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U-21s thump Hong Kong 5-0 in Challenge Cup

SINGAPORE — Richard Tardy had set his players the challenge of responding strongly and showcasing their abilities after a recent setback.

The Young Lions put on a dominant display to beat Hong Kong 5-0. Photo: Ernest Chua

The Young Lions put on a dominant display to beat Hong Kong 5-0. Photo: Ernest Chua

SINGAPORE — Richard Tardy had set his players the challenge of responding strongly and showcasing their abilities after a recent setback.

And his Singapore national U-21 football team did just that as they put on a clinical display to thrash Hong Kong 5-0 in their Football Association of Singapore (FAS) U-21 International Challenge Cup semi-final match, giving the French coach plenty to cheer about.

The Young Lions’ preparations for next year’s SEA Games got off to a rocky start at last month’s Nations Cup in Malacca, where they finished last in the quadrangular after failing to win a single match.

But there were no such issues this time as they ran riot in the opening 45 minutes. Joshua Pereira scored twice in quick succession following Dhukhilan Jeevamani’s opener, before substitute Muhaimin Suhaimi and Amiruldin Asraf struck in the second half to seal an emphatic win at the Bishan Stadium last night.

“It’s a long time since the Under-21s won by such a scoreline. This is good for the morale of the team,” said Tardy. “We know that Hong Kong are not very strong, but we did what we have to do to beat them as we take this competition seriously. But we must do more and better. We didn’t start both halves strongly and I want us to improve on that.”

The opening 20 minutes were contested mainly in midfield, but the bulk of the chances fell to the home side with Adam Swandi firing just wide of goal before Pereira saw a shot blocked.

But Singapore’s pressure paid off as left-back Dhukhilan headed in following Pereira’s flick on from Jonathan Tan’s corner in the 17th minute. Hong Kong responded poorly by firing two half-chances high and wide before Pereira took centre stage.

First, the 18-year-old Garena Young Lions midfielder fired in off the post following good work by Tan on the edge of the penalty area in the 34th minute. He then showed his composure in front of goal after forward Amiruldin played a stunning defence splitting through ball to him in the 38th minute and he coolly finished.

“We worked on our movement in training and it paid off,” added Tardy. “Joshua (Pereira) played well and I’m happy with Adam (Swandi) too. And this is what I ask of the players — to be technically strong.”

The Young Lions continued their excellent display after the break, with substitute Muhaimin tapping the ball in after Pereira did well to take on two defenders in the penalty area. They capped off a dominant display when striker Amiruldin fired in from just outside the penalty area following good hold-up play by Hami Syahin, bringing plenty of cheer to the 893-strong crowd at Bishan Stadium.

In the day’s other semi-final match, Iran defeated Uzbekistan 5-4 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time.

Uzbekistan will now take on Hong Kong in the third/fourth placed match at 5pm on Saturday at the Bishan Stadium, while Singapore will take on Iran in the final at 8pm at the same venue. Amanpreet Singh

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