Fazrul Nawaz (left) celebrates what proved to be the winning goal for the LionsXII against Selangor. (Photo by Roy Sim/FAS. Used with permission)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Saturday, January 12, 2012 — The Singapore LionsXII clinched their second consecutive win in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) with a 1-0 win over Selangor FA on home ground. Fazrul Nawaz’s goal was enough to help the LionsXII join Pahang at the top of the table in the MSL.
The LionsXII had won their opening away game 1-0 against ATM FA earlier in the week.
Playing in front of 7,000 home fans, the LionsXII applied the pressure early in the game. They were rewarded after Fazrul Nawaz connected well from a corner kick in the 23rd minute. Captain Shahril Ishak, Irwan Shah and Nazrul Nazari, were all looking lively in the early stages and they had their chances to increase the lead for LionsXII.
Selangor came back strong towards the end of the first half, and both Safuwan Baharudin and Isa Halim got themselves booked in the 43rd and 44th minute respectively. The LionsXII managed to take the 1-0 lead to half time.
There were some nervous moments for the LionsXII when the second half started and it was not long before Hafiz Sujad got himself a yellow card for clipping Selangor’s Shukur Jusoh.
The best chance for LionsXII to extend their lead fell to Irwan Shah in the 63rd minute, when he was put through on goal with only Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Razali standing in his way. However, his shot was well-saved.
Selangor coach Irfan Bakti then made a double swop, with Ramzul Zahini coming on for vice-captain Amri Yahyah, and K Gurusamy for Shukur Jusoh but it was not enough to stop the LionsXII from claiming a second straight win in the MSL.
Selangor coach, Irfan Bakti was full of praise for the LionsXII. He said: “LionsXII is a very disciplined team. As you can see from their previous match against Armed Forces, LionsXII played well and could have scored one or two more goals. However, it is still very early into the season, and there are plenty of games to be played.”
LionsXII assistant coach K. Balagumaran also applauded the performance of the LionsXII.
“I see a lot of potential in the team. I see the spirit. We could have done better but as the game goes on, you can see the determination from the Selangor team. We maintained our tactical discipline which is very useful for us,” said Balagumaran.
The LionsXII’s next match is against the Selangor PKNS at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya Stadium, Selangor, on Tuesday, January 15th, at 8:45pm. The match will be broadcast “live” on StarHub Channel 201.
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