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Singapore to brush off detractors ahead of AFF Suzuki Cup showdown with Indonesia

For a team that are into the semifinals of the AFF Suzuki Cup for the first time since they last won the tournament in 2012, it might seem peculiar that Singapore have been on the receiving end of some boos from their own fans.

But ahead of a two-legged last-four encounter with Indonesia, starting with Wednesday's opening encounter at the National Stadium, the tournament hosts are looking forward to having the majority of the Lions faithful behind them in what will be a testing match.

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After opening their Group A campaign with wins over Myanmar and Philippines, the first sign of disillusionment from Singapore fans arose when they could only manage a 2-0 win over bottom-ranked Timor-Leste.

Then, in the final group-stage game -- with a place in the last four already secured -- Singapore once again faced jeers at the final whistle having lost 2-0 to a Thailand side entirely made up of second-string players.

The negative reaction clearly got to Singapore coach Tatsuma Yoshida, who prematurely walked out of his post-match press conference following the loss to the Thais after being questioned about the boos for the second match running.

As he fronted the media on Tuesday once more, looking visibly refreshed and rejuvenated, the usually-affable Yoshida was a man keen to put that episode behind him.

"I want to apologise for cutting short my press conference after our previous match. Now, I feel okay and I'm just happy to be with the boys in a semifinal of a big tournament," said the Japanese in his opening statement.

"I want to tell our fans that I know you are always behind us. We will show 100 per cent for you and we are waiting for you to turn up at the stadium tomorrow (Wednesday). Even for those that cannot make it but are watching at home, we will try to show our full potential for you."

Yoshida's sentiments was echoed by Lions goalkeeper Hassan Sunny, who believes the brickbats do not represent all of the Singapore supporters.

"Honestly, we were quite shocked (by that reaction) but they are a small minority. We cannot judge all the fans based on that," said Hassan, who has been one of his team's standout players so far in the competition.

"I'm not saying we will ignore it but we have to just forego it and go out there to play our best, believing that the fans will continue to support us.

"Stepping into the semifinals, we know what we're up against with teams at the level of Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. We know we have to up our game.

"Tactically, physically and mentally, we have to be ready in all aspects. It will be a tough game but it should also be an exciting one."