This year has been a revelation for Wan Zack Haikal. His talent were never went unrecognised as he was chosen to become one of Harimau Muda player at the age of 18 and has since improved dramatically under Ong Kim Swee. He have skills to past his opponent, run over and through the defence but most importantly, he has the ability to be a finisher. All of this has been proved in his performance during Olympic Qualifying Round, S-League, and most recently in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 as he played a major role in becoming a constant threat to the opposition, scoring and create loads of assist, he is arguably the best performer for Malaysia. His only weakness is injury proneness that may hindered his progress as he have injured for a number of times in the past and particularly in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, as he is out injured before semi final and could not help his side from progressing through as they were beaten by Thailand. Nonetheless, he still have a big future lie ahead of him as he is only 21 years old and certainly have a plenty of time to become one of the best Malaysian player they have ever had.
The Lions were fortunate to beat Thailand 3-2 on aggregate after losing to a narrow 1-0 lost in the second leg of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 final
Singapore on the verge of winning the fourth title of AFF Suzuki Cup after convincing 3-1 win in the final first leg. Thailand will need to score two goals without conceding to overturn the deficit and win the title.
Thailand begin to attack as soon as referee blows the whistle to start the match as they try to force an early lead. Singapore meanwhile are trying to hold their two-goal advantage as they prevent any attacking moves and clear cut chances from the home side. Thailand creates numerous chances but unable to turn it into goals as Singapore keep it tight at defence. But as the first half end were looming, a cross from the corner somehow met the head of striker Kirati Keawsombut to score a powerful header inside the penalty area in the 45th minute. It was a much-needed goal for the War Elephants as they look to build their lead further.
While Thailand may continue the way they played from the first half, Avramovic may need to aware and warn his side to keep focus and avoid from making too many mistakes, as they might be punished by the home side once and for all.
Thailand were largely dominant in the second half as they trying to pushed for a goal that they have been waiting for since the beginning of the match. Chance by chance were not taken by the home side as their profligacy in front of goal prevent them from scoring more and were left frustrated by the away side. A sturdy defence and rearguard display saw Singapore managed to hold a thin one-goal advantage until the final whistle to clinch what would be a record-breaking of a fourth title in the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament, a new record for the Lions.
Singapore will go down in history as the most successful side in the South East Asian region, having won the AFF Suzuki Cup titles for four times in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012, the most title won in the history of competition. The newly-crowned champions were also marked a glorious departure from their most successful coach, Radojko Avramovic; who runs out his contract with the Lions at the end of the year and experienced striker Aleksandar Duric; who will retire from international scene at the end of the tournament today.
Teerasil Dangda receives the Golden Boot Award after scoring five goals in the tournament.
Co-host Malaysia receives a Fair Play Award after a series of good showing in fair play in the tournament.
Shahril Ishak receives the Most Valuable Player after strings of delightful performances during the tournament.
The 63 year-old confirmed he will looking to leave Singapore national post despite on the verge of winning the fourth AFF Suzuki Cup title
Singapore head coach Radojko Avramovic has officially confirmed he will not extend his contract after the end of the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament in the pre-match conference for the second leg final AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, yesterday.
The former Yugoslavia goalkeeper insisted he won't change his mind over leaving the Lions at the end of the second leg final tomorrow as his contract run out at the end of this year but reiterated that he only focus for the game at the moment. While he has confirmed the departure, the Singapore FA are yet to comment or release an official statement regarding the matter.
Nonetheless, Avramovic will stands as the most successful national coach in Singapore history, guiding the Lions to two AFF Suzuki Cup titles in 2004 and 2007 edition, before qualifying for the first time to progress in the group stage of Asian Zone of World Cup Qualifier in 2011. He might added another title tomorrow at Supachalasai Stadium for Singapore, perhaps his final contribution for the Lions.
Singapore 3-1 Thailand Singapore bagged two-goal advantage for the second leg in Saturday as Thailand are brushed aside
It is a nice and pleasant weather to play football as the two South-East Asian giants contested at Jalan Besar Stadium for the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Final, yesterday. The two successful sides in the competition have met once in the final of 2007 edition which ended victorious to the Lions.
Singapore didn't have to wait too long as they took an early lead in the 9th minute after Aleksandar Duric was fouled by Piyaphon Buntao in the penalty area. Mustafic Fahrudin have to retake after his first spot-kick was ruled out by the match officials but have no troubled scoring for the second time to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The two sides counter-attacking relentlessly as Thailand are in search of equaliser while Singapore trying to double their lead further but both left frustrated after held by a cautious play as the first half ended.
Thailand started strong in the second half as they pushed for the equaliser. They finally levelled in the 59th minute through a lapse of defending from the Lions as a cross from Teerasil Dangda met Adul Lahsoh's feet to fired the ball past Izwan Mahbud to make it 1-1. But Singapore spoiled Thailand's celebration as they went ahead again just two minutes later through excellent individual skills from Khairul Amri as he smashed the ball past Kawin in the 61st minute to make it 2-1. Thailand have to work hard to find for another equaliser as they look helpless to contain Singapore's domination in midfield. But Thailand was caught on the break as a poor defending from the away side which the ball landed in front of the Singapore defender Baihakki Khaizan as he put the ball easily to the roof of the net to rounded off the victory for the home side.
Singapore will meet Thailand in 22nd December 2012 at Supachalasai Stadium for the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Final to determined the tournament eventual winner and the new champion for the South East Asian region.
Game Over. Dream Over. But in football, there is no such thing as over.
It was all but over for the cup holders Malaysia as they were crashed out of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 and failed to retain the 2010 edition title after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of stubborn Thailand.
A sodden and slippery surface marked a poor pitch condition in such a bad weather today. Malaysia are hoping to beat Thailand away from home and progress to the final in bid of retaining the title for the second time. Thailand will be looking to take a full home advantage at Supachalasai Stadium after claiming precious 1-1 draw at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Both Thailand and Malaysia named an unchanged side that played out a 1-1 draw at Kuala Lumpur as Thailand head coach Winfried Schafer will served a one-match banned from touchline.
Thailand went as early as the first minute of the game attacking and dominating possession, trying to build an early lead. Malaysia meanwhile struggled to pose a real threat to the home side as their performance are shocking given that they played out an aggressive style coupled with nervous defending that earned a yellow card to both Mahalli Jasuli and Fadhli Shas inside the fifth minute of the game.
Such an aggressive style of play may look good as they hold on to weather the storm of Thailand. But it soon backfire the defending champion as Fadhli Shas was sent off just before half time for a second bookable offences coupled with a questionable decision from the match officials.
It was a cagey first half performance from both side as the home side might have wonder how they could not be in front after first 45 minute. Malaysia will faced an uphill task to reach the final.
Malaysia have not made any change despite down to ten men for the second half.
Thailand continue their style of play just like they did in the first half, while Malaysia trying to absorb the pressure from the home side. Thailand finally broke the deadlock in 61st minute through impressive Teerasil Dangda when Panupong Wongsa seized a mistakeen from Amar Rohidan to put the striker through on goal and slotted the ball easily past Farizal Marlias to make a 1-0 lead. Thailand doubled their lead and presumably rounded off their team's display in the 65th minute when Farizal Marlias parries the ball away weakly after a free kick from Jakkapan Pornsai allowing Theerathon Bunmathan to pounce on the rebound and slammed the ball home, making it a further 2-0 lead.
Malaysia did make a change in the second half, with Safee Sali, Kyril Muhymeen and Faizal Muhammad coming on to steer up the team to project the miracle and make it harder for the the home side but things just could not going in their way as they are run out of luck coming to the final whistle.
Thailand will have a chance to end their trophy drought for 10 years, having won the competition back in 2002 edition, when they beat Indonesia 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out after 2-2 draw in the normal time and claiming the third title while coming closed to the title back in 2008 edition when they lost 3-2 on aggregate against Vietnam. Thailand will set a new record in the first leg of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 final on 19 December, by appearing in the final for the sixth times, more than any other team in the competition. They will face head to head against title rival Singapore, with both teams sharing a total of three titles each of them, the highest amount of title to win by a single team to date. Only one team will set a new record of winning the title for four times, more than any other team before.
A new champion will set to prevail. Will it be the Lions? Or the War Elephants? Only one team deserve to win.
Khairul Amri solitary goal was enough for The Lions to reach the AFF Suzuki Cup final 2012
Photo Courtesy affsuzukicup.com
It was a nice and pleasant weather to play football today, as three-time champion Singapore faced surprise package Philippines at Jalan Besar Stadium to put an end to the result which ended goalless in the first leg at Manila.
Singapore head coach, Radojko Avramovic named an unchanged side that played a 0-0 draw at Manila while Philippines have made only one change through Jerry Lucena for Jason De Jong.
Both side went strong in the first half, trying to make an early mark in the game. Singapore finally went ahead in 19th minute through Khairul Amri unstoppable strike just outside of the penalty area. It proved to be the match-winner goal for the game as both sides are struggled to make chances turn into goals. Singapore make countless chances but could not add more goals due to their enthusiastic opponent.
Profligacy in front of goal is the reason why Singapore could not make a comfortable lead as much as they would have liked.
Singapore are now levelled on record with Indonesia, having reach the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup for the fourth time in the competition. They hold the record for reaching the final for three times and winning all of them without failed. They are now on course to win the AFF Suzuki Cup for the fourth time should they beat their opponent that they will waiting for, between defending champion Malaysia and three-time champion Thailand in Bangkok tomorrow.
Malaysia fans in good spirit in Sunday evening despite heavy downpour hours before the match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Malaysia will eyeing for a win to make it a comfortable lead for the second leg in Bangkok.
Malaysia made five changes in starting line-up from a side that beat Indonesia last week due to injury.
The match started intensely in the first half, with both side keen to take an early lead but could not capitalise any of their chances including a glaring miss from Azamuddin Akil.
Malaysia finally took a lead in 48th minute through a diving header from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha met a crossing from young fullback Mahalli Jasuli.
With Thailand staring to their first defeat of the tournament, they somehow fine an edge to equalise in 78th minute through a fine header from Teerasil Dangda to level the scoreline.
There is controversial circumstances, when Thailand's head coach Winfried Schafer was banned from the touchline by the officials after over-protesting constantly during the match.
The home side have numerous clear cut chances but failed to turn it into goals, while Thailand were lucky to get a draw from some sloppy defending but good enough for their final encounter in second leg of semi-final. Its a tough ask for Malaysia, having failed to retain their lead despite substitution and changing tactics. They need a catalyst and perhaps miracle to beat Thailand in their own home soil to make it to the final. Player performance and selection should be taken as a serious consideration given that Thailand will not giving any favours to the Malayan Tiger to defend the title. Thailand will take on Malaysia for the second leg of semi-final AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 on Thursday, 13 December 2012 at Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok. Both side will do anything to ensure the victory for the path to the final.
Malaysia head coach, K. Rajagobal has confirmed that both Wan Zack Haikal and Shakir Shaari are ruled out of contention to play in first leg semi-final against Thailand. He said Wan Zack has suffered a thigh muscle tear and may not available until the end of the tournament. Kelantan midfielder Shakir Shaari will miss the game due to ankle injury but will most likely to join the team back for the second leg in Bangkok. There are doubts to other key players too, with S. Kunanlan, Kyril Muhymeen and Safee Sali carrying a knock sustained before and during 2-0 victory over arch-rival Indonesia. Only Kunanlan has shake off his injury and will be available for selection against Thailand. Rajagobal said he is not too concern with injury blow and hopes that the other squad player should step up their performance and take advantage with the current situation when selected to be in the first eleven.
Wan Zack Haikal and Shakir Shaari have been performing above expectation, playing extremely well in two previous matches in a row but will be sidelined for tomorrow clash against Thailand. Wan Zack Haikal is one of the Malaysia's brightest young talent ever produced, playing debut season with Felda United in 2007 before spending his whole career with Harimau Muda A, winning his first major honour with them, the 2009 Malaysia Premier League title. He is part of Harimau Muda A who trained at Slovakia in 2010 and have a short term loan deal with Slovakian club, FC Vion but failed to make a single appearance due to injury. He return to Malaysia with Harimau Muda A in 2012, following the exchange deal with Lion XII who will play in Malaysia Super League, while Harimau Muda A will featuring in S-League. During this time, Wan Zack, along with his teammate Wan Zaharulnizam were attending a trial with Japanese club, FC Ryukyu for two weeks. He is one of the young Malaysian talent who is expected to shine in few years time but could not do so as he have missed a lot of important matches and tournaments due to his awful injury record. If he is in injury-free, he will certainly playing at his best, as what he did currently in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 tournament that earned Malaysia a deserved place in the semi-final, for the quest of retaining the title for the second time.
In the similar time when Malaysia gain valuable win against rival Indonesia, Singapore face tournament's minnows, Laos at Shah Alam Stadium and only need a point to secure a spot to semi-final. However, Laos did not make things easier to the three-time champions. A lapse of defending from Singapore gave Khampheng Sayavutthi a chance to score with a weak shot from a close range in the 21st minute to make it a shock 1-0 lead to Laos. Keoviengphet Liththideth made it harder for Singapore when he unleashed a beautiful curling shot past Izwan Mahbud to the top right corner of the net in the 40th minute to make it a comfortable 2-0 lead for the Thim Xad. Singapore however did manage to pull one back through captain Shahril Ishak with a simple shot from close range in 47th minute just before half-time.
Singapore did not waste any time when the second half started as they pushed forward in search for equaliser. Singapore finally found an equaliser through Shahril Ishak once again in 53rd minute when he dribbled easily in the penalty box and fired to the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-2. Laos looking struggle to contain Singapore's attack as there are number of times their defence looking as vulnerable as ever. The Lions meanwhile are more confident in performance as they create a lot of chances and are close to score more goals. Ten minutes later, Khairul Amri put Singapore in front in the 63th minute when he took an unstoppable free-kick which easily past Laos goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Fazrul Nawaz rounded off Singapore's comeback when he fired the ball past Laos goalkeeper with a diving header in 65th minute to make it 4-2 lead. It was two goals in two minutes from Singapore. Khampheng Sayavutthi put a seemingly dead Laos in a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty in 81st minute and slotted the ball easily past Izwan Mahbud to make it 4-3 but it was all too late for the Thim Xad as Singapore are victorious nonetheless coming to the final whistle as the Lions deserved to claim one of the greatest comeback win in the football history.
Singapore finished the Group B with six points and top of the group after three matches, with two wins against Malaysia and Laos and one lose against Indonesia. As a group winner, Singapore will travel to Manila for the first leg of semi-final, where they will meet tournament's surprise package, Philippines, who finished as a runners-up of Group A in December 8 and a return leg in December 12 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Singapore have an excellent chance to go to the final for the fourth time in the history of competition if they beat Philippines in the semi-final. Singapore is one of the most successful side in the history of AFF Suzuki Cup competition, having previously won the title three times in 1998, 2005 and 2007 edition.
It was all drizzling and drenched at Bukit Jalil National Stadium today as it contested one of the biggest match in the country, certainly with the fierce rival, Indonesia, having already met in the previous AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 edition, with Malaysia triumph all the way to clinch the title. Indonesia in the pole position to qualify for the next round, having already pick up four points from two matches, after 2-2 draw with Laos and narrow 1-0 victory over Singapore. In the final match of Group B, Indonesia only need to draw against Malaysia to qualify through to semi-final but have to wary of Malaysia's revival. After losing a heavy 3-0 defeat to rival Singapore in the first match, Malaysia hopes to defend the title came back alive with a convincing 4-1 win over Laos to level point with Singapore in the Group B. Now Malaysia have no other option but to beat Indonesia in order to qualify comfortably in the tournament. It was a much-needed win for the Malayan Tiger to boost their chances for the semi-final of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.
As soon as the match started, Indonesia begin to attack and dominate in the early minute of the match, with chances created were almost converted to goals by Irfan Bachdim and Oktovianus Maniani. Malaysia trying to break the opposition attack, coupled with few chances but only some woeful passes and finishing. Yet, when Indonesia attacking severely, it was Malaysia who managed to get an early lead through crossing from Mahalli Jasuli which almost met Safee Sali's head but instead finding Azamuddin Akil with a powerful strike in the 26th minute, in which the ball past through Indonesian goalkeeper Wahyu Tri Nugroho straight to the bottom right corner of the net. Malaysia did not have to wait longer for the second goal, after dazzling run from a young winger Wan Zack Haikal that resulted a delightful pass to put full-back Mahalli Jasuli through on goal, to which he strikes to the top left corner of the net in the 29th minute to give Malaysia a comfortable lead. It was the goal that rounded off the whole match, after such a hot-heated match that produced more than five yellow cards and a poor showing in the second half from both side, from a series of needless foul and wasting time to poor finishing and understanding when launching an attack. It was a good match nonetheless, albeit from a low quality when it comes to passes and finishing.
A deserved 2-0 win over Indonesia meaning that Malaysia finished Group B as a runner-up and qualify through to the semi-final where they will meet against Group A winner Thailand, the only team in the tournament to qualify to the semi-final without losing a single match. It is said that Malaysia will meet a tougher opposition than ever before, and somewhat need miracles to defeat the side that have previously beat Malaysia 2-0 in a friendly match weeks before the tournament started. But Malaysia will do all they can to keep their hopes of defending the title and gaining the victory in the process.
Vietnam 0-1 Philippines Group A Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup 2012
Philipphines shocked tournament's favourites Vietnam to keep their chances of qualifying for the semi-final alive. A late goal from substitute Emilio Caligdong sealed a victory for the Azkals. Philippines were left on trail after humbled down by tournament co-host, Thailand in a 2-1 defeat even though with a very tight match. Vietnam, again, dominated through the whole match but unable to break opposition defence. Philippines took a full advantage on Vietnam lapse of concentration in defence when Angel Guirado managed to lay the ball Emilio Caligdong before unleashed the ball to the back of the net in the 85th minute. Better late than never for Philippines, Caligdong's goal has delighted the fans alike with the late impact in the game.
Today it was soaking and drizzling at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, with spectators witness a series of attacking football in Group B, with both matches end up with 7 goals altogether, while each one of the team has conceded three goals, two goals and concedes none. Group B has also produced two red cards as early as the first match of the tournament, which between Indonesia and Laos. Perhaps the worst part of football to witness today was a glaring error from Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in Malaysia 3-0 heavy defeat against rival Singapore.
It's all wet evening at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok,yesterday, with spectators witness a fair share of careful football, both matches having scored 5 goals altogether and conceding one goal each of the team. Perhaps the best part of football in Bangkok, is to witness Anucha's fantastic goal in a deserved 2-1 Thailand victory over Philippines.
Defending AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia slump to a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of fierce rival Singapore. A brace from Lions skipper, Shahril Ishak, were the highlight of the match.
Singapore finally took the lead through captain Shahril Ishak in 31st minute with a sublime finish at the edge of the penalty box. An error from Malaysia defender Fadhli Shas were capitalise by Shahril Ishak in 37th minute, who added his second goal of the game with a simple header. Malaysia did an early change for Khyril Muhymeen to Wan Zack Haikal, but could not counter Singapore's attacking threat until the half time.
Malaysia starts strongly in the second half, trying to find a goal to narrow the gap. But Singapore took an advantage from Malaysia defender lapse of concentration when substitute 42 year-old Alexander Duric rounded off the match as he scored with a fine header from close range in the 74th minute to make it 3-0 to the visitor.
With this win, Singapore is top of the group B with three points, while Malaysia's defeat put them bottom of the group B with no point. Singapore next match will be against spirited Indonesia, while Malaysia will looking to bounce back from defeat when they meet Laos, in 28th November 2012, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
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