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Our tigers were tamed by The Lions of Singapore after a disappointing 1-1 draw in front of a massive 90,000 crowd in an electrifying night at the Bukit Jalil Stadium of Malaysia. The draw meant Malaysia were knocked out by mighty neighbours Singapore in the second round of the World Cup Asian Zone Qualifiers due to the loss of 6-4 in aggregate.
The first half of the match ended in a stalemate after a series of magnificent saves from Malaysia goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat. The national-number 1 once again proved why he’s still better Shabinee Allawi, who flopped in the first-leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore by conceding 5 goals.
The absence of Malaysian wizards Safiq Rahim, Norshahrul Idlan and the 23rd-minute departure of centre-back Aidil Zafuan proved too costly for K. Rajagopal’s men. The play was then stopped before half time after Singapore goalkeeper Mohd Izwan complained of lasers being repeatedly beamed at his face, forcing the PA System to make an announcement that the match would be aborted if the Malaysian fans continue such unbehaving acts.
The second half started was more entertaining to watch compared to the first, with the Malaysian fans roaring support to cheer for their national heroes. Goal machine Safee Sali finally managed put Malaysia ahead in the 58th minute after a great finish thanks to some brilliant work from S. Kunalan outside the box.
The stupendous crowd of Bukit Jalil Stadium had an eerie silence when Singapore winger Shi Jiayi made no mistake in a 1-on-1 situation against Khairul Fahmi after sneaking past two Malaysian defenders. The score was tied at 1-1 before things got heated up very quickly. Malaysia forward Ahmad Fakri received two yellow cards in quick succession after coming in for Abdul Hadi Yahaya in the second half. Singapore goalkeeper Mohd Izwan was then booked by referee Takayama Hiroyoshi for an unsportive play-acting late in the game.
It was an agonizing end when the referee blew the final whistle after 5 minutes of stoppage-time play. The Malaysians’ hopes of qualifying into the third round for the very first time in the qualifying zone have once again come to a miserable end.
