Shahril Ishak (LionsXII #17) celebrates after scoring his second for the night. The skipper’s brace helped overturn the 2-1 deficit against Pahang to book the LionsXII a place in the semi-finals. (Photo 1 © Tan Jon Han/Red Sports)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Tuesday, October 2, 2012 — Trailing 1-2 after the first leg, the Singapore LionsXII rode their luck in the first half to beat Pahang 2-0 in the second leg in front of a sold-out crowd of 7,429.
LionsXII captain Shahril Ishak scored both goals from headers.
In the first half, Pahang could have had a goal or two if not for Baihakki Khaizan and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud rising to the occasion to deny the boys in yellow. Instead, it was the LionsXII that led 1-0 at half time after Shahril opened the scoring in the 35th minute. Hariss Harun lofted a hopeful pass into the Pahang penalty box and Shahril Ishak headed it past a stranded Wan Muhd into an unguarded Pahang goal.
With the aggregate score at 2-2, Pahang had to look for another goal to negate the away goal they conceded last week at home. However, it was the LionsXII who scored again. A well-struck cross from the left by Safirul Sulaiman found Shahril who placed his header past a flailing Wan Muhd.
Pahang coach Dollah Salleh said the LionsXII deserved to go through to the semi-finals.
“LionsXII deserved to win. They took advantage and created two, three chances and we made a few mistakes,” said the former Malaysian international.
“They took the opportunity and that was it. We lost out on experience, and the LionsXII really made use of the advantage of playing on the artificial pitch. My boys tried very hard but still failed,” added Dollah.
He was also not surprised by the outstanding performance of Shahril Ishak.
“I always advice my players when talking about Shahril, that although he had just recovered from injury, he’s always a danger man,” Dollah said.
LionsXII head coach V Sundramoorthy felt that his players did well, especially after weathering Pahang’s attacks in the first 15 minutes.
“In the first half, especially the first 15 minutes, Pahang had at least 2-3 chances. We were quite lucky to escape the scare, and we slowly grew into the game. That was the turning point, Pahang didn’t take their chances and the Lions got better and better as the game went on,” said Sundram.
He also commented on the performance of his captain.
“Shahril is a big match player. Whenever there’s a big crowd, or a big match, he will definitely deliver and he did just that today (with two goals),” added Sundram.
Sundram also added that the crowd played a part in making it an exhilarating game.
“(It was) very difficult game to stay on the touchline. Tensions were very high. The crowd was excellent, and I need them on Friday,” said Sundram.
The LionsXII will take on ATM FA in the first leg of the semi-finals on Friday, October 5, at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
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