Faris Ramli’s equalizer in the second half saved LionsXII from the possibility of suffering a home defeat as they secured a 1-1 draw against Terengganu at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Turtles got off to an explosive start, scoring within the first 10 minutes of the game. Gustavo Lopez produced a terrific cross, and Vincent Bikana headed home on the 9th minute mark to put the away side ahead.
Four minutes later, Faris tried his luck from distance but Hasmizan blocked it effectively, before Rangel’s attempt was saved by Izwan Mahbud. LionsXII had another chance on the 22nd minute; Gabriel Quak did well on the flanks to manufacture a cross, but Khairul Amri fluffed his header, allowing Nordin Alias to clear it effectively.
Fandi Ahmad then made a substitution, bringing on Afiq Yunos for Wahyudi Wahid and the former almost made it 1-1 on the 40th minute, though Shahril Sapien produced an excellent clearance on the line. Despite the home side’s best efforts, Terengganu maintained their lead as the game went into half time.
After the break, the Singaporean side showed far more initiative on the offence, with Faris displaying excellent understanding with Hafiz Sujad on the flanks. Madhu Mohana’s header was saved by Sharbinee on the 51st minute, before Ismail Faruqi’s attempt was deflected away by Hafiz on the 54th minute.
Just one minute later, LionsXII finally got their equalizer as Faris Ramli fired home to send the home crowd into raptures! The goal certainly lifted the spirit of Fandi’s men as they upped their tempo, in search of that coveted winner.
Sahil’s unleashed a ferocious volley on the 75th minute mark, but his effort missed the target. In the last 10 minutes of the game, the tempo certainly reduced significantly, but Terengganu mustered several clear attempts, before LionsXII missed a glorious chance on the 90th minute mark. They were awarded a free-kick 20 yards away from goal, only for Sahil Suhaimi’s attempt to rattle against the bar, as the match ended 1-1.
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