info@fas.org.sg
In the international friendly match played at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday evening, the Singapore Under-23 team succumbed to their counterparts from from the north, the Malaysian Under-23 team, 0-3.
Goals from Norshahrul Idlan in the 20th minute, Mohd Zaquan Adha from the penalty spot on 24 minutes and the clincher from substitute Farderin Kadir after 67 minutes sealed the match for of the visitors.
Despite the introduction of Fadhil Noh, Fairoz Hasan and Goh Swee Swee at half time, Singapore was only able to create a few chances which subsequently weren’t able to take advantage off.
Much work is needed in terms of looking for strikers and getting existing ones to convert their chances, a point not lost on Terry Pathmanathan, head coach of the Young Lions.
“We have a big problem in terms of attacking and even getting strikers to the Young Lions team, as it's an uphill task to look for one with instinctive play,” mentioned the one-time Singapore skipper.
“If the frontmen don't do better than they are at the moment it's going to be a big problem. As such we have to put in effort as coaches, to brush up the strikers.”
Despite having gathered for only days before their one and only training session on Wednesday, the young Malaysians led by coach K. Rajagobal, had little difficulty adjusting to conditions.
However, it was the hosts who made the brighter start. The first 120 seconds were all Singapore - Hariss Harun's incisive play found Geylang United starlet Yasir Hanapi, whose cross was cleared from danger by Mohd Amirulhadi.
It had been Hariss' first piece of action in nearly a year after injuring his knee and perhaps inspired by his presence the boys went on to force two corners in as many minutes.
Safuwan Baharudin from the National Football Academy Under-18 team, nearly gave the Singaporeans the lead only to see his header cleare off the line by Shahurain Abu Samah.
Once the Malaysian allayed the early pressure it was their turn to knock the ball about with confidence, against the Singapore side led by captain Isa Halim.
It was a sign of things to come, after both Mohd Fandi and left back Mohd Asraruddin missed their attempts on goal, a scuffed header and a cross-shot respectively.
The Malaysians eventually took the lead on 20 minutes through Norshahrul who started the move that eventually saw him finish it off.
An incisive run from the right flank, and a one-two with strike partner Zaquan saw him surge into the Singaporeans penalty area where he sidestepped goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud before netting a classy finish.
Things then took a turn for the worse after Norshahrul headed a through ball to Zaquan in the 24th minute.
The unfortunate Izwan in his desperation to safeguard his goal brought down the opposing forward and left referee Sukhbir Singh with little option but to point to the spot.
Up stepped Zaquan who dusted himself, fixed his eyes on the ball and sent Izwan the wrong way from the spot.
Balls were often won and lost in midfield and that almost presented the visitors with another chance to strike on goal, but for Norshahrul to drive well wide of the target.
With two-nil down and still a lot to play for Pathmanathan went on to make three attacking changes in a bid to pep up his side's attack.
That nearly provided instant dividends, and after Safuwan headed straight into the grasp of Nohd Nasril Nordin's grasp, Fadhil could have done better when faced with the goalkeeper in a perfect one-on-one situation.
The Young Lions forward fluffed the opportunity in the 52nd minute after an accurate cross by club teammate Hamqaamal Shah.
Despite showing better movement in the second half, Singapore was unable to make any breakthrough.
The third goal eventually arrived in the 67th minute after failure to stem the incoming blue tide, courtesy of another lost ball in midfield.
Afiq Yunos was turned way too easily at the edge of the box by Razali, who then found space to shoot goalwards. Izwan in his moment to save succeeded in diverting the ball into the path of Farderin, who knocked in the rebound into goal off his shin.
Though the away side still had one last chance to add onto their score, Khyril Muhymeen's hissed shot perhaps spared substitute goalkeeper Jasper Chan another moment of ingonimy seven minutes from the end.
Post match, a delighted Malaysian Under-23 coach Rajagobal spoke about his preparations and targets coming into this encounter.
“I didn't field my first eleven. The players are tired, having played in durations of 90 minutes in Super League and Premier League matches before gathering here.
“My objective was to see the players who had just formed the team. As a selection process, this match is a good test to look into character, playing responsibilities and the players' approach towards the game.”
The experienced tactician then shared his thoughts on the victory as well as his hopes for the South East Asian Games.
“We began the match a bit sloppy in terms of passing, but adapted to the situation after some time.
“We created chances especially in the second half, and even if we're surprise at the scoreline we could have got more goals.
“Overall I'm happy we've won the match with the right attitude. Now we shall take one game at a time, until the SEA Games draw comes out.”
Meanwhile, Singapore Under-23 and Young Lions tactician Pathmanathan looked back to the match, at the same time pleased to take positives out of the game.
“The boys did alright defensively but once they failed to put on pressure it's bound to be thrown back at them.
“I'll accept the fact where it's the first time the boys played together; the game is basically to see what they can do. It hadn't been easy to put out a team and expect a lot without training, but the performances of Safuwan and Nazrul (Ahmad Nazari) were good.
“Overall I feel we didn't do too badly, and the players could do with more coaching and guidance.”
oh my ...
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