AFF Semi-Final Second Leg: Singapore down but not out

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Two goals down with an away leg in Hanoi to come, casual observers might assume that Singapore’s adventure in the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AMEC) will come to an end in the semifinals. After all, the Lions have a torrid record against Vietnam, having not beaten them since 1998.

Vietnam celebrate their dramatic 2-0 win over Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium on 26 Dec – Photo by Jayden Kwek (Grandstand)

But despite the odds being stacked against the Lions, there are still reasons that Singapore fans can be optimistic of a historic result in the second leg. Here’s why.

First leg performance

Although not reflected in the final scoreline, Singapore played superbly in the first leg. The Lions dominated possession and controlled the game, and Vietnam were unable to gain any sort of foothold throughout the match. Kim Sang-sik’s men were made to look very ordinary, limited to creating chances only through set pieces and the individual skill of Brazilian-born striker Nguyễn Xuân Son.

Faris Ramli fouled in the box by Vietnam's Hồ Tấn Tài — Contro-VAR-sy? Singapore’s Faris Ramli (#10) was denied a penalty in the second-half – Photo by Flavia Sim (Grandstand)

Going forward, Singapore also showed their varied attacking threat. Faris Ramli arguably should have gotten a penalty after getting the better of Hồ Tấn Tài, while Taufik Suparno was denied by a superb fingertip save by the Vietnamese goalkeeper Nguyễn Đình Triệu.

Singapore’s set piece strength

But in spite of that brilliant save, Đình Triệu did produce some hairy moments for the Vietnamese backline. There were several occasions when he elected to punch balls launched into his penalty box, where it looked possible to catch or parry to safety.

Shawal Anuar had a goal ruled offside against Vietnam in the second-half — Shawal’s goal ruled offside in the second-half agsinst Vietnam – Photo by Flavia Sim (Grandstand)

While Singapore failed to capitalise on the second balls in home first leg, they will surely have noticed a potential weakness and look to test the custodian’s confidence again in Hanoi. With the likes of Safuwan and Shawal in the team, Singapore have serious threats from set pieces and are surely due a lucky break soon.

Kyoga’s return

Singapore will also be boosted by the return of Kyoga Nakamura. Suspended for the first leg, the midfield maestro will once again be available for selection for the Lions. Kyoga has been a livewire in this competition for the Lions, with his ball-carrying ability in midfield crucial in helping the team break the opposition press in the group stage games he played.

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Singapore did look to have some trouble playing out against Vietnam, especially in the first half and were sorely missing Kyoga in midfield. Having Kyoga back as a conduit in midfield will certainly help the Lions progress the ball into dangerous positions more easily, where the likes of Faris and Glenn will look to isolate and attack the Vietnamese full backs.

Lions all the way

You know what they say, 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in football. An early goal for Singapore at the Việt Trì Stadium could easily lead to some jangled nerves, and with a little luck in front of goal, the tide of the tie could change very quickly. The Lions will also be relishing the opportunity of a potential final against Philippines, who lead defending champions Thailand in the other semi final.

Buoyed by a superb first-leg performance, an opportunity to make history, and the support of the nation, there’s no doubt the Lions will do all they can to roar back and deliver a result in Hanoi.