Singapore U-16 boys fall to bitter defeat in Lion City Cup opener
Singapore midfielder Erdy Taha heading the ball during the 2-0 defeat by the Philippines in the Lion City Cup on July 9 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
SINGAPORE – The Singapore Under-16 boys were undone by a pair of counter-attacking goals as they were defeated 2-0 by the Philippines in their Lion City Cup (LCC) opener at the Jalan Besar Stadium on July 9.
Despite having the lion share of the possession and goal attempts, the Singaporeans could not finish off their opponents.
And they were left to rue their wasteful display when the visitors grabbed the lead in the 64th minute against the run of play through substitute Joshua Gabriel Moleje, before Lawrence Binalong sealed the win with five minutes to go.
Singapore U-16 coach Ashraf Ariffin admitted his boys lacked composure in front of goal, despite controlling the match.
'They competed from start to finish, (which is) something I wanted to see (and) held their heads high towards the end.
'It's not just the poor finishing. I think the composure in front of goal could be better, while our transition, organisation in defence (could be better). But this will come along and it's something that we are looking to improve in the next game (against Cambodia on July 11).'
He is confident the players, who were 'comfortable and brave with the ball', will get better with more games under their belt.
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'(For many of) the boys, this is their first time playing at this international level. The more exposure, the more games we get at this level, will only develop them further.'
The match began at a frantic pace, with Singapore having the first shot on goal when Lukyan Tan stung the palms of Philippine goalkeeper Reign Lewis Deomampo in the sixth minute.
Singapore continued to pile on the pressure, but could not find the breakthrough at the break against the resolute Filipinos, much to the delight of the small group of fans who out-shouted the local supporters.
The second half started in the same fashion as the first as the Singaporeans created a host of clear chances in the early phases, with a goal seemingly imminent.
However, it was the Philippines who stunned the hosts when Joshua beat the offside trap and, with goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal stranded, chipped the ball into an empty net.
Singapore responded with more urgency as substitute Darius Lai, who had come on shortly after the goal, dragged his shot wide.
But Lawrence hit the sucker punch with a well-taken goal on the break to dash Singaporean hopes.
Joshua, who was named Player of the Match, said: 'It was lucky for us to get two beautiful goals from counter-attacks. For us Filipinos, we just have that fighting spirit to really work hard.'
His coach, Japanese Tetsuya Tsuchida, added: '(Our) players played and fought hard. But it's still only one game.'
In the day's earlier kick-off, Hong Kong beat Cambodia 2-0. The team who are top after the single round-robin stage will be crowned champions.
Singapore's U-16 girls will be in action again on July 10 against Hong Kong as they seek to bounce back from their opening 9-0 drubbing by South Korea.
All matches are played at the Jalan Besar Stadium with Singapore's games kicking off at 8pm.
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