SINGAPORE – Singapore Armed Forces coach Richard Bok said his side’s 3-1 win over Home United on Wednesday displayed the strength of character needed for the step up to the AFC Champions League.
A 50th minute Shi Jiayi penalty cancelled out Ahmad Latiff’s opener six minutes from the interval but a Daniel Bennett strike on the hour-mark and a third from John Wilkinson in the 90th minute – 15 minutes after Ahmad Latiff was sent-off – ensured SAF travel to China for their AFC Champions League debut against Shanghai Shenhua top of the S.League standings having won all three matches they have played so far this season.
Speaking to www.the-afc.com after Wednesday’s thriller at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Bok enthused about the spirit shown in their victory over the AFC Cup 2009 hopefuls.
“It was a tough game against a very good side and we had to work hard for the three points,” he said.
“We showed our fighting spirit and the never say die attitude that we will need in the Champions League because we know the ACL is a different level from what we are used to.”
While pleased with the performance and having came through the match with no injury worries ahead of their clash with Shanghai Shenhua, Bok may be concerned with another display of indiscipline from the talented but temperamental Ahmad Latiff, particularly when cool heads could be required in the intensity of the ACL.
But the 2006 S.League Coach of the Year was quick to defend the maligned striker, with the player’s reputation perhaps a factor in referee P Pandian’s decision to issue the 29-year-old striker a direct red.
“I think the sending off was a bit harsh and I will have to see the video again but it looked like it was a yellow card and not a straight red.
“He plays with a lot of passion but he has mellowed down since becoming a father.”
SAF take on Shanghai Shenhua on March 11 while Home United will be looking to pick themselves up before they entertain Becamex Binh Duong in their AFC Cup Group H opener a day earlier.
- Nick McCormack
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