It was to be the day that the Kallang Roar returned to the National Stadium, but with the stands packed to near capacity for the 72nd Causeway Derby, Singapore’s fourth reign as champions of Southeast Asia came to a heartbreaking end.
After a narrow loss to Thailand and a scintillating victory against Myanmar, Singapore had a simple route to the semi-finals. Barring a big Myanmar win in their match against the Thais, the Lions would only need a draw against old adversaries Malaysia to progress. It was an equation that opened the door to complacency.
An uneventful first half showed that Singapore was more than happy to play for the draw. In place of the promising attacking intent that they displayed in earlier games, they sat back in defence. As the second half kicked off, a nervous air descended on the stadium, and before long, Malaysia took the lead. There was an element of inevitability about the scorer.
A day earlier, Safee Sali and a group of his teammates had been “caught” smoking in a photo that made the rounds on social media. Brushing off the flak, the Johor Darul Takzim hitman responded by saying he preferred to do his talking on the pitch. He duly put the Tigers ahead with a vicious strike just after the hour mark. Singapore faced elimination.
Numbers now forward, the Lions got a free kick on the edge of the box in the 83rd minute. Safuwan Baharudin fired a shot at Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, but the Malaysian keeper couldn’t hold onto the ball. Up stepped Khairul Amri to tap in. Singapore was almost there.
The Kallang Wave and chants of “Ole! Ole! Ole!” began their rounds, and plans were being made for a date with Vietnam. As any football fan would tell you, however, it was far too early to celebrate.
In the final minute of the game, a Malaysian attack fizzled out with a cross that appeared to go behind for a goal kick. Players and fans turned their attention to the other end of the pitch, but Omani referee Al Kaf Ahmed Abu Bakar Said had instead awarded a penalty – the third given against Singapore in three matches. Replays showed some contact between Hafiz Sujad and Amri Yahyah, but it was a contentious decision. Safiq Rahim converted the spot kick to make it 2-1.
Singapore pressed for a second equaliser, sending keeper Hassan Sunny up for an injury time corner. The end result was a third Malaysian goal. A counterattack led to Indra Putra slotting home into an undefended net. The final score – Singapore 1-3 Malaysia.
Supporters hurled abuse at the match officials with some taking the ill-advised step to throw bottles in their direction. The three men had to be escorted off the scene after a delay. It was a tough day for Singapore football, but the red and white faithful remained, defiantly holding up their scarves. The next chapter in this great rivalry is yet to be written.
Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup Facebook page; Gavin Khoo
It was to be the day that the Kallang Roar returned to the National Stadium, but with the stands packed to near capacity for the 72nd Causeway Derby, Singapore’s fourth reign as champions of Southeast Asia came to a heartbreaking end.
After a narrow loss to Thailand and a scintillating victory against Myanmar, Singapore had a simple route to the semi-finals. Barring a big Myanmar win in their match against the Thais, the Lions would only need a draw against old adversaries Malaysia to progress. It was an equation that opened the door to complacency.
An uneventful first half showed that Singapore was more than happy to play for the draw. In place of the promising attacking intent that they displayed in earlier games, they sat back in defence. As the second half kicked off, a nervous air descended on the stadium, and before long, Malaysia took the lead. There was an element of inevitability about the scorer.
A day earlier, Safee Sali and a group of his teammates had been “caught” smoking in a photo that made the rounds on social media. Brushing off the flak, the Johor Darul Takzim hitman responded by saying he preferred to do his talking on the pitch. He duly put the Tigers ahead with a vicious strike just after the hour mark. Singapore faced elimination.
Numbers now forward, the Lions got a free kick on the edge of the box in the 83rd minute. Safuwan Baharudin fired a shot at Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, but the Malaysian keeper couldn’t hold onto the ball. Up stepped Khairul Amri to tap in. Singapore was almost there.
The Kallang Wave and chants of “Ole! Ole! Ole!” began their rounds, and plans were being made for a date with Vietnam. As any football fan would tell you, however, it was far too early to celebrate.
In the final minute of the game, a Malaysian attack fizzled out with a cross that appeared to go behind for a goal kick. Players and fans turned their attention to the other end of the pitch, but Omani referee Al Kaf Ahmed Abu Bakar Said had instead awarded a penalty – the third given against Singapore in three matches. Replays showed some contact between Hafiz Sujad and Amri Yahyah, but it was a contentious decision. Safiq Rahim converted the spot kick to make it 2-1.
Singapore pressed for a second equaliser, sending keeper Hassan Sunny up for an injury time corner. The end result was a third Malaysian goal. A counterattack led to Indra Putra slotting home into an undefended net. The final score – Singapore 1-3 Malaysia.
Supporters hurled abuse at the match officials with some taking the ill-advised step to throw bottles in their direction. The three men had to be escorted off the scene after a delay. It was a tough day for Singapore football, but the red and white faithful remained, defiantly holding up their scarves. The next chapter in this great rivalry is yet to be written.
Photo: AFF Suzuki Cup Facebook page; Gavin Khoo