The first leg of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 semi-final between Singapore and Vietnam ended in a controversial 2-1 victory for the Golden Star Warriors at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The match, tightly contested for much of its duration, swung dramatically in Vietnam’s favour during extra time after a contentious penalty decision. Nguyen Tien Linh converted the spot-kick in the 101st minute, and Nguyen Xuan Son, formerly known as Rafaelson, added a second goal just three minutes later, leaving the Lions with a significant uphill battle for the second leg in Hanoi. The late drama and the nature of the decisive penalty decision left the Singaporean side, fans, and pundits alike questioning the referee’s judgment.
The pivotal moment of controversy arose when Singaporean defender Shakir Hamzah was deemed to have handled the ball inside the penalty area. While the handball itself appeared to occur, replays suggested that Shakir may have been pushed by Nguyen Xuan Son in the lead-up to the incident, raising questions about the legitimacy of the penalty award. This controversial decision, coming deep into extra time, significantly altered the momentum of the game and ultimately decided the outcome of the first leg. The incident sparked immediate protests from the Singaporean players, but the referee stood by his decision, awarding the penalty that Tien Linh calmly dispatched.
The Singaporean camp expressed their frustration and disappointment with the referee’s decision in post-match interviews. Midfielder Hami Syahin acknowledged the impact of the officiating, stating that while the decisions were beyond their control, the team remained focused on the upcoming second leg. He emphasized the difficulty of losing a match where they felt they had performed well, but maintained a belief in their ability to overturn the deficit in Vietnam. Former Lions goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who watched the game from the stands after announcing his international retirement earlier this year, echoed these sentiments. He commended the team’s performance for the majority of the match but noted the demoralizing effect of the first goal and the subsequent “sucker punch” right at the end.
Despite the setback and the controversy surrounding the penalty decision, the Singaporean players maintained a resilient and determined outlook. Captain Hariss Harun stressed the importance of mental fortitude, particularly given the hostile crowd they expect to face in Hanoi and the need to overcome the first-leg deficit. He emphasized the team’s need to remain focused and disciplined in the face of adversity. Hami Syahin highlighted the team’s proven ability to compete with the best teams in the tournament, underscoring their capacity to create scoring opportunities and “hurt teams.” He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on these chances in the crucial second leg.
Hassan Sunny, drawing on his extensive experience, offered a perspective of optimism and belief. He emphasized that the semi-final was far from over and that the Lions possess the resilience and determination to bounce back. He pointed out that the team’s belief extends beyond a single 90-minute match and encompasses the entirety of the 180-minute tie. He expressed confidence in their ability to stage a comeback and cause an upset in the second leg, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football and the potential for surprises.
The first leg of the semi-final ended in disappointment for Singapore, marred by a controversial penalty decision that ultimately decided the outcome. However, the team’s performance for a significant portion of the match, coupled with their resilient attitude and unwavering belief, suggested that the tie is far from over. The Lions face a challenging task in Hanoi, requiring them to overcome both the deficit and the anticipated partisan crowd. The second leg promises to be a tense and captivating affair, with Singapore determined to overturn the result and advance to the final. The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to this semi-final encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 final.
