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Toothless Lions crash out of Suzuki Cup

MANILA — It was their most exciting and attacking display at this year’s Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. But ultimately, it was two lapses of concentration in defence — and wasteful finishing — that led to Singapore’s elimination from the tournament, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat by Indonesia on Friday (Nov 25) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, proving that perhaps fortune does not always favour the bold.

Khairul Amri looking dejected after the game against Indonesia on Friday (Nov 25). Photo: Jason Quah/TODAY

Khairul Amri looking dejected after the game against Indonesia on Friday (Nov 25). Photo: Jason Quah/TODAY

MANILA — It was their most exciting and attacking display at this year’s Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup. But ultimately, it was two lapses of concentration in defence — and wasteful finishing — that led to Singapore’s elimination from the tournament, as they fell to a 2-1 defeat by Indonesia on Friday (Nov 25) at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, proving that perhaps fortune does not always favour the bold.

The result marks the first time that the Lions — four-time winners of the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championships — have not won a game at the biennial competition, and with just one goal and one point from three games, it also represents their worst points tally in a Suzuki Cup campaign.

The disappointment was clear on the weary face of national coach V Sundramoorthy, who had set himself a semi-final target when he was appointed caretaker coach in May.

When asked after the game about his future, he snapped back at the reporter: “What is your future? How long have you been working in your newspaper?”

When the reporter replied “17 years”, Sundram said, “After six months, (did) people judge your future?”

To be fair, no one can accuse the Lions boss for not going down swinging on the field on Friday. 

Knowing his team would need a victory to advance into the semi-finals, he sent his usually defensive-minded side out on the attack right from the start of the game.

Nonetheless, it was the Indonesians who were the first to threaten to score, as Stefano Lilipaly’s fifth-minute free-kick forced Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny into an excellent diving save.

The Lions were the next to come close to breaking the deadlock when great build-up play between Khairul Amri and Safuwan Baharudin in the 11th minute set up the effervescent Yasir Hanapi for a shot, but his effort from outside the box went wide.

Two minutes later, Indonesia midfielder Andik Vermansah struck a 30m effort that flashed just over the bar.

But it did not take much longer before the first goal of the game was scored, and it was a moment of brilliance from Amri that unlocked Indonesia’s defence.

From Madhu Mohana’s trademark long-throw, Safuwan leapt highest to flick the ball on to the unmarked Amri, who produced an acrobatic scissors-kick to put his team in the lead. It was the first goal that Singapore had scored in this tournament – ending a drought of more than 200 minutes.

Singapore started the second-half strongly and had a golden opportunity in the 48th minute to double their lead when Faris Ramli dribbled past two defenders and set Amri through on goal, but the striker sent his effort straight at Indonesia custodian Kurnia Meiga.

Indonesia then began to take control as they went in search of an equaliser, and their unrelenting pressure eventually paid off in the 62nd minute when Andik volleyed home Rizki Pora’s pinpoint cross from close range.

As the clock continued to tick down to full-time, Sundram made several attacking-minded changes in search of the winner.

But it was Indonesia instead who got the decisive goal.

With Singapore committing men forward, Indonesia broke on a devastating counter-attack that ended with Boaz sending in a cross for Lilipaly to blast the ball home from 10m.

“We took the lead and were confident that we could hold on to it,” said Sundram. “But then, they had two crosses and our marking in the box was lacking and then we conceded the goal. However, we had enough chances to score, but we didn’t take them.

“Obviously it hurts, Indonesia put in two attackers after their midfielder was taken out and we still maintained with two central defenders. We were coping well until the cross and late run and goal. 

“But it’s difficult for us because we know we can defend as a unit, and we could have preserved the lead.”

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