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SINGAPORE survived a torrid examination by Vietnam to come away with a precious 0-0 away draw in their Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup semi-final first leg at Hanoi's My Dinh Stadium last night.
The Lions repelled every attack mounted by the skilful, pacy Vietnam players, and also had the goalpost to thank for keeping a 19th-minute attempt by Nguyen Viet Thang away.
They could even have scored a priceless away goal, had Le Phuoc Tu's 74th-minute own goal not been struck off for offside by substitute Noh Alam Shah.
At times they rode their luck, but the result means that the Lions will hold the home advantage when they play the second leg at the National Stadium on Sunday.
Credit must be given to their imposing defensive quartet of Mohamed Noh Rahman, Daniel Bennett, Precious Emuejeraye and Baihakki Khaizan for a defiant display against the speedy Vietnamese strikers.
Baihakki, in particular, was a constant thorn in the side of Vietnam's attacking waves, putting his body in the way of
numerous passes that threatened to split the defence.
And whenever the defensive line was breached, there was always assured goalkeeper Lionel Lewis mopping up the loose balls.
Despite incessant pressure, Vietnam lacked the clinical touch in front of goal, leaving a packed stadium of fans frustrated.
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