FILE PHOTO by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Indonesia fought from behind and pulled off a 2-1 victory over Singapore to advance to the 2016 AFF Suzuki semifinals Friday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Stefano Lillipaly fired the deciding goal at the 85th minute to push the Merah Putih to the next round.
With the Philippines bowing out of the tournament after a 1-0 loss to Thailand, the Indonesians snagged second place in Group A with four points.
They will join group leader Thailand, which is undefeated in three games to garner nine points, in the semifinals.
Lillipaly fired a superb strike which stunned the Lions’ defense after a relentless Boaz Sallosa tried to cross the ball anew in the second try.
Singapore first took the lead after Khairul Amri found the back of the net at the 27th minute.
Madhu Mohana fired a long throw to Safuwan Baharudin, who then headed the ball to Madhu for the bicycle kick finish from close range to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
The Merah Putih would equalize at the 62nd minute after Andik Vermansyah volleyed the ball past Singaporean keeper Hassan Sunny off of a left wing cross from Rizki Pora.
That set up the chance for Indonesia to go for the win, which was delivered by the timely goal from Lillipaly in the final five minutes of the match.
The Azkals finish the group stage at third with two points, followed by the Lions with a solitary point.