A tense opening 45 minutes at the National Stadium saw both Singapore and Malaysia enter half-time with the score tied at 0-0 in their AFF Suzuki Cup Group B clash.

With a point enough to secure their qualification into the semi-finals against Vietnam, the Lions were understandably content to defend in numbers and allow the away side the majority of possession.

The visitors' best chance fell to striker Safee Sali, whose low drive from the right struck the post in the 42nd minute.

But the Tigers, despite being backed by some vocal support from their travelling supporters, lacked any form of cutting edge and failed to trouble the Singapore defence aside from that effort.