S’pore’s footballers stumble at first Asian Games hurdle

SINGAPORE — Singapore’s football team’s chances of progression beyond the Asian Games group stage got slimmer yesterday, after a defensive lapse in the last three minutes of their opening match gifted Tajikistan a 1-0 win at the Ansan Wa Stadium in Incheon.

To make matters worse, the goal came from a set-piece, with Siyovush Asrorov climbing highest at a corner to head the ball past a diving Hassan Sunny. It put paid to Singapore’s best chance of pulling off a promising draw, and they will now have to dig deep in the remaining two matches against Group C favourites Oman and Palestine.

The Palestinians won the clash of the Middle Eastern sides in the second match yesterday 2-0.

Adding to Singapore’s problems for their next game against Oman on Wednesday are injuries to midfielders Faris Ramli and Zulfahmi Arifin, as well as forward Sahil Suhaimi. All are now doubts for the Oman game, which they cannot afford to lose.

Following yesterday’s defeat, coach Aide Iskandar echoed the team’s feelings. “They are terribly disappointed at the lapse in focus when a draw was in sight,” Aide told TODAY. “We needed to get out of this match with at least a draw to give us more breathing space against Oman ... I told them it is not the end of the world and the motivation is get a result on Wednesday.”

The coach knows he now needs to instil the belief in his side that they can shrug off the disappointment and take the game to Oman. To do that, he will count on senior players in the side, such as defenders Baihakki Khaizan and Afiq Yunos, as well as goalkeeper Hassan to rally the team.

But Aide said the real incentive for the players to perform is November’s ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup. “If they want to make the step up to the national team for the Suzuki Cup, they must show coach Bernd Stange they have the qualities,” said Aide. “Oman and Palestine are good teams, but I think we are good enough to take the game to them.” IAN DE COTTA