Singapore came out on top over Laos in the 4-3 comeback thriller

Photo Courtesy www.channelnewsasia.com

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.

Man of the Match: Shahril Ishak

Malaysia 4-1 Laos Group B Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Man of the Match: Wan Zack Haikal

Group B AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Roundup

Photo Courtesy from bola.kompas.com

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.

Indonesia 2-2 Laos-Group B AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Photo Courtesy from sinarharian.com.my

Indonesia scored last gasp equaliser to earn a point in 2-2 draw to the only-one underdog of the tournament, Laos. Indonesia was in good spirit in the early minute of the match, with delightful run from 'Indonesian Messi', Andik Vermansyah and several clear-cut chances from Irfan Bachdim in which should have made Indonesia up two or three goals, with Laos goalkeeper's nervous performances went unpunished. But the Indonesia's favour was soon against them in the 30th minute after Indonesian goalkeeper, Endra Prasetya was sent off after made a horrendous tackle to the Laos player in the penalty area which subsequently have to go off because of injury and earn a penalty that is well-taken by Khampeng Sayavutthi. With down to 10 men, Indonesia were expected to struggle in the whole match, but was fortunate enough after a seemingly questionable calls from match officials after Laos player, Sopha Saysana were sent off in 34th minute, though the midfielder were deemed to be an unintentional foul over Andik Vermansyah. Indonesia's hard work were paid off eventually after Maitimo headed high towards Laos goal, to make the match even at 1-1 just before half time. The script for second half were almost the same, with Indonesia unable to turn chances into goals, it was Laos that capitalise Indonesia's profligacy to take the lead once again, this time through Keoviengphet Liththideth in the 80th minute. When it was almost certain that Laos will take all three precious point, Vendry Mofu scored a much-needed equaliser to avoid from suffering first defeat in the tournament. Indonesia will be the happier side to earn a point while Laos will be wondering how they could concede a last minute goal, when they have a chance to win the match. Both Indonesia and Laos though, will meet tougher opponent, Indonesia will meet the three-time champions Singapore while Laos is up against the defending champion Malaysia, Wednesday, 28 November 2012, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Preview

Photo Courtesy tickethotline.com.my