Ikhsan Fandi goal denies the Garuda a semi-final first leg win in a frustrating evening for the Lions
Image via Football Association of Singapore
22 December 2021, Singapore - A brilliant assist by Faris Ramli that was finished off by Ikhsan Fandi in the 70th minute saved Singapore's blushes against Group B winners Indonesia, as the two sides fought out a pulsating 1-1 draw in the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-final match at the Singapore National Stadium on Wednesday.
The Garuda drew first blood on 28 minutes when some intricate passing down the right left the Lions' rearguard flat footed, and it was left to Witan Sulaeman to side foot home the opener, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of Hassan Sunny's net after Asnawi had teed him up.
It proved to be a frustrating evening for the Lions, who toiled without reward for long periods and entered the break trailing to Indonesia 0-1.
The Lions came out with renewed rigour in the second half and their industry was rewarded with better chances created.
Singapore draw level
Their hardwork was finally rewarded 20 minutes from time when Faris Ramli came to Singapore's rescue, a jinking run through the heart of the Indonesian defence before playing Ikhsan Fandi through on goal, and the new BG Pathum attacker did not disappoint, poking home his third goal of the tournament to level the scores for Singapore.
Both sides threatened a number of times in the remainder of the game, but there would not be a winner as it ended all square.
Image via Football Association of Singapore
Indonesia and Singapore lock horns again on Christmas day in a decider which will determine a spot in the final against either Vietnam or Thailand in this edition of the AFF Suzuki Cup.
Tickets for the second semi-final match have already been sold out, but Singapore fans can catch the action on meWatch.
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