Grudge Match Between The Lions & The Tigers
Traditionally, it has always been a ‘grudge’ match between Singapore, the Lions and Malaysia, the Tigers, but the prolonged rain could put paid to a full turnout at our 55,000 capacity stadium. After a streak of winless matches, football fever was at its peak again when our Lions fought their way to the 2nd leg of the semi-final of the biennale Asean Championship. The 1st leg was played at the 80,000 capacity Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur which ended in a one-all draw. Tickets were completely sold-out before the match day but I was lucky to land 2 complimentary tickets; much thanks to Tino’s good connection in the Sports Council where he works and for the first time, John who had always shown scant interest in football, agreed to join me. After more than 3 decades, the grand dame will be making way for a multi-purpose state-of-the-art stadium later this year and ending the last match played here on a winning note mattered most to all. The match had been scheduled to kick-off at 8 p