Malaysia are through to the semi finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup as runners-up of Group A after defeating Singapore 3-1 at the Sports Hub.
The Singaporeans started out as the better side, though Malaysia eventually got into the game. The combination between Safiq Rahim and Gary Steven Robbat was particularly impressive in the middle of the park, though Hariss Harun kept a close watch on them throughout the time.
There were no clear-cut attempts in the first 30 mins of the game, with the exception of Shaiful Esah’s free kick attempt, which went wide off target. Amri Yahyah then unleashed a long-range attempt on the 31st minute, though as per our live tweet, it was an attempt that would have made Johnny Wilkinson proud.
Amri Yahya's long range free kick attempt was one that would have made Johnny Wilkinson proud. Way over the bar #AFFSuzukiCup
— StadiumMY 🇲🇾 (@StadiumMY) November 29, 2014
But just before the half time whistle, a defensive mix up from Singapore allowed Safee Sali to have a clear view of the goal, but his shot eventually rattled against the post, much to the frustration of the Malaysian fans within the stadium. But it was certainly a sigh of relief for Bernd Stange, who brought his troops in at half time to regroup.
After the break, Singapore continue to play cautiously, not comitting too many men upfront, since a draw would be enough for them to progress into the semis. Nonetheless, they did have their fair share of chances.
Faris Ramli dribbled past at least 5-6 players on the 52nd minute, but his grounder missed the target by inches. Moments later, Malaysia almost took the lead after Norshahrul went past the onrushing Singapore goalkeeper in the penalty box, though his weak attempt was cleared away by Safuwan Baharuddin.
But just after the hour’s mark, Safee Sali opened the scoring for Malaysia, courtesy of a powerful finish from inside the box! That goal sparked life into the game, as the Singaporeans went on attack mode, hunting for the coveted goal.
Their efforts certainly paid dividends as Khairul Amri pulled one back courtesy of an excellent finish on the 81st minute. But Malaysia were gifted a penalty on the 90th minute after Amri was adjudged to have been brought down inside the box. Safiq Rahim stepped up and fired home to put Malaysia in the driving seat.
Singaporean keeper Hassan Sunny then made his way into the Malaysian box for a last gasp corner kick, but Dollah’s men cleared it away and Indra Putra led a counter attack before scoring into an open goal to make it 3-1, thus seizing an impeccable victory that not only puts them through into the semi finals, but also effectively knocked out the defending champions from the competition.
FULL TIME: Singapore 1-3 Malaysia. The Malayan Tigers march into the semis as runners up! Defending champs have been knocked out!
— StadiumMY 🇲🇾 (@StadiumMY) November 29, 2014
Malaysia finished second in Group B on four points, while Thailand progressed as Group winners, having won all three of their matches. The Malayan Tigers will face Group A winners in the semi finals, while the Thais will take on Group A runners-up, Philippines.
First leg of the semi finals will take place on the 7th and 8th of December, with the second leg happening three days later on the 10th and 11th of December.
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