SINGAPORE defeated bitter Causeway rivals Malaysia 5-3 in a thrilling World Cup second round qualifying match at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday night.
The Lions got off to a bad start when they conceded a goal just barely 27 seconds into the game but Malaysia mysteriously went to pieces after that as a brace by striker Qiu Li and goals by midfielders Mustafic Fahrudin and Shi Jiayi gave Singapore a dream 4-1 lead at the break.
However, Singapore suddenly conceded two goals in quick succession midway through the second half and the game became a nail-biting open affair again.
The Malaysians, smelling blood, surged forward and Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud had to pull off a few good saves to keep the Tigers at bay.
Singapore striker Aleksandar Duric then provided some relief for the Lions when he scored the final goal of the game.
The Lions will travel to Kuala Lumpur next week to play Malaysia on Thursday in the July 28 return leg at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
The Lions got off to a bad start when they conceded a goal just barely 27 seconds into the game but Malaysia mysteriously went to pieces after that as a brace by striker Qiu Li and goals by midfielders Mustafic Fahrudin and Shi Jiayi gave Singapore a dream 4-1 lead at the break.
The Malaysians, smelling blood, surged forward and Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud had to pull off a few good saves to keep the Tigers at bay.
Singapore striker Aleksandar Duric then provided some relief for the Lions when he scored the final goal of the game.
The Lions will travel to Kuala Lumpur next week to play Malaysia on Thursday in the July 28 return leg at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.
