By Keeshaanan Sundaresan www.goal.com
The Singapore captain continued his excellent goal scoring form with a double that ended Perak's 100% home record
Lionsxii were evidently the better team from the beginning with the home side failing to find their footing early on in the game. Sufian Anuar came close to giving LionsXII a much deserved early lead, but he scuffed his shot over the bar after a terrific cross from Shahril Ishak.
The pace of Sufian Anuar was causing mayhem for the Perak defenders, while the midfield battle between Shahril Ishak and Michal Kubala was proving to be intriguing.
The pace of Sufian Anuar was causing mayhem for the Perak defenders, while the midfield battle between Shahril Ishak and Michal Kubala was proving to be intriguing.
Perak then had a shout for penalty when Lazar Popovic was brought down inside the penalty box, but the referee waved on for play to continue, much to the dismay of the home fans.
As the game continued, Perak began to assert themselves in the match, with Fahrul Razi proving to be a real menace down the left flank. However, it was the away side that opened the scoring in the 35th minute, when Shaiful Esah's cross was headed into the path of Shahril Ishak by Sufian Anuar, and the skipper did not disappoint by netting his his fourth goal in three matches.
Hariss Harun then smashed in a long-distance scorcher which was dispatched well by Nasril Nourdin, as the score remained until half-time.
After the break, Perak marched into the pitch with fire in the belly as they began to show more initiative on the offensive. Their efforts paid immediate dividends as Perak were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute. Kubala's shot was not cleanly saved by Izwan Mahbud and Popovic was brought down as he went for the rebound. Kubala finished-off the penalty in style to restore parity for the Seladangs. But a lengthy delay preceded the penalty kick after a laser pointer was used on Izwan.
As the game continued, Perak began to assert themselves in the match, with Fahrul Razi proving to be a real menace down the left flank. However, it was the away side that opened the scoring in the 35th minute, when Shaiful Esah's cross was headed into the path of Shahril Ishak by Sufian Anuar, and the skipper did not disappoint by netting his his fourth goal in three matches.
Hariss Harun then smashed in a long-distance scorcher which was dispatched well by Nasril Nourdin, as the score remained until half-time.
After the break, Perak marched into the pitch with fire in the belly as they began to show more initiative on the offensive. Their efforts paid immediate dividends as Perak were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute. Kubala's shot was not cleanly saved by Izwan Mahbud and Popovic was brought down as he went for the rebound. Kubala finished-off the penalty in style to restore parity for the Seladangs. But a lengthy delay preceded the penalty kick after a laser pointer was used on Izwan.
Akhmal Rizal then came close to giving Perak the lead, but his fluffed shot went straight at the keeper in the 65th minute. That missed proved to be costly as Shahril Ishak netted his second of the game, after a brilliant cross from Saiful Esah, to restore the lead for LionsXII.
From that moment on, Perak's momentum began to falter as Sundramoorthy's men dictated proceedings. Both sides managed to foster a few key chances towards the end of the game, but the scoreline remained for a much deserved LionsXII victory.
From that moment on, Perak's momentum began to falter as Sundramoorthy's men dictated proceedings. Both sides managed to foster a few key chances towards the end of the game, but the scoreline remained for a much deserved LionsXII victory.
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