Lions eliminated from AFF Suzuki Cup after 1-3 loss to Malaysia

SINGAPORE — Four-time AFF Suzuki Cup champions Singapore bowed out of the tournament tonight (Nov 29) after they lost 3-1 to Causeway rivals Malaysia. With 48,183 spectators in attendance at the National Stadium, the defending champions conceded two goals in injury time.

Although Singapore required just a draw to proceed to the semi-finals, it was the away side who took the lead with striker Safee Sali putting Malaysia ahead in the 61st minute. But striker Khairul Amri equalised for the Lions in the 83rd minute after goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi spilled defender Safuwan Baharudin’s free kick.

The score did not stay at 1-1 for long. In a dramatic turn of events, the referee pointed to the penatly spot and Tigers midfielder Safiq Rahim promptly slotted the goal home in stoppage time, to the delight of vocal away fans.

Singapore’s misery continued deep into injury time when goal keeper Hassan Sunny came up to Malaysia’s half for a corner. However, in a swift counter attack, Malaysia’s substitute Indra Putra Mahayuddin rolled the ball into an unguarded Singapore net, to condemn the Lions to a 3-1 defeat.

Lions coach Bernd Stange (left) and Director for marketing and communications at the Football Association of Singapore, Mr Gerard Wong (right) at the post-match press conference. Photo: Emmanuel Phua

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Singapore coach Bernd Stange said: “There is deep disappointment and we are all empty at the moment. We feel very sorry for the fantastic fans that we could not deliver more for our fans and enter the semis.”

“It’s a young team with a bright future and we are looking forward for the next campaign. We are disappointed with tonight’s result but we have to move on from here,” he added.

With this win, Malaysia qualify for the semi-finals after finishing second in Group B, and will now face Group A winners Vietnam on Dec 7.

In the other group game, Thailand defeated Myanmar 2-0, and will face the Philippines in the other semi-final.