Alam Shah salvages point at Hougang
Cheryl Lim
info@sleague.com
Noh Alam Shah’s equalizer three minutes from time saw Tampines Rovers grab a point at Hougang Stadium as they drew 1-1 with Sengkang Punggol on Thursday evening.
The strike cancelled out Hiroyuki Yamamoto’s sixth-minute header, which for a good 81 minutes gave hopes of a full three points to a team which needed a booster after a disappointing League Cup campaign earlier in the month, especially after personnel changes in the club management.
Sengkang’s captain-cum-assistant coach Aide Iskandar was appointed caretaker coach just a day before the match, alongside with businessman Bill Ng, who took over Ben Lim as the club’s new chairman.
With Murphy Wiredu suspended, Aide opted to include Mamadou Diallo ahead of his elder brother Abdoulaye to complement Indra Sahdan Daud and Anthony Bahadur upfront, while for Tampines, having Noh Alam Shah on the bench meant Aliff Shafaein would support Qiu Li in attack.
Tampines sounded a warning from kickoff, with the fast-paced Ridhuan Muhammad charging down the right flank before Yamamoto cleared the danger.
The resulting corner fell to the feet of Stags skipper Fahrudin Mustafic, who curled the ball into the arms of Amos Boon.
Sengkang replied almost immediately with captain-of-the-night Indra shooting off target, while two minutes later he turned provider for Bahadur who beat the offside trap and sprinted, but Hassan Sunny was up to the job as he came out of his line to clear.
The Dolphins then took the early lead in sensational fashion after Yamamoto headed in Diallo’s corner, which took the match to a fast and furious state within seconds.
Tampines looked desperate to restore parity while the host aimed to increase their advantage, seeing Indra curling into Hassan’s arms from distance.
Aliff missed a great opportunity to equalize after he headed Sutee Suksomkit’s cross from left off-target on 16 minutes, while at the other end of the pitch early substitute Shane Neubronner managed to get past Seiji Kaneko and whip in a cross from the left, which Hassan again handled well.
Alam Shah was introduced onto the field on 32 minutes in place of midfielder Shukor Zailan to boost Tampines’ frontline, but the Dolphins were able to keep their feet firmly on the ground to keep the Stags at bay.
Bahadur then missed a close tap-in just before the break, while Qiu wrapped up the first half with his shot saved by Boon.
Sengkang continued to fire warnings of their intent after half-time, Diallo beating Benoit Croissant to make a pass to Bahadur who failed to make it meaningful. The ball then fell to Indra who miskicked and sent it into air.
Indra then saw his freekick tipped over the bar by Hassan in the 58th minute, in yet another heart-stopping moment for the 1,602-strong crowd.
Tampines surged forward looking for the elusive equalizer, creating chances after chance, but were unable to break down the opposition defence despite the relentless assaults.
Qiu first saw his shot from the left miss the target, and then he was unlucky to hit the crossbar in the 78th minute as the Sengkang defence hurriedly cleared the ball away.
The resulting corner did not turn out to be any better as it was kept away from the crowded penalty zone, but it strayed to the path of Sutee who crossed the ball back into the middle, meeting Mustafic outside the box.
The latter then let in a shocker which eluded everyone in the box into Boon, who struggled to keep the ball in his hands but managed to recover before Alam Shah could capitalize on the situation.
The moment for Tampines eventually came three minutes from time, when Alam Shah unleashed a powerful stunner inside the penalty area to bulge the back of the net and rescue a point for his side.
Having pulled a goal back late in the game, Tampines attempted to make full use of any available remaining time to their advantage. However, both Firdaus Kasman and Mustafic saw their efforts in injury time sail over the crossbar.
Tampines head coach Vorawan Chitavanich was a relieved man as his team avoided defeat.
“We did not do so well in the first half, but the second half was better as we controlled the game. We had many chances but did not manage to score, for example when Qiu Li hit the bar. But the players pushed the play and got the goal.”
All eyes were on Aide at his second game in charge at Sengkang, the first coming against DPMM FC in March when his predecessor Jorg Steinebrunner did not travel to Brunei with the team for reasons unknown.
“Credit to the boys, they performed very well today against an experienced team like Tampines. They were very organized and disciplined, which made it difficult for Tampines to come back.
“Today we showed we were the hungrier side. The result did not go our way despite our performance, but it showed that not only quality and performance are important but also hunger.”
Aide explained his decision to put Boon in goal instead of Joey Sim, despite the veteran starting just one game prior to the night.
“Amos showed that he wanted to play, so he was given the opportunity. I have confidence in both our keepers. Joey is still young, and Amos performed very well today.”
The former Singapore international also shared his thoughts on whether he would continue as a player after being given a more important role in coaching.
“I will have to keep myself from playing as it is easier to do coaching from outside of the team rather than being inside as a player as well, but I will not rule myself out from playing because we never know about injuries and suspensions when I might need to step in.
“It is important for us to get as many points as possible now. All players in the team are trying very hard to get some good results.”
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Balestier Khalsa vs Super Reds
Focused Koreans searching for momentum
Syahrom Sulaiman
info@sleague.com
Balestier Khalsa and the Super Reds will resume their league commitments after the mid-season League Cup tournament when both sides do battle at the Toa Payoh Stadium on Friday.
Hosts Balestier Khalsa will rely on the home support to overcome a plucky Super Reds’ side that was slowly gathering momentum to climb the S.League standings before the month-long tournament started.
It remains to be seen how the “interruption” of the League Cup could affect the Koreans’ performances in the league but head coach Jeon Kyeong Joon knows that his players will always display 100 percent commitment in any game that they play.
Jeon said, “Now that we are only left with the S.League matches, we will just focus on it and give our best.
“We worked hard for it (League Cup matches) but the results did not follow up. Nevertheless, we are showing more of our qualities and hope that we could bring better results in every game,” Jeon added.
The Koreans’ progress in the tournament was halted by Woodlands Wellington in the quarterfinals through a penalty shootout.
Nevertheless, their inability to finish off their multitude of chances in a game which eventually ended 0-0 must be worrying for coach Jeon.
They were also guilty of failing to convert gilt-edged chances in the 1-1 draw with Balestier Khalsa during the Preliminary rounds in early June. Therefore coach Jeon will be hoping that his talismanic striker Park Han Seok can deliver the goods this Friday.
He said, “There isn't any very difficult team or very easy team in the S-league. All the teams are all about there and since we know Balestier (Khalsa) as we have played against them many times, we will prepare well and play well.
“Their forward players especially the foreign players are the dangermen we need to look out for,” Jeon pointed out.
Jeon need not worry too much about the foreign players though. Tigers’ head coach Nasaruddin Jalil will have to make do without Chilean midfielder Julio Eduardo and Brazilian forward Ithamar Rangel.
The duo is suffering from flu and it is unlikely that they will be able to take part in the game on Friday.
The other Brazilian, Ednardo Moura, who is usually deployed on the flanks by Jalil, could be asked to lead the attack. Ram Shanker could be another attacking option up front.
Coach Jeon knows that the time is now or never for his side to launch an offensive to move up in the standings.
He said, “All the teams in the S.League know each other well by now and there is nothing to hide. We are just going to play hard against them (Balestier Khalsa) by preparing the right strategy.”
Syahrom Sulaiman
info@sleague.com
Balestier Khalsa and the Super Reds will resume their league commitments after the mid-season League Cup tournament when both sides do battle at the Toa Payoh Stadium on Friday.
Hosts Balestier Khalsa will rely on the home support to overcome a plucky Super Reds’ side that was slowly gathering momentum to climb the S.League standings before the month-long tournament started.
It remains to be seen how the “interruption” of the League Cup could affect the Koreans’ performances in the league but head coach Jeon Kyeong Joon knows that his players will always display 100 percent commitment in any game that they play.
Jeon said, “Now that we are only left with the S.League matches, we will just focus on it and give our best.
“We worked hard for it (League Cup matches) but the results did not follow up. Nevertheless, we are showing more of our qualities and hope that we could bring better results in every game,” Jeon added.
The Koreans’ progress in the tournament was halted by Woodlands Wellington in the quarterfinals through a penalty shootout.
Nevertheless, their inability to finish off their multitude of chances in a game which eventually ended 0-0 must be worrying for coach Jeon.
They were also guilty of failing to convert gilt-edged chances in the 1-1 draw with Balestier Khalsa during the Preliminary rounds in early June. Therefore coach Jeon will be hoping that his talismanic striker Park Han Seok can deliver the goods this Friday.
He said, “There isn't any very difficult team or very easy team in the S-league. All the teams are all about there and since we know Balestier (Khalsa) as we have played against them many times, we will prepare well and play well.
“Their forward players especially the foreign players are the dangermen we need to look out for,” Jeon pointed out.
Jeon need not worry too much about the foreign players though. Tigers’ head coach Nasaruddin Jalil will have to make do without Chilean midfielder Julio Eduardo and Brazilian forward Ithamar Rangel.
The duo is suffering from flu and it is unlikely that they will be able to take part in the game on Friday.
The other Brazilian, Ednardo Moura, who is usually deployed on the flanks by Jalil, could be asked to lead the attack. Ram Shanker could be another attacking option up front.
Coach Jeon knows that the time is now or never for his side to launch an offensive to move up in the standings.
He said, “All the teams in the S.League know each other well by now and there is nothing to hide. We are just going to play hard against them (Balestier Khalsa) by preparing the right strategy.”
Charity match in aid of 4-year-old cancer treatment
Tampines Rovers FC will be donating its proceeds from the gate collection of its Great Eastern – YEO’S S.League match this Sunday, 28 June 2009, against neighbouring side Geylang United to 4-year-old Charmaine Lim, who is currently battling a rare form of cancer.
In addition, former Singapore international Rafi Ali, who is currently a member of the Stags’ Coaching staff, will be assembling players from the 1990s Singapore Dream Team to showcase their football skills in a curtain-raiser against the Media & Celebrities selection side. There will also be a half time (musical/dance) performance.
The curtain-raiser will kick off at 5 pm.
Fans will get to see Singapore Greats from the Dream Team, like Fandi Ahmad, V Sundramoorthy, Malek Awab, Abbas Saad, Rafi, Ali, Nazri Nasir, Steven Tan, Syed Faruk and Lim Tong Hai.
FAS President, Zainudin Nordin and FAS Technical Director Slobodan Pavkovic will join the likes of Sheikh Haikel, Glenn Ong, Raj Kumar, Mark Richmond and other media and celebrity personalities to square off against the “Dream Team”.
The Admission Fee for the match is $10.00 and fans who purchased the tickets can witness both matches for a worthy cause.
All proceeds from the gate collection will go to Charmaine, a cancer patient whose mother Mrs Cynthia Lim is hoping to send her for a special treatment in the US which might double her chances of surviving.
.
S.League Match Pass Holders, Invitation Card Holders and Complimentary tickets for the S.League match will only be permitted entry for the S.League match at 7:00 pm.
Tampines Rovers FC wishes to express their sincere thanks and support to the Football Association of Singapore, Singapore Sports Council, Geylang United FC, the players from the Singapore Dream Team, the media and celebrity players and all those who have contributed in one way or another to making this charity effort possible.
Date: Sunday, 28 June 2009
Match: 5:00 pm Curtain Raiser Match
Singapore 1990s Dream Team vs Media & Celebrities
Match: 7:45 pm S.League
Tampines Rovers FC vs Geylang United FC
Venue: Tampines Stadium
Ticket Admission Fee: $10.00
In view of the Charity event, S.League Stadium Match Pass Holders, Invitation Card Holders and Complimentary tickets for the S.League match between Tampines Rovers and Geylang United will only be permitted entry for the S.League match at 7:00 pm.
Tickets are currently on sale at:
Tampines Rovers FC’s admin office
Tampines Stadium
25 Tampines Avenue 5
Singapore 529759 - During Office Hours
Tel: 6784 6670
Pre-Match Ticket Sales
Additional ticket booth will be set up to pre-sell match tickets on Friday, 26 June 2009 from 2pm to 6pm at Tampines Stadium Gate 4.
Match Day Ticket Sales
Tickets will be on sale from 4pm at the Tampines Stadium ticketing booth.
In addition, former Singapore international Rafi Ali, who is currently a member of the Stags’ Coaching staff, will be assembling players from the 1990s Singapore Dream Team to showcase their football skills in a curtain-raiser against the Media & Celebrities selection side. There will also be a half time (musical/dance) performance.
The curtain-raiser will kick off at 5 pm.
Fans will get to see Singapore Greats from the Dream Team, like Fandi Ahmad, V Sundramoorthy, Malek Awab, Abbas Saad, Rafi, Ali, Nazri Nasir, Steven Tan, Syed Faruk and Lim Tong Hai.
FAS President, Zainudin Nordin and FAS Technical Director Slobodan Pavkovic will join the likes of Sheikh Haikel, Glenn Ong, Raj Kumar, Mark Richmond and other media and celebrity personalities to square off against the “Dream Team”.
The Admission Fee for the match is $10.00 and fans who purchased the tickets can witness both matches for a worthy cause.
All proceeds from the gate collection will go to Charmaine, a cancer patient whose mother Mrs Cynthia Lim is hoping to send her for a special treatment in the US which might double her chances of surviving.
.
S.League Match Pass Holders, Invitation Card Holders and Complimentary tickets for the S.League match will only be permitted entry for the S.League match at 7:00 pm.
Tampines Rovers FC wishes to express their sincere thanks and support to the Football Association of Singapore, Singapore Sports Council, Geylang United FC, the players from the Singapore Dream Team, the media and celebrity players and all those who have contributed in one way or another to making this charity effort possible.
Date: Sunday, 28 June 2009
Match: 5:00 pm Curtain Raiser Match
Singapore 1990s Dream Team vs Media & Celebrities
Match: 7:45 pm S.League
Tampines Rovers FC vs Geylang United FC
Venue: Tampines Stadium
Ticket Admission Fee: $10.00
In view of the Charity event, S.League Stadium Match Pass Holders, Invitation Card Holders and Complimentary tickets for the S.League match between Tampines Rovers and Geylang United will only be permitted entry for the S.League match at 7:00 pm.
Tickets are currently on sale at:
Tampines Rovers FC’s admin office
Tampines Stadium
25 Tampines Avenue 5
Singapore 529759 - During Office Hours
Tel: 6784 6670
Pre-Match Ticket Sales
Additional ticket booth will be set up to pre-sell match tickets on Friday, 26 June 2009 from 2pm to 6pm at Tampines Stadium Gate 4.
Match Day Ticket Sales
Tickets will be on sale from 4pm at the Tampines Stadium ticketing booth.
DPMM FC vs Geylang United [3-0]
Eagles latest to fall in Brunei
Rano Iskandar
info@sleague.com
Geylang United found their names added to the list of teams to have been defeated in the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Brunei as DPMM FC ran out 3-0 winners on Wednesday evening.
It was the Bruneians’ sixth win in as many S.League matches on the ground, as they moved to within two points of league leaders Gombak United.
DPMM started the game the more brightly of the two teams with constant incisive attacks through the middle of the Eagles defence, but nothing materialised as Baihakki Khaizan and his teammates held firm.
One such move found wingback Sairol Sahari on the left, but his cross narrowly missed out on meeting the heads of both Abdel Hamid Berguiga and Oh Ddog Yi and the Eagles easily cleared their lines.
Hafiz Rahim came close for Geylang when he managed to find himself free on the right side, where his rasping shot clipped the top of the DPMM goal.
Halfway through the first half, DPMM got the goal that they were looking for when Azwan Salleh sent in a thunderbolt to the top corner from 30 yards out, leaving Eagles keeper Yazid Yasin clutching air.
The goal injected more urgency in Geylang’s play with both Miroslav Latiak and Rastislav Belicak bossing the midfield, but Geylang were not able to create any clearcut chances.
They did come close on the half-hour mark when a quick counter attack lead by Belicak found Noor Ali in the penalty area, but the Geylang captain’s shot was turned around the corner.
From the resulting corner, DPMM cleared the ball and found Berguiga on a one on one situation with G. Lenan, and he managed to get past him easily, but not the alert Yazid.
It was Geylang who started off the second half with more intent, and they caused pandemonium in the DPMM area with a well-worked free kick, but Rene Komar was able to clear eventually.
But that was as close as Geylang came as DPMM grew in confidence and slowly took hold of the game.
The ever-impressive Berguiga got the all-important second goal when he spotted Yazid off his line and chipped from all of 30 yards to noisy rapture from the crowd, numbering just below 6,000.
His strike partner Oh put the icing on a dominating DPMM performance, after he surged into the area and placed the ball into the corner four minutes from time.
Geylang coach Mike Wong was pragmatic about his team performance, saying that mistakes at this level cost his team a result.
“It was a good game and I thought we played well till the second goal went in. We lost focus after that and some individual errors cost us the game.
“DPMM on the other played well and they deserved to win. They showed that they had the desire to win and the final scoreline proved it.”
Vjeran Simunic on the other hand was his usual euphoric self after the game.
“It was a nice game. Geylang played well and we expected them to give us a run for our money.
“It is going to be like this from now on as every team will try to beat us. In the end we deserved victory for the way we played well.”
Rano Iskandar
info@sleague.com
Geylang United found their names added to the list of teams to have been defeated in the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Brunei as DPMM FC ran out 3-0 winners on Wednesday evening.
It was the Bruneians’ sixth win in as many S.League matches on the ground, as they moved to within two points of league leaders Gombak United.
DPMM started the game the more brightly of the two teams with constant incisive attacks through the middle of the Eagles defence, but nothing materialised as Baihakki Khaizan and his teammates held firm.
One such move found wingback Sairol Sahari on the left, but his cross narrowly missed out on meeting the heads of both Abdel Hamid Berguiga and Oh Ddog Yi and the Eagles easily cleared their lines.
Hafiz Rahim came close for Geylang when he managed to find himself free on the right side, where his rasping shot clipped the top of the DPMM goal.
Halfway through the first half, DPMM got the goal that they were looking for when Azwan Salleh sent in a thunderbolt to the top corner from 30 yards out, leaving Eagles keeper Yazid Yasin clutching air.
The goal injected more urgency in Geylang’s play with both Miroslav Latiak and Rastislav Belicak bossing the midfield, but Geylang were not able to create any clearcut chances.
They did come close on the half-hour mark when a quick counter attack lead by Belicak found Noor Ali in the penalty area, but the Geylang captain’s shot was turned around the corner.
From the resulting corner, DPMM cleared the ball and found Berguiga on a one on one situation with G. Lenan, and he managed to get past him easily, but not the alert Yazid.
It was Geylang who started off the second half with more intent, and they caused pandemonium in the DPMM area with a well-worked free kick, but Rene Komar was able to clear eventually.
But that was as close as Geylang came as DPMM grew in confidence and slowly took hold of the game.
The ever-impressive Berguiga got the all-important second goal when he spotted Yazid off his line and chipped from all of 30 yards to noisy rapture from the crowd, numbering just below 6,000.
His strike partner Oh put the icing on a dominating DPMM performance, after he surged into the area and placed the ball into the corner four minutes from time.
Geylang coach Mike Wong was pragmatic about his team performance, saying that mistakes at this level cost his team a result.
“It was a good game and I thought we played well till the second goal went in. We lost focus after that and some individual errors cost us the game.
“DPMM on the other played well and they deserved to win. They showed that they had the desire to win and the final scoreline proved it.”
Vjeran Simunic on the other hand was his usual euphoric self after the game.
“It was a nice game. Geylang played well and we expected them to give us a run for our money.
“It is going to be like this from now on as every team will try to beat us. In the end we deserved victory for the way we played well.”
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A brilliant view of Singapore Football
On Friday, Brunei DPMM FC took back with them the League Cup trophy and in doing so become the first foreign side to take home a piece of domestic silverware since the foundation of the S.League in 1996.
And just like the winners, the 2009 League Cup competition itself has also broken into a whole new world for the S.League with the first ever ‘Live’ airing of its matches on cable television. The whirlwind 19-day tournament had 13 of its 20 matches shown ‘Live’ on StarHub’s Football Channel and the broadcast of the matches produced by World Sport Group have given Singaporeans a brilliant view to its local football and have impressed many.
"My friends and I actually seldom watch local football but the recent League Cup on the Football Channel caught our attention,” said Polytechnic student Koh Weihuang.
“We first saw the SAFFC-Albirex game on TV and it was actually quite good. So we made it a point to be home to catch some of the other matches. I must say the action in the knockout stages were definitely better and comparable to a lot of matches in the EPL,” Koh added.
The Football Channel has been the source for Singaporeans to get their regular dose of English and European Football, but the telecast of the League Cup on the channel has not only won the S.League some new fans, but also quite a few converts from the EPL who have packed the pubs to catch some of the recent action.
"I am used to watching EPL, but based on what I’ve seen the standard of football in Singapore is certainly something I feel is worth catching live at a stadium", said Carlos del Castillo, who was watching the Final at Bobby’s at Chijmes.
The League Cup production also included a half time segment hosted by P J Roberts which profiled the teams in the competition. One of the many who enjoyed the features was Mervyn Lai, who has worked in the sports TV production industry for over a decade.
“The fact that there was a half-time show was a big plus and the features were well done and gave viewers an insight to the players’ lives,” said Lai.
Even some players were overheard raving about the standard of the coverage of the League Cup tournament and local commentator Shehzad Haque, “The replay angles in during this tournament really showed everything and commentator was really good. He really knew what he was talking about and gave really good insights on the players,” said SAFFC wing-back Shaiful Esah.
The success of the television coverage has also spilled over to the stadiums with the League Cup Final almost packing in more than 5,300 fans at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
“I have been following the matches on television and I knew DPMM and SAF would give a good game, so I thought I come and be part of the atmosphere at the stadium,” said Navy regular Ronnie Lim, who sat with the SAFFC fans during the finals.
The League Cup production has been quite a success for the S.League and when asked if there were future plans for such collaborations, they would only reveal that they have been in talks and would only reveal more at a later date.
And just like the winners, the 2009 League Cup competition itself has also broken into a whole new world for the S.League with the first ever ‘Live’ airing of its matches on cable television. The whirlwind 19-day tournament had 13 of its 20 matches shown ‘Live’ on StarHub’s Football Channel and the broadcast of the matches produced by World Sport Group have given Singaporeans a brilliant view to its local football and have impressed many.
"My friends and I actually seldom watch local football but the recent League Cup on the Football Channel caught our attention,” said Polytechnic student Koh Weihuang.
“We first saw the SAFFC-Albirex game on TV and it was actually quite good. So we made it a point to be home to catch some of the other matches. I must say the action in the knockout stages were definitely better and comparable to a lot of matches in the EPL,” Koh added.
The Football Channel has been the source for Singaporeans to get their regular dose of English and European Football, but the telecast of the League Cup on the channel has not only won the S.League some new fans, but also quite a few converts from the EPL who have packed the pubs to catch some of the recent action.
"I am used to watching EPL, but based on what I’ve seen the standard of football in Singapore is certainly something I feel is worth catching live at a stadium", said Carlos del Castillo, who was watching the Final at Bobby’s at Chijmes.
The League Cup production also included a half time segment hosted by P J Roberts which profiled the teams in the competition. One of the many who enjoyed the features was Mervyn Lai, who has worked in the sports TV production industry for over a decade.
“The fact that there was a half-time show was a big plus and the features were well done and gave viewers an insight to the players’ lives,” said Lai.
Even some players were overheard raving about the standard of the coverage of the League Cup tournament and local commentator Shehzad Haque, “The replay angles in during this tournament really showed everything and commentator was really good. He really knew what he was talking about and gave really good insights on the players,” said SAFFC wing-back Shaiful Esah.
The success of the television coverage has also spilled over to the stadiums with the League Cup Final almost packing in more than 5,300 fans at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
“I have been following the matches on television and I knew DPMM and SAF would give a good game, so I thought I come and be part of the atmosphere at the stadium,” said Navy regular Ronnie Lim, who sat with the SAFFC fans during the finals.
The League Cup production has been quite a success for the S.League and when asked if there were future plans for such collaborations, they would only reveal that they have been in talks and would only reveal more at a later date.
Sengkang Punggol vs Tampines Rovers
Faruk: League is our priority
Mohd Sham
info@sleague.com
Tampines Rovers will attempt to launch a fresh assault on the S.League title after a twelve-day hiatus when they travel to Hougang Stadium to face Sengkang Punggol on Thursday evening.
According to Tampines’ first team manager Syed Faruk, the Stags, who lost out on the League Cup after succumbing to SAFFC on penalties in the quarterfinals, are now keeping a firm eye on league proceedings as they sit in fourth spot, just six points behind leaders Gombak United.
“The twelve days has been a welcome rest for us to have a breather and it was good,” acknowledged Faruk.
“Our main priority has always been the league anyway and we had to readjust a few players in different positions.
“For example, Akihiro Nakamura is carrying a knee injury and will be out for at least a month, while Noh Alam Shah’s knee is still bothering him.”
Faruk, whose charges triumphed 2-0 against the Dolphins in March’s crazy encounter that was marred by the expulsion of two Sengkang custodians, is anticipating a tough assignment from the home side.
He explained, “Sengkang are an experienced team despite their current position and there have a core of experienced players in their line up, and we will not be taking the game lightly.
“We always look at what we can do and not whether our opponent is capable or not, but we always prepare ourselves in the best way we can.”
After kickstarting their campaign with a series of frustrating stalemates, Faruk admitted that Tampines have upped their game considerably, but dropped a hint of his side’s chink in their armour.
“We always believe we can win the league and we have the players capable of doing it, but Khairul Amri has been injured as well as Alam Shah, so scoring goals has been a problem for us,” he added.
“We have been getting the attacking midfielders to play up front but we don’t want to burden them too much as that’s not their natural position.
“We want to win the league of course, make no two ways about it, and we’ll be doing everything we can to win it.”
The Dolphins, currently languishing in tenth spot, are aiming to erase the memory of their disappointing group stage elimination from the League Cup.
They will have much to do if they are to claim their first victory in any competition since 22 May, when they managed a 1-0 victory against Albirex Niigata (Singapore).
Jorg Steinebrunner will be without the suspended Murphy Wiredu, but otherwise he has a full Sengkang squad to choose from.
Mohd Sham
info@sleague.com
Tampines Rovers will attempt to launch a fresh assault on the S.League title after a twelve-day hiatus when they travel to Hougang Stadium to face Sengkang Punggol on Thursday evening.
According to Tampines’ first team manager Syed Faruk, the Stags, who lost out on the League Cup after succumbing to SAFFC on penalties in the quarterfinals, are now keeping a firm eye on league proceedings as they sit in fourth spot, just six points behind leaders Gombak United.
“The twelve days has been a welcome rest for us to have a breather and it was good,” acknowledged Faruk.
“Our main priority has always been the league anyway and we had to readjust a few players in different positions.
“For example, Akihiro Nakamura is carrying a knee injury and will be out for at least a month, while Noh Alam Shah’s knee is still bothering him.”
Faruk, whose charges triumphed 2-0 against the Dolphins in March’s crazy encounter that was marred by the expulsion of two Sengkang custodians, is anticipating a tough assignment from the home side.
He explained, “Sengkang are an experienced team despite their current position and there have a core of experienced players in their line up, and we will not be taking the game lightly.
“We always look at what we can do and not whether our opponent is capable or not, but we always prepare ourselves in the best way we can.”
After kickstarting their campaign with a series of frustrating stalemates, Faruk admitted that Tampines have upped their game considerably, but dropped a hint of his side’s chink in their armour.
“We always believe we can win the league and we have the players capable of doing it, but Khairul Amri has been injured as well as Alam Shah, so scoring goals has been a problem for us,” he added.
“We have been getting the attacking midfielders to play up front but we don’t want to burden them too much as that’s not their natural position.
“We want to win the league of course, make no two ways about it, and we’ll be doing everything we can to win it.”
The Dolphins, currently languishing in tenth spot, are aiming to erase the memory of their disappointing group stage elimination from the League Cup.
They will have much to do if they are to claim their first victory in any competition since 22 May, when they managed a 1-0 victory against Albirex Niigata (Singapore).
Jorg Steinebrunner will be without the suspended Murphy Wiredu, but otherwise he has a full Sengkang squad to choose from.
South China 4-0 Home United - One of our best yet beams Kim
HONG KONG - Coach Kim Pan-gon hailed South China's performance as one of the best he has seen during his seven-month tenure after the Hong Kong side dismantled Home United 4-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup.
Two goals in two minutes in the first-half from Kwok Kin-pong and Li Haoqing provided the platform for the hosts to complete a comfortable victory at Hong Kong Stadium.
Caca made it three shortly after the break and Li then claimed his second of the game with an audacious penalty but in truth, only some superb last ditch defending from the Singaporeans prevented the defeat from being much heavier.
“It was one of our best performances,” enthused Kim.
“I have confidence in my players and I am proud of them, the performance was very good considering they hadn't played for three weeks. A lot of spectators came to watch and our players enjoyed the game.
“It is now our target to get into the final and we will do our best to achieve that.”
Along with Caca and midfielder Tales Schutz, Li was one of South China's most influential players and Kim admitted he was pleasantly surprised by his captain's display.
“Li's performance was great,” he added.
“In the league you don't get much time to play and I didn't expect such a good performance tonight, so I was very happy.”
Home United boss PN Sivaji admitted his side just could not live with the hosts and conceded they were comprehensively outclassed.
“It was a very good performance by South China, we couldn't cope with their aggression and their speed today,” he said.
“In most cases we were second best to the ball and we couldn't keep possession, especially in the final third. We needed to be much stronger, quicker and faster in the final third.”
However, Sivaji underlined Home did not help their own cause by conceding twice in such quick succession.
“The two first-half goals were our demise,” he added.
“We tried to come back in the second-half by making a couple of changes to the way we played but when you consider the third goal was a penalty early in the second-half, it was damage limitation after that.”
Two goals in two minutes in the first-half from Kwok Kin-pong and Li Haoqing provided the platform for the hosts to complete a comfortable victory at Hong Kong Stadium.
Caca made it three shortly after the break and Li then claimed his second of the game with an audacious penalty but in truth, only some superb last ditch defending from the Singaporeans prevented the defeat from being much heavier.
“It was one of our best performances,” enthused Kim.
“I have confidence in my players and I am proud of them, the performance was very good considering they hadn't played for three weeks. A lot of spectators came to watch and our players enjoyed the game.
“It is now our target to get into the final and we will do our best to achieve that.”
Along with Caca and midfielder Tales Schutz, Li was one of South China's most influential players and Kim admitted he was pleasantly surprised by his captain's display.
“Li's performance was great,” he added.
“In the league you don't get much time to play and I didn't expect such a good performance tonight, so I was very happy.”
Home United boss PN Sivaji admitted his side just could not live with the hosts and conceded they were comprehensively outclassed.
“It was a very good performance by South China, we couldn't cope with their aggression and their speed today,” he said.
“In most cases we were second best to the ball and we couldn't keep possession, especially in the final third. We needed to be much stronger, quicker and faster in the final third.”
However, Sivaji underlined Home did not help their own cause by conceding twice in such quick succession.
“The two first-half goals were our demise,” he added.
“We tried to come back in the second-half by making a couple of changes to the way we played but when you consider the third goal was a penalty early in the second-half, it was damage limitation after that.”
South China 4-0 Home United
HONG KONG - Two goals in two first-half minutes set South China on their way to a comfortable 4-0 victory over Home United and a place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Cup.
Kwok Kin-pong and Li Haiqiang both struck early in the opening period before Caca extended the lead after the break and the South China captain claimed his second of the game from the spot to set the seal on a dominant performance in the last 16 clash at Hong Kong Stadium.
Tales Schutz was identified by Home boss PN Sivaji as South China's main threat before the game and the midfielder had a hand in the opening goal after 19 minutes when his exquisitely flighted ball from deep on the left flank was met by the onrushing Kwok at the far post and his header squeezed past keeper Lionel Lewis.
A boisterous home crowd were on their feet again two minutes later as South China doubled their lead. Caca's delightful ball over the top set Li free and the skipper slipped a low finish under the advancing Lewis.
The Hong Kong league champions continued to press and were inches away from a third goal soon after when Caca laid the ball back to Li and his whipped cross was met with a stooping header from Bai He that looped over Lewis but bounced off the top of the bar.
Left-back Poon Yiu-cheuk then saw a fierce left-foot shot from 20 yards smartly turned round the post by Lewis after 37 minutes as South China finished the half well on top.
The third goal came in the 52nd minute as Caca took advantage of an unfortunate slip by a Home defender to power into the box and beat an exposed Lewis with a low finish at his near post.
South China almost scored a fourth 10 minutes later when Schutz was played in but Lewis produced a good stop to deny the midfielder.
The ball broke to Caca and although his follow-up beat one defender, another on the line managed to clear to safety.
It proved a short-lived respite for the Singaporeans, however, as from the subsequent corner a push on the South China forward led to the referee pointing to the spot. Li stepped up and his insolent chip into the right corner sent the Home keeper the wrong way.
Home began to show more attacking threat and Valery Hiek flashed an effort narrowly wide from 25 yards before Caca almost added a fifth five minutes from time after a cutback found the forward in acres of space inside the box but he was brilliantly denied on the line twice by skipper S. Subramani.
Kwok Kin-pong and Li Haiqiang both struck early in the opening period before Caca extended the lead after the break and the South China captain claimed his second of the game from the spot to set the seal on a dominant performance in the last 16 clash at Hong Kong Stadium.
Tales Schutz was identified by Home boss PN Sivaji as South China's main threat before the game and the midfielder had a hand in the opening goal after 19 minutes when his exquisitely flighted ball from deep on the left flank was met by the onrushing Kwok at the far post and his header squeezed past keeper Lionel Lewis.
A boisterous home crowd were on their feet again two minutes later as South China doubled their lead. Caca's delightful ball over the top set Li free and the skipper slipped a low finish under the advancing Lewis.
The Hong Kong league champions continued to press and were inches away from a third goal soon after when Caca laid the ball back to Li and his whipped cross was met with a stooping header from Bai He that looped over Lewis but bounced off the top of the bar.
Left-back Poon Yiu-cheuk then saw a fierce left-foot shot from 20 yards smartly turned round the post by Lewis after 37 minutes as South China finished the half well on top.
The third goal came in the 52nd minute as Caca took advantage of an unfortunate slip by a Home defender to power into the box and beat an exposed Lewis with a low finish at his near post.
South China almost scored a fourth 10 minutes later when Schutz was played in but Lewis produced a good stop to deny the midfielder.
The ball broke to Caca and although his follow-up beat one defender, another on the line managed to clear to safety.
It proved a short-lived respite for the Singaporeans, however, as from the subsequent corner a push on the South China forward led to the referee pointing to the spot. Li stepped up and his insolent chip into the right corner sent the Home keeper the wrong way.
Home began to show more attacking threat and Valery Hiek flashed an effort narrowly wide from 25 yards before Caca almost added a fifth five minutes from time after a cutback found the forward in acres of space inside the box but he was brilliantly denied on the line twice by skipper S. Subramani.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Previous wins count for nothing says Sivaji
HONG KONG - Home United coach PN Sivaji insisted his men will face a very different challenge in Tuesday’s last 16 clash with South China to the one they encountered when the two sides clashed in the 2008 AFC Cup.
The Singaporeans go into the game at Hong Kong Stadium as slight underdogs, a stark contrast to last season's group stages when they picked up two victories against the same opponents.
But South China have a new man at the helm in the form of Kim Pan-gon and he guided the Hong Kong outfit to top spot in Group F with an undefeated record.
“We managed to win both of our matches against them during the group stage last season but those results count for nothing now as they have a different set of foreign players,” Sivaji said.
“We’ve watched some of their games on video and what we can see is that they are direct side who play a compact game and work very hard as a unit. Some of those things were not evident when they played last season, at least not when they played against us.”
Defender Shahril Alias is suspended but skipper S. Subramani has recovered from a groin injury and is set to play.
However, Sivaji is conscious of the fact that his side has not had too much joy on their travels to date.
“We have not been good travellers this season as our only away win was against Valencia in the Maldives while we lost in Bangkok against PEA (Provincial Electricity Authority) and in Vietnam against Binh Duong, although both of them were quality sides of Champions League calibre,” he added.
“It will not be easy as this is a one-off game and they will have the home advantage. They have a perfect home record so far in this year’s AFC Cup and they will want to maintain that.”
South China coach Kim, on the other hand, believes Home remain dangerous opponents regardless of their away-day blues after they finished second in Group H, one point behind Binh Duong.
“Home United are a very good team, they have plenty of experience in AFC competitions over the last few years,” he said.
“I respect Home United, they don't concede many goals and they're strong on the counter attack. However, we found out their strengths and weaknesses in the group stages, so we will produce a good performance.”
Apart from the suspended Cha Siu Ki, Kim has a full squad to choose from and played down the forward's absence.
“It's not really a problem because we play as a team and we also have good cover, so we'll be fine.”
South China (Hong Kong) vs Home United
Sivaji urges Home to “show true mettle”
Tam Cheong Yan
info@sleague.com
Home United coach PN Sivaji has called on his side to give a clear illustration of their quality on Tuesday evening, when they take on South China of Hong Kong in the AFC Cup Round of 16.
The one-off clash at Hong Kong Stadium will decide which of the two teams will move on to the quarterfinals, which will be held in September.
Being part of the last eight is an experience Home are familiar with, having gone at least that far in three of the previous five editions of the tournament.
Playing in the Round of 16 is something new to them, though, as this stage was created this year as part of a wider revamp in all continental club tournaments run by the AFC.
The changes certainly had their impact as far as Home were concerned, as they were put through a Group H that also included Thailand’s Provincial Electric Authority and reigning Vietnamese champions Becamex Binh Duong.
Finishing second in the group behind Binh Duong meant the Protectors were able to continue their Asian adventure this season, though, and Sivaji is planning to use the momentum from their earlier results to maintain their fine AFC Cup pedigree.
“I mentioned earlier in the season that this year’s competition is much stronger than before,” he told sleague.com in an interview from Hong Kong.
“The reason we have a Round of 16 now is because we have more teams, many coming from last year’s Asian Champions League. If we look at our performance in the group stage, understandably we struggled against the two teams who have been there before.
“We won one and lost one apiece against PEA and Binh Duong, so it is a tough competition. The fact that we have got into this round shows that we have the quality to go even beyond this level.
“Now, it is for the players who are picked on Tuesday to show their true mettle. It’s going to be very tough, but if we go in with everything we have in terms of confidence and quality, I’m sure we will achieve our target of reaching the quarterfinals.”
While South China will be familiar opponents for the Protectors after they had met in the AFC Cup group stage in 2008, there have been some changes since.
Previously bossed by former Portuguese star Jose Luis, they now have a Korean man in charge in the form of Kim Pan Gon, who is no stranger to Hong Kong football having played and coached for three different clubs in a four-year spell that had begun in 2000.
There are also changes to their playing personnel, with the arrival of Brazilian striker Carlos Eduardo ‘Cacá’ Ferrari the most notable development.
The 30-year-old came to Hong Kong in January after a lengthy spell playing in his homeland and Europe, counting Spanish clubs UD Salamanca, Albacete and Universidad Las Palmas among his former employers.
Cacá joins compatriots Tales Schutz and Sidraílson da Mata Ribeiro as the three foreigners registered by South China for the competition, meaning there is no place for their burly chief striker Detinho dos Santos.
Detinho had bagged 21 goals in all domestic competitions as the club won the Coolpoint Ventilation First Division title for the third time running, but was omitted in favour of Cacá and Schutz after an ineffective continental campaign last year.
Even without the 35-year-old, the Shaolin Temple – as they are sometimes known in Hong Kong – have enough firepower from their local ranks, having recruited several new faces from their domestic rivals.
Former Kitchee captain Chan Siu Ki is the club’s second top scorer this term with 19 goals in all local competitions, while Au Yeung Yiu Chung, signed last year upon the dissolution of his former club Workable FC, has also chipped in with nine to his name.
“It’s clear looking at the squad that after last year, they decided to get a few more local players into the team,” commented Sivaji on South China’s squad composition.
“In last year’s competition, they depended too much on the foreigners. It’s partially because in the Hong Kong league, they allow something like six or seven foreigners at one go, and that affects them considerably in the AFC Cup.
“This year, I hear there was a considered decision by the club to look at more local players and use them more in the local league. Taking this into account, and having watched some of their matches on DVDs, they look a little bit more potent than last year.
“They are much more organized in terms of getting their shape together, and in the games I saw, they play in many different formations. I really have no clue as to how they will approach the game against us, so we have to just concentrate on playing to our strengths.”
Home will be boosted by the likely return of Brazilian midfielder Peres de Oliveira, who had scored twice the last time the team had played in Hong Kong.
Oliveira had been rested for most of the Protectors’ League Cup campaign with a knee strain, but has been declared fit after the team’s first training session on Sunday evening.
The AFC Cup veteran’s return means Sivaji will have a full squad of 19 players to choose from, apart from versatile defender Shahril Alias, who is suspended.
Norikazu Murakami and Isa Halim, who were both signed after the close of the AFC Cup’s first registration deadline, are also not eligible for selection in this match, although both were part of the travelling party.
“We brought them, along with Shahril, because we will face Gombak (United) in the league on 27 June,” explained the Protectors coach.
“Leaving them alone in Singapore with no one to supervise them would not have been ideal, so we brought them along. The club has been really magnanimous to allow them to come too, so that they can be conditioned for the game against Gombak.
“Everyone trained today, in our first day here. Peres played against Woodlands with a strain on the knee, but he continued anyway, and he trained fully today.
“So I am pleased to report that we do not have any injury problems. Everyone should be available on Tuesday.”
Tam Cheong Yan
info@sleague.com
Home United coach PN Sivaji has called on his side to give a clear illustration of their quality on Tuesday evening, when they take on South China of Hong Kong in the AFC Cup Round of 16.
The one-off clash at Hong Kong Stadium will decide which of the two teams will move on to the quarterfinals, which will be held in September.
Being part of the last eight is an experience Home are familiar with, having gone at least that far in three of the previous five editions of the tournament.
Playing in the Round of 16 is something new to them, though, as this stage was created this year as part of a wider revamp in all continental club tournaments run by the AFC.
The changes certainly had their impact as far as Home were concerned, as they were put through a Group H that also included Thailand’s Provincial Electric Authority and reigning Vietnamese champions Becamex Binh Duong.
Finishing second in the group behind Binh Duong meant the Protectors were able to continue their Asian adventure this season, though, and Sivaji is planning to use the momentum from their earlier results to maintain their fine AFC Cup pedigree.
“I mentioned earlier in the season that this year’s competition is much stronger than before,” he told sleague.com in an interview from Hong Kong.
“The reason we have a Round of 16 now is because we have more teams, many coming from last year’s Asian Champions League. If we look at our performance in the group stage, understandably we struggled against the two teams who have been there before.
“We won one and lost one apiece against PEA and Binh Duong, so it is a tough competition. The fact that we have got into this round shows that we have the quality to go even beyond this level.
“Now, it is for the players who are picked on Tuesday to show their true mettle. It’s going to be very tough, but if we go in with everything we have in terms of confidence and quality, I’m sure we will achieve our target of reaching the quarterfinals.”
While South China will be familiar opponents for the Protectors after they had met in the AFC Cup group stage in 2008, there have been some changes since.
Previously bossed by former Portuguese star Jose Luis, they now have a Korean man in charge in the form of Kim Pan Gon, who is no stranger to Hong Kong football having played and coached for three different clubs in a four-year spell that had begun in 2000.
There are also changes to their playing personnel, with the arrival of Brazilian striker Carlos Eduardo ‘Cacá’ Ferrari the most notable development.
The 30-year-old came to Hong Kong in January after a lengthy spell playing in his homeland and Europe, counting Spanish clubs UD Salamanca, Albacete and Universidad Las Palmas among his former employers.
Cacá joins compatriots Tales Schutz and Sidraílson da Mata Ribeiro as the three foreigners registered by South China for the competition, meaning there is no place for their burly chief striker Detinho dos Santos.
Detinho had bagged 21 goals in all domestic competitions as the club won the Coolpoint Ventilation First Division title for the third time running, but was omitted in favour of Cacá and Schutz after an ineffective continental campaign last year.
Even without the 35-year-old, the Shaolin Temple – as they are sometimes known in Hong Kong – have enough firepower from their local ranks, having recruited several new faces from their domestic rivals.
Former Kitchee captain Chan Siu Ki is the club’s second top scorer this term with 19 goals in all local competitions, while Au Yeung Yiu Chung, signed last year upon the dissolution of his former club Workable FC, has also chipped in with nine to his name.
“It’s clear looking at the squad that after last year, they decided to get a few more local players into the team,” commented Sivaji on South China’s squad composition.
“In last year’s competition, they depended too much on the foreigners. It’s partially because in the Hong Kong league, they allow something like six or seven foreigners at one go, and that affects them considerably in the AFC Cup.
“This year, I hear there was a considered decision by the club to look at more local players and use them more in the local league. Taking this into account, and having watched some of their matches on DVDs, they look a little bit more potent than last year.
“They are much more organized in terms of getting their shape together, and in the games I saw, they play in many different formations. I really have no clue as to how they will approach the game against us, so we have to just concentrate on playing to our strengths.”
Home will be boosted by the likely return of Brazilian midfielder Peres de Oliveira, who had scored twice the last time the team had played in Hong Kong.
Oliveira had been rested for most of the Protectors’ League Cup campaign with a knee strain, but has been declared fit after the team’s first training session on Sunday evening.
The AFC Cup veteran’s return means Sivaji will have a full squad of 19 players to choose from, apart from versatile defender Shahril Alias, who is suspended.
Norikazu Murakami and Isa Halim, who were both signed after the close of the AFC Cup’s first registration deadline, are also not eligible for selection in this match, although both were part of the travelling party.
“We brought them, along with Shahril, because we will face Gombak (United) in the league on 27 June,” explained the Protectors coach.
“Leaving them alone in Singapore with no one to supervise them would not have been ideal, so we brought them along. The club has been really magnanimous to allow them to come too, so that they can be conditioned for the game against Gombak.
“Everyone trained today, in our first day here. Peres played against Woodlands with a strain on the knee, but he continued anyway, and he trained fully today.
“So I am pleased to report that we do not have any injury problems. Everyone should be available on Tuesday.”
Woodlands Wellington vs Albirex Niigata [0-1]
| Adachihara shows way against Rams Ong Jiing Yih info@sleague.com Kenji Adachihara illustrated the meaning of “leading from the front” as he scored to give Albirex Niigata (Singapore) a 1-0 victory at Woodlands Wellington on Monday evening. The White Swans skipper got the decisive goal 15 minutes into the match with an effort that had caught Woodlands goalkeeper Rezal Hassan off guard. With the win, Albirex were able to overtake their hosts and occupy eighth place in the S.League table, level on points with Geylang United but behind on goal difference. Adachiara donned the armband for the Japanese outfit, as senior centreback Takatoshi Uchida had to sit out of this match due to suspension. Uchida’s replacement for the match, Shota Matsuoka, did not have much trouble at the back against a Woodlands side that perhaps was still feeling the strains of their lengthy League Cup campaign, which had ended last week. Despite being widely expected to perform, the return of five regular starters did not appear to give them the lift they had expected, as they had few highlights in the match. Skipper Azlan Alipah’s overhit volley midway into the second half was one of the rare few moments worth remembering for the Rams. Still, head coach Nenad Bacina was positive in his assessment of his side’s efforts, even as he praised his opponents for their enterprising display. “To be honest, I had expected us not to perform having come through seven matches in 23 days,” remarked the Croatian. “It could be due to not just physical but mental fatigue. We had tried to refresh the lads prior to this game but it was difficult. “Nevertheless I’m impressed as we faced a very good attacking side in Albirex.” Very good the White Swans were indeed, coming out of the blocks early as they won several corners with their high-pressure brand of football. Rezal was forced into an acrobatic save with the match barely warmed up, after Akira Takase met Keisuke Ogawa’s cross with a header that took a significant bounce. They got their goal eventually on the quarter-hour mark, as Adachihara collected the ball from a teammate, took one touch and then fired a thunderous drive from 30 yards out. Even in his prime, Rezal might not have saved such a shot. He certainly could not this time around as Albirex went 1-0 up. It could have been 2-0 just one minute later, had Takase done better in finishing off a sizzling run following a quality pass from Shunsuke Sunaga. Albirex were clearly in control, though, pinning Woodlands back in their half without much resistance to speak of. Playmaker Taisuke Akiyoshi missed a chance to claim only his second goal of a season, when he blazed a shot over the bar from just inside the penalty area. It took some decent work from the Woodlands rearguard to keep the score close, Anaz Hadee hacking away an Adachihara cross before Rezal caught a Sunaga shot eight minutes before the interval. The nervy moments continued into the second half, Akiyoshi and Sunaga both getting opportunities. Ken Matsumoto then headed over an open goal to spurn another golden opportunity, although the midfielder did somewhat better by forcing Rezal into a near-post save later in the second period. Throughout the match, there were few reasons to worry about a Woodlands fightback as they seemed incapable of causing some real danger in the Albirex backline. Still, Naoki Naruo had his charges close out the match in a more conservative manner, a point he acknowledged in his post-match analysis. “We played a passing game which saw us foray more directly towards goal,” said the Albirex coach of his team’s early-game plan. “As we hoped for more goals, we were afraid of Woodlands coming back at us, hence we became a bit more cautious.” |
Monday, June 22, 2009
Match Statistics for Match 85 - Woodlands Wellington FC vs Albirex Niigata FC (S)
Match Statistics for Match 85 - Woodlands Wellington FC vs Albirex Niigata FC (S)
S.LEAGUE
22 Jun 09, 1945hrs, Woodlands Stadium
| SCORING SUMMARY (Full-Time Score) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodlands Wellington FC | Albirex Niigata FC (S) | ||
| Kenji Adachihara (16') | |||
| Woodlands Wellington FC | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Name | Pos |
| 18 | Rezal Hassan | GK |
| 3 | Azlan Alipah (C) | DF |
| 4 | Precious Emuejeraye | DF |
| 5 | Daniel Hammond | DF |
| 6 | Anaz Hadee | DF |
| 19 | Syaiful Iskandar | DF |
| 2 | Jalal | MF |
| 7 | Ismadi Mukhtar | MF |
| 10 | Luis Eduardo Hicks | MF |
| 16 | Jamil Ali | MF |
| 14 | Mojtaba Tehranizadeh | FW |
| Woodlands Wellington FC Substitutes | ||
| 20 | Ahmadulhaq Che Omar | GK |
| 23 | Sim Li Ming | DF |
| 11 | Hasrin Jailani | MF |
| 12 | Asraf Rashid | MF |
| 13 | Kamal Nasir | MF |
| 9 | Zakaria Yousif | FW |
| Albirex Niigata FC (S) | ||
|---|---|---|
| No. | Name | Pos |
| 1 | Yoshito Matsushita | GK |
| 3 | Shota Matsuoka | DF |
| 26 | Ryota Kobayashi | DF |
| 6 | Kunihiro Honda | MF |
| 10 | Ken Matsumoto | MF |
| 11 | Shunsuke Sunaga | MF |
| 7 | Keisuke Ogawa | FW |
| 9 | Akira Takase | FW |
| 14 | Kenji Adachihara (C) | FW |
| 18 | Taisuke Akiyoshi | FW |
| 20 | Ryohei Maeda | FW |
| Albirex Niigata FC (S) Substitutes | ||
| 2 | Ryuta Hayashi | DF |
| 24 | Takeshi Miki | DF |
| 4 | Park Myung Eun | MF |
| 13 | Atsushi Shimono | MF |
| 15 | Shohei Doi | MF |
| 19 | Hiroto Takahashi | FW |
| 21 | Tetsuya Kishida | FW |
| Woodlands Wellington FC Substitutions | ||
| Asraf Rashid for Jalal (70') | ||
| Zakaria Yousif for Azlan Alipah (77') | ||
| Kamal Nasir for Luis Eduardo Hicks (90') |
| Albirex Niigata FC (S) Substitutions | ||
| Tetsuya Kishida for Akira Takase (81') | ||
| Atsushi Shimono for Ken Matsumoto (91') | ||
| Woodlands Wellington FC Yellow Cards | ||
| Name | Min | |
| Ismadi Mukhtar | 23 | |
| Woodlands Wellington FC Red Cards | ||
| None | ||
| Woodlands Wellington FC Coach | ||
| Nenad Bacina | ||
| Albirex Niigata FC (S) Yellow Cards | ||
| Name | Min | |
| None | ||
| Albirex Niigata FC (S) Red Cards | ||
| None | ||
| Albirex Niigata FC (S) Coach | ||
| Naoki Naruo | ||
| Match Officials | |
|---|---|
| Referee | T Aravinthan |
| Asst Referee 1 | Tang Yew Mun |
| Asst Referee 2 | Andrew Kee |
| Fourth Official | K Kalimuthu |
| Match Commissioner | Edward Silas |
| Match Attendance | 1,417 |
Woodlands Wellington vs Albirex Niigata
Woodlands veterans to return against Albirex
Gary Koh
info@sleague.com
The league resumes action at Woodlands after the mid-season League Cup tournament when Woodlands Wellington host Albirex Niigata (Singapore) on Monday.
The home side will be coming into the game in high spirits after they prevailed against the odds to finish fourth in the recently-concluded competition.
The Rams would be looking to bring the boost and momentum from the cup competition into the league as they attempt to get their league form into gear.
With seven regulars benefiting from the breather they had in Friday’s third-place playoff, Woodlands coach Nenad Bacina would have more than half his starting lineup fresh against the recharged Japanese outfit.
The extra energy would be needed as they seek to avenge their 0-3 loss to the same opponents back at Jurong East early this season.
Former Singapore international Rezal Hassan will resume his duties in between the posts after he was rested on the bench on Friday.
English defender Daniel Hammond returns to partner a rejuvenated Precious Emuejeraye in central defence while Anaz Hadee and Syaiful Iskandar resume their positions as wingbacks.
Skipper Azlan Alipah will be pushed forward into his usual central midfield role alongside Chilean Luis Eduardo Hicks, with Jalal and Ismadi Mukhtar supporting them at each flank.
The only possible dilemma for Bacina to solve is whether to go for Egyptian forward Zakaria Yousif or Iranian striker Mojtaba Tehranizadeh to partner key player Jamil Ali upfront.
Neither foreign forward has been fully able to support the club top-scorer in attack so far, leaving the latter to single-handedly shoulder much of the burden of finding the goals against well-marshalled defences.
It could only get tougher for Woodlands as Albirex come into this match fully charged after their early elimination in the League Cup group stage.
The two-week break allowed White Swans coach Naoki Nauro to focus on getting his boys back into gear physically and tactically as a crowded league schedule beckons.
With only one suspension to worry about after Takatoshi Uchida collected his fourth yellow card of the season before the mid-season break, the Japanese are set to field what will be close to their strongest lineup as they look for a repeat of their victory on away ground.
The trio of Tetsuya Kishida, Akira Takase and Kenji Adachihara will be spearheading the attack as they look to rebuild their confidence in front of goal after a barren outing in the mid-season tournament.
Ryota Kobayashi will dictate the rearguard from his position in central defence while Ryohei Maeda anchors the midfield in front of the back four.
The team’s pace and passing game would be a challenge to Woodlands as they seek to ascend the league table in the midst of the mid-table chaos.
Gary Koh
info@sleague.com
The league resumes action at Woodlands after the mid-season League Cup tournament when Woodlands Wellington host Albirex Niigata (Singapore) on Monday.
The home side will be coming into the game in high spirits after they prevailed against the odds to finish fourth in the recently-concluded competition.
The Rams would be looking to bring the boost and momentum from the cup competition into the league as they attempt to get their league form into gear.
With seven regulars benefiting from the breather they had in Friday’s third-place playoff, Woodlands coach Nenad Bacina would have more than half his starting lineup fresh against the recharged Japanese outfit.
The extra energy would be needed as they seek to avenge their 0-3 loss to the same opponents back at Jurong East early this season.
Former Singapore international Rezal Hassan will resume his duties in between the posts after he was rested on the bench on Friday.
English defender Daniel Hammond returns to partner a rejuvenated Precious Emuejeraye in central defence while Anaz Hadee and Syaiful Iskandar resume their positions as wingbacks.
Skipper Azlan Alipah will be pushed forward into his usual central midfield role alongside Chilean Luis Eduardo Hicks, with Jalal and Ismadi Mukhtar supporting them at each flank.
The only possible dilemma for Bacina to solve is whether to go for Egyptian forward Zakaria Yousif or Iranian striker Mojtaba Tehranizadeh to partner key player Jamil Ali upfront.
Neither foreign forward has been fully able to support the club top-scorer in attack so far, leaving the latter to single-handedly shoulder much of the burden of finding the goals against well-marshalled defences.
It could only get tougher for Woodlands as Albirex come into this match fully charged after their early elimination in the League Cup group stage.
The two-week break allowed White Swans coach Naoki Nauro to focus on getting his boys back into gear physically and tactically as a crowded league schedule beckons.
With only one suspension to worry about after Takatoshi Uchida collected his fourth yellow card of the season before the mid-season break, the Japanese are set to field what will be close to their strongest lineup as they look for a repeat of their victory on away ground.
The trio of Tetsuya Kishida, Akira Takase and Kenji Adachihara will be spearheading the attack as they look to rebuild their confidence in front of goal after a barren outing in the mid-season tournament.
Ryota Kobayashi will dictate the rearguard from his position in central defence while Ryohei Maeda anchors the midfield in front of the back four.
The team’s pace and passing game would be a challenge to Woodlands as they seek to ascend the league table in the midst of the mid-table chaos.
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