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AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 semifinals leg two recap

Two contrasting matches had fans on the edge of their seats as history was made in the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 semifinals.

Indonesia edges past Singapore in exciting encounter

Indonesia advanced to the finals after beating Singapore. Tim Garuda needed extra time in the second match to dispose the hosts, 4-2, and 5-3 in aggregate to reserve a spot in the two-legged finals.

A subpar volley by Hassan Sunny resulted in Witan Sulaeman setting up Ezra Walian for the opening tally.

Somehow, Singapore was able to score every time a player of theirs get sent off. Song Ui-young scored from a set piece scramble after Safuwan Baharudin incurred his second red card just before halftime.

The Lions found themselves one more player down after Irfan Fandi’s duty foul as last man had him seeing red at the 67th minute. Nevertheless, Shahdan found the back of the net at the 74th minute with a quality free kick.

With a two-man advantage, Indonesia patiently took their time to break down Singapore’s defense, eventually doing so three minutes remaining in regulation, courtesy of a Pratama Arhan rebound.

A blunder by Shawal Anuar barely into extra time had the Indonesians roaring ahead. Egy Maulana Vikri closed the door on any Singaporean comeback with a goal midway of the added period.

Thailand eliminates Vietnam with draw

Coming into the contest two goals behind, the onus was on Vietnam to put a dent on the scoresheet. The former defending champions failed to do so, thus failing to become the third country to win back-to-back first place trophies in the tourney.

This put a damper on what was an eventful year for the Vietnamese team. They were the only ASEAN side to reach the third round of the Asian 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the Thais can further pad their lead in the overall tally with a sixth crown in nine finals appearances. Doing so would give Indonesia its sixth second place silverware in as many championship round showings.