TRADITIONAL RIVALS SET FOR FIRST EVER SEMIS SHOWDOWN

Since the tournament began in 1996 as the Tiger Cup, both countries have only battled each other in the group stages.

In fact, with the exception of the previous edition of this regional football competition, Malaysia and Singapore have always been drawn alongside each other in the preliminary rounds, in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002.

It is also interesting to note that Malaysia and Singapore, in all their previous group encounters, have never both qualified together for the semifinals. Only one would advanced while the other was knocked out.

In 2004, Malaysia and Singapore were drawn in different groups and both made the semis, however they played different opponents. Singapore won while Malaysia were shown the exit.

But most important of all, each time Singapore has qualified for the semifinals, they always end up being crowned the champions. The first time Singapore made the semifinals was in 1998 and they went on to sensationally wrest the title.

It was the same story again in 2004 when Singapore made the semifinals and once again staged a stunning performance to bury Indonesia in Jakarta and claim the title for the second time.

The big question now is will history repeat itself which would mean Singapore claiming the title for a third time.

Previous meetings between Malaysia and Singapore

1996
Group: Singapore 1 Malaysia 1

1998
Group: Singapore 2 Malaysia 0

2000
Group: Malaysia 1 Singapore 0

2002
Group: Singapore 0 Malaysia 4

2004
Did not meet

CAPTION: Singapore celebrate their victory in the previous tournament