The second leg of the 2022 AFF Cup semi-final between Singapore and Indonesia took place like a "horrifying" film. The Singapore team was chased by 2 men but held Indonesia to a 2-2 draw for 90 minutes. The home team missed the opportunity to win the match when Faris Ramli missed a penalty in extra time. Entering extra time, Indonesia scored 2 more goals while Singapore was chased 1 more player. The team from the archipelago qualified for the final when they won 5-3.
As for the Singapore team, this defeat is very difficult to swallow because of the decisions from the head referee of Oman, Mr. Qasim Matar Ali Al Hatmi. They commented: "Indonesia and Vietnam coaches, Mr. Shin Tae-yong and Park Hang-seo, have previously emphasized refereeing and proposed the use of Video Arbitration Assistant (VAR) in future tournaments.
Singapore coach Tatsuma Yoshida will certainly agree after witnessing a series of decisions against them in 15 crazy minutes at the end of the first half, as well as in 90 minutes in front of 9,982 fans at the national stadium".
Specifically, in the 36th minute, center back Safuwan Baharudin was given a yellow card after a foul on Witan Sulaeman, even though the Singapore international had a valid shot. In the 41st minute, referee Qasim denied Singapore a clear penalty when Rachmat Irianto illegally blocked Amy Recha in the penalty area. And in the 45+2 minute, Mr. Qasim showed the second yellow card to Safuwan Baharudin after a collision with Rizky Ridho in the penalty area, as well as reacted to the referee.
The referee's decisions led to conflicts off the pitch, with Indonesia coach Shin Tae-yong almost fighting with the home team members. In the second half, Indonesia continued to be chased by another player in the 67th minute, after Irfan Fandi illegally blocked Irfan Jaya. According to statistics from Straits Times, as of the 83rd minute, the Indonesian team had committed 18 fouls but were not given any yellow cards.
The Singapore team could not do a miracle when Faris Ramli missed the opportunity from the 11m mark. However, through this match, Singapore's leading newspaper emphasized that the AFF Cup in the future should have VAR. They concluded: "It is clear that establishing VAR will cost a lot, but when world football has become accustomed to VAR, it is time for Southeast Asia to transform with the times. Perhaps FIFA will help the AFF Cup in the future on this issue.
It must be admitted that the 'Lions' were lucky to escape a penalty in the first leg, but there were many controversial decisions in the second leg, pushing up the drama of the match, but not all decisions are correct and contributing to depriving a team of a ticket to the final".
