on.

On Friday, it was Malaysia which looked the more likely of the two teams, buoyed by their vociferous supporters.

On the other hand, the Lions looked a lot more nervous, and simply could not hold on to possession for extended spells. 

As Singapore struggled to find their footing, a quick Malaysia counter-attack served as a warning of intent as a Stuart Wilkin shot flashed across the face of Izwan Mahbud’s goal in the 28th minute.

Malaysia came within inches of breaking the deadlock four minutes before halftime but Daniel Ting failed to convert on the far post with Izwan beaten. 

Tsutomu Ogura threw on tournament top scorer Shawal Anuar at half time but it was Malaysia who would come close in the second 45 with an Endrick freekick rippling the top of the Singapore net. 

And he could come even closer a minute later with a howitzer into the side netting from distance.

Singapore would fashion their first clear-cut chance from a corner, but Amirul Adli only managed to direct his header over.

A series of subsequent corners would test the Lions’ resolve, but the crossbar would come to the rescue.

A long-range effort from Amirul would force Malaysia custodian Haziq Nadzli into a spectacular stop before the home side hit the crossbar again after another corner.

There would be late chances for substitutes Kyoga Nakamura and Ryhan Stewart, but it would end 0-0 as the Lions celebrated a result that speaks volumes of the character they have shown during the tournament.

The Lions began their campaign last Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Cambodia at the National Stadium, courtesy of first-half goals from Faris Ramli and Shawal Anuar.

They then left it late to beat Timor-Leste 3-0 at the Hang Day Stadium in Hanoi, with a penalty from Kyoga Nakamura and a second-half Shawal double sealing the win.

The Lions put in a commendable showing against regional heavyweights Thailand on Wednesday and led by two goals courtesy of a pair of stunners from Shawal and Faris.

But the Thais, who are defending champions, would score four with no reply, with two goals coming in second half stoppage time.

With Group B wide open, the Lions could face any of Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar in the semi-finals, depending on how the final round of matches go on Saturday. 

Said Ogura: “I was very surprised. I never saw such play (from them) in training. But today, we could do that. It is important for confidence, for us to believe in our football.”