Sport

Singapore Stuns Critics: Secure Draw Against Malaysia to Advance to ASEAN Championship Semifinals

2024-12-20

Author: Wei

KUALA LUMPUR: In a stunning display of tenacity, the Singapore National Football Team, affectionately known as the Lions, demonstrated they are not to be underestimated.

Against all odds and written off by many before the ASEAN Championship began, the Lions managed to hold their fiercest rivals, Malaysia, to a scoreless draw at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Friday, December 20. This result ensured their progression to the semi-finals of the prestigious regional tournament.

Finishing second in Group A with seven points, Singapore trailed only behind Thailand, who topped the group with 12 points after defeating Cambodia 3-2.

This semi-final berth marks the Lions' first return to the championship's latter stages since 2021, when they were ousted by Indonesia.

Head coach Tsutomu Ogura expressed pride in the team’s performance, stating, “Our players were not scared to play against Malaysia.

I told them to show their fighting spirit.” This mentality was crucial, especially given the intense rivalry and the roaring supporters from the Malaysian side.

The Lions entered the match aware that a win or a draw would secure their advancement.

They were familiar with the pressure of needing a draw to progress, echoing last year's edition of the tournament when they faltered against Malaysia despite needing only a draw.

This time, however, Singapore stood firm against a Malaysia side that seemed more confident and aggressive on the field.

In an exhilarating encounter, Malaysia came close to scoring multiple times, including a near miss by Daniel Ting just before halftime.

However, Singapore's defense held strong, and the Lions nearly broke the deadlock themselves with several late chances.

While opportunities were limited, a spirited display kept the game exciting right until the end.
Throughout the tournament, Singapore has shown resilience—kicking off their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Cambodia and later dominating Timor-Leste with a convincing 3-0 win, highlighting their potential.

Despite suffering a heavy defeat against defending champions Thailand, when they conceded four goals without reply, their overall performance showcased development and determination.

As the tournament progresses, Singapore awaits the outcome of the final matches in Group B, where they could face formidable teams such as Vietnam, Indonesia, or Myanmar in the semi-finals.

Coach Ogura reflected on the team’s growth, saying, “I was very surprised.

I never saw such play from them in training. But today, we could do that. It is important for confidence, for us to believe in our football.”

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Lions can continue their impressive run and possibly capture the championship title.