LionsXII centre back Safuwan Baharudin (#21) celebrates after leveling the score with a header in the 81st minute. The LionsXII will go into the second leg of the semi-finals in Kuala Lumpur with an away goal against them. (Photo 1 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Friday, October 5, 2012 — Safuwan Baharudin salvaged a 1-1 draw with ATM FA for the Singapore LionsXII in the first leg of their Malaysia Cup semi-final.
In front of a 7,479-strong crowd, centre back Safuwan’s 81st-minute header cancelled out Marlon James’ opener in the 55th minute to keep alive the LionsXII’s hopes of qualifying for the Malaysia Cup final.
The second leg is scheduled for October 11th, at the MP Selayang Stadium.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, it was ATM who went ahead 10 minutes into the second half.
Marlon James latched onto a long punt from inside the ATM half just outside the LionsXII’s penalty box. He took a stride and and put it past Izwan Mahbud to break the deadlock.
The LionsXII pressed hard and eventually secured an equalizer in the 81st minute. A superb cross by Shahdan Sulaiman from a free kick found Safuwan at the far post, and the defender, who was pushed up front, rose the highest to head it into the net.
An injury in the 85th minute to substitute Sevki Sha’ban left the LionsXII down to 10 men.
Agu Casmir was particularly a bright spark up front in the opening exchange, winning a number of corners although the LionsXII were unable to convert them successfully.
The LionsXII could have gone ahead just six minutes before halftime, after Shahdan’s attempt several yards outside the box took a wicked bounce, but ATM FA custodian Farizal Harun read the situation well and pushed it away.
Two minutes later, Captain Shahril Ishak was played through by Agu, but his shot was too tame to trouble Farizal.
Speaking at the post match press conference, ATM FA coach B Sathianathan felt that a draw is a good result for his team to bring home for the 2nd leg.
“Definitely, it’s good to get an away goal. Like I said before, it’s a bonus,” said Sathianathan.
He however, felt that the goal they conceded was a ‘soft’ one.
“I always knew they were a threat on set pieces. This is a learning curve for them, because we are always going commit mistakes.
“I know LionsXII is really hard to crack; they have a really strong defence. They won’t open up easily like our opponents did in other game,” added Sathianathan.
LionsXII head coach V Sundramoorthy felt that playing in the semi-final got to his players, which affected their performance as a result.
He said: “I think the nerves got to the boys. Some of them were a bit jittery when the game started but I thought they will overcome it.
“But today, they took longer and never settled in, giving away the ball very cheaply. Going down a goal, which is not good against an experienced team like ATM with lots of good players, they are seasoned campaigners who know how to control the tempo.
“However, we still stand a chance and I’m confident that I’m able to come up with a plan and get the win.”
The ‘Dazzler’ also praised Baihakki for keeping Marlon James quiet throughout apart from the goal, as well as Safuwan for the equalizing goal, describing it as a “typical Safuwan goal”.
When quipped if he faces an uphill task in Kuala Lumpur for the 2nd leg, he responded: “We need to score; we need to win the game. It’s not going to be easy, but we will go there and give it the best shot. We have nothing to lose. We are capable of better performance and we should work towards that.”
LionsXII Lineup
01 Izwan Mahbud (#1), Shaiful Esah (#3) (Sevki Sha’ban 60′), Baihakki Khaizan (#5), Shahdan Sulaiman (#8), Agu Casmir (#11) (Sufian Anuar 78′), Hariss Harun (#14), Shahril Ishak (#17), Irwan Shah (#19), Safuwan Baharudin (#21), Firdaus Kasman (#24) (Yasir Hanapi 74′), Safirul Sulaiman (#28)
Substitutes:
Madhu Mohana (#6), Raihan Rahman (#16), Hyrulnizam Juma’at (#18), Sevki Sha’ban (#22), Sufian Anuar (#25), Yasir Hanapi (#27), Abdil Qaiyyim (#32)
ATM Lineup
Farizal Harun (#22), Reuben Thayaparan (#2), Aidil Zafuan (#7), Marion James (#9), Bruno Marteloto (#10), Azmi Muslim (#14), Fitri Omar (#18), Christie Jayaselan (#19), Hairuddin Omar (#20), Irwan Fadzli (#21), Rezal Zambery (#23)
Substitutes:
Hafizuddin Azuhar (#1), Barathan Arumugam (#5), Yusaini Hafiz (#11), Hardy Charles (#12), Venice Elphi (#17), Amiridzwan Taj (#24), Syafiq Azri (#29)
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