KUALA LUMPUR: Fans from Singapore and Malaysia were celebrating on Saturday night after both countries managed to secure spots in the semi-finals of the Southeast Asian football championships. Defending champions Malaysia defeated Indonesia 2-0, overcoming their early group loss to Singapore and continuing their hopes for retaining the title won two years ago. Fans in the capital told Bikyamasr.com they were “pleasantly surprised by the team's showing and hope this performance will create confidence ahead of the next round.” One Malaysian, Najeeb, told Bikyamasr.com that “after the first round loss to Singapore, I didn't think we had a chance, but here we are after two great matches, ready to defend our title.” In the same group, Singapore squeezed past a pesky Laos team 4-3 to advance. As Group B runner-up, Malaysia will face Thailand who won Group A in the semi-final to be held in Kuala Lumpur on December 9 and in Bangkok on December 13. The other semi-final will be between Singapore and Group A runner-up, the Philippines on December 8 and December 12. Both countries are expected to advance to the final, according to experts, but in this tournament, where a few surprises have been seen, Malaysia and Singapore will have to play their way to a rematch. But fans are hopeful. “I really would like to play Malaysia again because it is just a great rivalry between the two of us,” said Chris Tan, a Singapore resident who traveled to Shah Alam for the match on Saturday.
