Malaysia finally beat Singapore

This time, there was to be no valiant fightback.

Three times in their last three encounters, the Lions came from behind to salvage at least a draw, but on Tuesday at the Shah Alam Stadium, Malaysia finally put one over 10-man Singapore with a resounding 2-0 win to end a 10-match winless streak against their arch rivals.

Despite the 80,000-capacity stadium being less than half full, the Malaysia fans set the tone for a hostile evening when a small pocket did their best to disrupt the Singapore national anthem, and air horns, boos, laser pointers and jeers were all par for the course.

On the pitch, it was obvious that last Friday's 2-2 draw hurt the Tigers more than it did the Lions, and K Rajagobal's men threatened the early goal through Ahmad Shakir Ali, who saw his near-post shot diverted for a corner by Hyrulnizam Juma'at.

The 23-year-old Negeri Sembilan hitman wasn't to be denied in the 19th minute though, when he connected with Norshahrul Idlan Talaha's delightful cross with an expert header into the far corner.

Singapore responded with Aleksandar Duric showing great strength to hold off Bunyamin Umar, but his shot was saved by Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

That proved to be the only shot on target by the Lions on a dismal night, when the might of the Tigers proved to be too powerful to repel.

Safiq Rahim made it two free-kick goals in two Causeway Derbies when he netted another beautiful curler in the 62nd minute.