Young Lions Tamed by Asian Powerhouse
(The Young Lions ended their encounter with Kuwait on with a 2-0 loss)
Despite the 2-0 score line, Team Singapore put up a good fight against Asian powerhouse Kuwait at this evening’s Asian Games football match held at the YingDong stadium.
The Young Lions played well but after conceding two goals in under 25 minutes, it was an uphill task for the boys. Captain Almaqseed Ali gave Kuwait the lead in the 11th minute with a well taken shot that curled into the back of the Lion’s net.
Singapore had their fair share of possession but failed to capitalise. Custodian Mohamad Izwan was kept busy and he pulled of a couple of saves but was beaten again in the 22nd minute.
The defence failed to clear the ball in the penalty area and Mashari Alazmi made them pay by slotting the ball into the corner of the net.
The Lions continued to push forward hoping to get a goal back before the end of the half, but the disciplined Kuwaiti defence stood their ground.
Team Singapore had a promising start in the second half but was still unable to penetrate through the stubborn Kuwaiti defence. In the 56th minute, Erwan Gunawan thought he had scored but the goal was disallowed. The Young Lions continued to press on but was faced with another setback in the 63rd min. Defender Shakir Hamzah was sent off after he received a yellow card for a tackle and another for dissent.
Even when they were down to ten men, the spirited and determined boys persevered and kept on attacking right to the end of the match.
Team Singapore football coach V Sundramoorthy said, “I am disappointed that we lost the match today. Kuwait is a good side with many individual players who are technically sound and skilful. It was a tough game and they played a better match over the 90 minutes.”
Team Singapore next face India on 11 November at 7pm at the Huadu stadium.