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S’pore edge out Cambodia in scrappy win

SINGAPORE – Singapore defeated Cambodia 2-1 in their Group E world cup qualifier at the National Stadium as goals from Faris Ramli and Fazrul Nawaz ensured the Lions took maximum points from their first two home matches.

Singapore's Fazrul Nawaz (10) celebrates after scoring their second goal against Cambodia during their 2018 World Cup Group E qualifying soccer match at the National Stadium in Singapore October 13, 2015. Photo: Reuters

Singapore's Fazrul Nawaz (10) celebrates after scoring their second goal against Cambodia during their 2018 World Cup Group E qualifying soccer match at the National Stadium in Singapore October 13, 2015. Photo: Reuters

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SINGAPORE – Singapore defeated Cambodia 2-1 in their Group E world cup qualifier at the National Stadium as goals from Faris Ramli and Fazrul Nawaz ensured the Lions took maximum points from their first two home matches.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 10 minutes as both sides were restricted to playing in midfield with Faris coming the closest when he flashed his shot wide in the ninth minute after good work by Safuwan Baharudin.

The home crowd were much more enthusiastic and perked up, and their early support paid dividends as the Lions took the lead in the 16th minute.

A throw in by Madhu Mohana was flicked on into the penalty area by Safuwan and the nippy Faris managed to nick the ball into the back of the net beyond the reach of Cambodian keeper Um Sereirath to make it 1-0.

The away side almost equalised seven minutes later but goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud continued his good form by denying Sos Suhana.

Singapore really should have made it 2-0 shortly after but striker Khairul Amri headed wide after being left completely unmarked in the box following a dangerous cross in by Sahil Suhaimi.

Amri then had another chance to make it 2-0, this time from the penalty spot after defender Nub Tola used his hand to block Safuwan’s goal-bound effort.

However, Amri saw his effort saved following a stuttering run-up and to make things worse, he injured his hamstring while taking the spot-kick.

Fazrul Nawaz replaced Amri at half time and the Warriors FC striker made an instant impact when he scored with his first chance in the 46th minute after pouncing on a poor back pass and nicely tucking the ball into the bottom corner.

The Cambodian keeper then denied Sahil and Safuwan in quick succession as the home side further stamped their authority on the game.

But just as it seemed like Singapore were edging closer to yet another three points, Cambodia pulled a goal back in the 66th minute after midfielder Sos Suhana flicked the ball into the back of the net from a low cross. It was the Cambodians’ first goal of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Lions coach Bernd Stange brought on Yasir Hanapi for Sahil, and captain Shahril Ishak for Safuwan, who put in a fantastic display, in the final 20 minutes but the Cambodians failed to take create more chances as the Lions held on for all three points.

When asked about the result and the team’s performance, Stange said: “We lacked a little bit of quality (tonight) but we should be quite happy.

“I get the impression the players are a bit overplayed. They are not as fresh as they could be. (But) most importantly, we got the three points, and we are on 10 points (with Japan) in our group.”

He also revealed why he had to take Amri and Safuwan out of the game. Amri hurt his hamstring, while Safuwan had problems breathing, he said.

“Amri had to be taken out because of his hamstring and he will be out for a while. It is a big loss,” said Stange.

“As for Safuwan, he suffered from haze or something, he couldn’t breathe.

“I think the players got a bit anxious after Safuwan went off, and they started to play for a result.”

Fazrul said: “It was not easy playing these two important  games. I was very happy to score the second goal as it was important, especially after the first half penalty miss.”

“But we have to give credit to Cambodia for playing well, it shows we can’t take anything for granted."

The result sees Singapore temporarily leapfrog Syria to move up to second place In Group E, level on 10 points with Japan. Syria are playing Afghanistan tonight

The Lions’ next two matches will also be at home. They play Japan next on Nov 12 November before facing off against Syria five days later.

Said Fazrul: “I hope the fans will come down and support us against Syria and Japan. I believe the coaching staff and the rest of the team believe we can do it again.”

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