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Soccer-Singapore pip Malaysia to reach Asean final

SINGPORE, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Defending champions Singapore booked their place in the final of the Asean championships on Saturday after beating Malaysia 5-4 on penalties in the second leg semi-final.

The teams, 1-1 after the first leg, were 2-2 on aggregate after 90 minutes but failed to break the deadlock during an action-packed extra time when either side could have won.

Singapore 'keeper Lionel Lewis made amends for giving away the first goal by saving Khyril Zambri's tame spot kick, sending the 55,000 capacity crowd at the National Stadium into a frenzy.

Singapore face the winner of the other semi-final between Thailand and Vietnam, to be played in Bangkok on Sunday.

The hosts missed a series of early chances, the best after 50 minutes when Indra Sahdan was put through on goal only to blast the ball over the bar from just inside the box.

Malaysia scored against the run of play seven minutes later when Lewis failed to hold Eddy Helmi Manan's stinging low drive from outside the box, which spun over his head and into the net.

Singapore piled on the pressure and earned the equaliser in the 74th minute when Muhammad Ridhuan pounced on a loose ball after Mohamad Syamsuri Mustafa had saved Noh Alam Shah's header.

Precious Emuejeraye almost won the match for Singapore in the final minutes of extra time when his powerful drive from 20 metres forced a spectacular save from Mustafa.

Thailand have the upperhand going into the other semi-final after their 2-0 victory over the Vietnamese in Wednesday's first leg in Hanoi.

(Writing by Martin Petty in Bangkok)

Credits : http://sg.news.yahoo.com/070127/3/46959.html

Comments of our group :

Singapore's soccer have been way below world standard. However, through the ASEAN Championship, Singapore has finally proven itself worthy by making it into the finals. Even though some may say that it's meaningless for Singapore to try to make a mark in soccer, the national glory that the Lions bring us will be greatly recognised by Singaporeans, and the honour is simply a reason enough for Singapore to try its best in future competitions and continue to pursue its aims.