Singapore lions kick off tri-nations friendly tournament with a hard fought victory against Causeway Rivals
Singapore celebrate Ikhsan Fandi's first of two goals in the FAS Tri-Nations causeway derby.
PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Singapore, 27 March 2022 - Friendly in name, there was nothing friendly about the encounter as the causeway derby match of FAS Tri-Nations' Series delivered a clash between two teams that understood the history and full magnitude of the rivalry in this fixture.
For the first time in months, the Singapore Sports Hub witnessed a good mix of hard tackles, fantastic skill and beautiful goals on its hallowed turf in front of 14,896 passionate fans that set the mood and a stage that would send chills down your spine.
Singapore debuted Tampines Rovers forward Taufik Suparno, who played alongside Ikhsan Fandi upfront. Hariss Harun paired up with Irfan Fandi at the back, which saw Zulfahmi Arifin in a midfield partnership with Shahdan Sulaiman.
Leading from the front, Ikhsan Fandi provided another clinical display in front of goal for the Lions. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
The Harimau Malaya made two changes after their win against the Philippines on Wednesday. Captain Aidil Zafuan came in for Khuzaimi Piee, and Safawi Rashid started in place of Arif Aiman Hanapi, which signalled Coach Kim Pan Gon’s intention of attacking from the get-go.
The match kicked off promptly at 8 pm SGT, and it took Malaysia just 42 seconds to carve out an opportunity on goal for themselves.
Quick pressing from the boys in black and yellow saw the ball ricochet off Singapore’s right back, Zulqamaen Suzliman, into the path of Malaysia’s Safiq Rahim, whose first touch set him on goal. However, his outer foot effort went inches wide of Hassan Sunny’s right-hand post.
Singapore's Hami (right) doing battle in the second half of the FAS Tri-Nations causeway derby. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Malaysia never took their foot off the pedal and kept up the fast-paced attack against Singapore, who sat back and soaked up the pressure. Coach Kim’s side was dealt a massive blow after Syafiq Ahmad fell to the ground and started feeling his hamstring. The Malaysian manager was forced to make a change and substituted the 26-year-old forward for Mohamadou Sumareh.
Syafiq Rahim was a nuisance in the opposition half and saw himself in another goal-scoring opportunity. Corbin Ong floated in a cross into the box that found the head of Safawi, who headed it to Syafiq. The 34-year-old from Johor Darul Takzim cushioned it with his chest and unleashed a low volley that found the gloves of a diving Hassan Sunny.
Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny (in green) was in for a difficult night against the Harimau Malaya. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
The game took a huge twist when Song Ui-young found himself charging in on goal after being played through by Ikhsan. He drilled in a low cross from the left that found the right boot of a stretching predator, Ikhsan Fandi, who tapped in his first goal of the game.
Referee Ahmad A’Qashah had to deal with mini battles on every corner of the pitch. One, in particular, included Nazrul Nazari, who was having a go with Safawi Rasid throughout the game, which only led to the spiciness in this already boiling affair.
Malaysia coach Kim Pan Gon showing making his feelings known to the linesman, with passion that can only found in a Causeway derby. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Ikhsan could have grabbed his second before the halftime whistle when he bulldozed his way through the Malaysian midfield and saw himself running away from the defence, but he couldn’t take down the ball to finish.
Malaysia started the second half 1-0 down and chose to bring in Liridon Krasniqi in place of Kogileswaran Raj to boost their attacking options upfront. Malaysia had the opportunity to pull level within the first minute of the restart when Safawi was allegedly brought down in the box by Safuwan Baharudin with minimal contact. Ahman A’Qashah pointed to the spot without any hesitancy.
There’s an old German football myth, “The fouled player should not take the penalty himself, as he is at an increased risk of missing,” and it was proven correct when Safawi crashed his penalty onto the crossbar and out. It could be justice being served over the dubious penalty, or you can start believing in German myths – I will leave that decision to you.
Liridon Krasniqi pulling one back for Malaysia and celebrating with the Malaysia fans. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Malaysia did get their goal in the 56th minute when their super-sub Liridon Krasniqi found himself latching onto a through ball from Akhyar Rashid down the middle, and the giant coolly slotted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner past a helpless Hassan Sunny. That goal was well received by the travelling fans who started chanting his name.
Both coaches looked to their respective benches for added pace and firepower to find that winning goal. However, at 10:30 pm, at the 70th-minute mark, history was made at the National Stadium when Ilhan Fandi came on for debutant Taufik Suparno. For the first time, Singapore witnessed the 3 Fandis playing together for one team. The substitution was greeted by a rapturous roar from the Singapore fans
Ikhsan Fandi bringing the crowd to their feet with another game-changing strike. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
The Singapore crowd was up on their feet again 6 minutes later when Ikhsan Fandi picked up a pass from Nazrul on the left-hand side of the 18-yard box and dribbled past 3 Malaysian defenders, and struck a ferocious shot into the bottom right corner of Farizal Marlias’s goal showcasing his ability to be a game changer when it matters the most.
Malaysia didn’t let their heads drop and kept on the pressure on Singapore’s goal. However, the incredible partnership between Irfan Fandi and Hariss Harun proved to be a tall order for the travelling tigers. The dynamic duo was made to work overtime with the constant bombardment from the Malaysians' attacks.
Debutant Taufik Suparno diving in for a tackle. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
In the 78th minute, the Singapore fans welcomed back a familiar face in Christopher Van Huizen as he made his comeback after initially planning to quit the beautiful game. He came on for Zulqarnaen in a like for like swap in the right-back role. It was nice to see the Tampines Rover’s right back playing in national colours after six years. What was he thinking, quitting football? It’s called a beautiful game for a reason.
Malaysian fans got a glimpse of their young superstar, Luqman Shamsudin, who came on for Safiq Rahim in the 81st minute. The forward who applies his trade for Belgian side Kortrijk came on for Safiq Rahim in the 81st minute and proved to be a significant threat with his quick footwork and ability to take players on for either flank. One to look out for in the future of Malaysian football.
Must U-turn! Malaysia fans soaking up the atmosphere at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
Before the referee could blow the final whistle, Malaysia was handed a free kick on the edge of the penalty box after Irfan brought down Sumareh. The crowd was on the edge of their seats. Malaysia fans were hoping for a goal as Krasniqi placed the ball down. His effort, however, found a red wall that proved too big to squeeze a shot in between.
The stadium erupted in cheers as the referee blew his whistle calling the end of a fantastic football game on both sides, with both teams showing their appreciation to their respective fans who made the trip over to watch them play.
Covering all-angles - Christopher Van Huizen and Ilhan Fandi preparing for a Malaysia free-kick. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
When asked about his analysis of the game after the result, Coach Kim Pan Gon believes that he is on the right track to produce a Malaysian team that is very “dynamic, proactive and powerful” and believes that they will only improve moving forward.
Coach Nazri Nasir was very satisfied with his team’s performance and incredibly proud of how they could carry out his tactical plan to keep the ball and dictate the pace and annoy their opposition.
Singapore coach Nazri Nasir asked for fans to turn out in force, and they did no disappoint. The Singa Brigade seen here making their voices heard. PHOTO: FAIZAL BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG
He trusted his experienced players to go out there and produce a performance, and his biggest takeback was that the team never gave up. He was also delighted with Taufiq Suparno’s performance, sharing how he only asked the forward to push for 45 minutes but got 70 minutes out of the debutant instead.
Man of the Match Ikhsan Fandi shared his joy over the scoreline and grabbed those two goals. He was delighted over his performance, and being able to share the moment with his two other brothers made it that much more special. When asked about his views of how he felt all three brothers performed on the field, the number nine replied, “I just hope that mum and dad are proud of us.”
Up next for Singapore, it’s another big game against the Philippines. Can the Azkals cause an upset, or will Ikhsan and the Lions prove too strong to tame? Watch this space!
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