By REDintern Ismail Farhan Anuar
Singapore’s Khairul Amri (centre) celebrates his goal with teammates Mustafic Fahrudin (left) and Baihakki Khaizan. It turned out to be the winning goal. (Photo courtesy of World Sport Group)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Saturday, December 12, 2012 — The Singapore Lions are through to their 4th ASEAN Football Federation Championship final after winning the second leg of their AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final 1-0.
Forward Khairul Amri struck the only goal scored during the two legs in the 19th minute of the match.
Jalan Besar Stadium was packed to its full 8,000 seating capacity for this highly anticipated fixture. Football Association of Singapore President Zainudin Nordin had called for a sea of red to fill the stadium and the fans duly obliged. The downpour never dampened the enthusiasm of the Lions supporters who constantly were in the mood to cheer for their players.
Philippines, concerned with the finishing prowess of the Singapore forwards, set themselves up to be solid at the back, and looked to catch the enthusiastic Lions on the counter.
Singapore were the proactive side, with Shaiful Esah and Safuwan Baharudin coming close in the first quarter of the match. Then in the 19th minute, Amri scored the crucial first goal.
Singapore’s most dangerous weapon throughout this tournament has been their set-piece plays, and this goal was a result of another well-worked routine. A decoy run completely confounded the players in the wall, and a simple pass to an unmarked Amri gave him all the time in the world to unleash a ferocious shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net. Philippines goalkeeper Sacapano hardly moved from his spot.
The Azkals’ plan did not seem to work as they did not even register a single shot at goal by half-time. Philippines coach Michael Weiss knew he had to make changes. In came Emelio Caligdong for Patrick Reichelt to add more experience to the squad.
However, it was Singapore who continued to create the best chances of the game. A brilliant cross shot from Fazrul Nawaz forced the keeper to attempt a save and the ball fell back right onto the feet of Shahdan Sulaiman only five yards from goal. However, the talented youngster completely missed his kick and the chance was lost to put the game to bed.
With the Azkals proving toothless in attack, Singapore never looked to be in any danger of conceding. As the referee blew the final whistle to thunderous applause and cheers from the passionate home fans, it would be no surprise if Raddy Avramovic had a sense of vindication that his charges had done it again – against all odds.
Singapore will now move on to the final and will meet either Thailand or Malaysia in the first leg on Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
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