Jalan Besar Stadium, Saturday, May 12, 2012 — The Singapore LionsXII could only draw 3-3 with Kedah FA while playing at home in front of 7,328 fans. The result of this fixture means the LionsXII only have a slim 3-point lead ahead of second-placed Kelantan, who have played 4 games less.
LionsXII started the game well. Right-back Madhu Mohana’s long throw was flicked on by Baihakki Khaizan towards the far post, and the unmarked Shahril Ishak bundled the ball over the line in the ninth minute.
Kedah replied with a header by Khyril Muhymeen from a Baddrol Bakhtiar cross, with the LionsXII defence caught napping.
Seven minutes later, Sufian Anuar — who was subbed in after LionsXII captain Shahril Ishak was withdrawn due to injury — headed in a superb cross from Juma’at Jantan.
The score was 2-1 at half-time.
Kedah threatened to equalize five minutes after the restart, but Abdel Fatah’s fierce shot from just outside the box was tipped over by LionsXII goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.
LionsXII then extended their lead seven minutes later. Attacking midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman’s pinpoint delivery from a set piece was headed right into the top corner by stand-in captain Baihakki.
With a 3-1 lead it seemed as if the game was over. Instead of sitting back and play the game out to secure the three points, LionsXII continued to attack enthusiastically and were caught on the counter by Kedah.
In the 61st minute, with the home side’s defenders failing to get back in time, Amar Rohidan blasted an unstoppable shot into the top corner after Vedran Gerc set him up with a square pass.
Three minutes later, it was Gerc who scored the equalizer. From 26 yards out, he fired in a precise shot into the bottom corner, beyond the reach of Izwan’s outstretched arms.
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