AYG Football: Singapore go down 1-2 against Iran

Story by Julian Low/Red Sports. Pictures by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

Jalan Besar Stadium, Saturday, June 27, 2009 – Iranian team captain Bahman Jahantigh scored a brilliant solo goal to inspire his side to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a gutsy Singapore in the opening Group A match of the Asian Youth Games football competition.

The match started off in a cagey manner, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm. However, it was Iran that slowly took control of midfield as they gave the Singapore little time and space.

The tactic paid off, as Singapore kept misplacing passes and continued to give the Iranians options in attack. Iranian forward Sivash Haghnazari was the first to test Singapore's resolve as he surged past his markers but could only place his shot into the arms of goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar.

Jeffrey Lightfoot, the team captain for Singapore, was the only bright spot in the defence as he won most of his challenges, leaving the Iranians to test Fashah with long shots from outside the box.

Iran created the first chance of the game when Bahman Jahantigh put in a good cross after beating his Singaporean marker Dhukhilan Jeevamani. The ball came to Sivash Haghnazari, who was in acres of space, but he could not make his header count.

Bahman Jahantigh had another chance before the half time whistle when his intended cross threatened to curl directly into goal Fashah was alert enough to tip it over the bar.

The Iranians’ superior possession was finally rewarded in the second half. Singapore’s keeper Fashah came off his line but could not get to the ball and in the goal-mouth scramble, Sivash Haghnazari was the quickest to response as he tipped the ball over the line to give his side the lead in the 48th minute.

Perharps that was the wake up call Singapore needed as they adopted a more aggressive approach. Just eight minutes later, substitute Mohammad Hanafi scored the equalizing goal from a counter-attack with a brilliant shot that curled to the right corner of the net.

Clearly motivated, Singapore continued to press on. Just minutes later, Muhammed Adri and Dhukhilan Jeevamani tested the Iranian goalkeeper Meisam Labbaf with stinging long shots from outside the box, with Adri’s shot hitting the crossbar.

Just when a credible draw seemed within reach, a mental lapse let the Iranians through. Iranian captain Bahman Jahantigh dribbled past his marker and side-footed the ball into goal between Fashah and the near post in the 73rd minute. It was an elementary goalkeeper’s mistake and the goal proved to be the winner.

Singapore coach Sivalingham was clearly disappointed with the loss but was encouraged by the team's valiant display in the second half.

"We gave away too many fouls. It was just too bad, there can't be excuses. Still, we deserved a draw. The boys really played their hearts out today," he said.

Iran coach Mohammad Yavari was pleased with the victory, but nevertheless paid tribute to the Singapore team.

"The Singapore team was good, their defence was compact and tight. We were especially aware of their number 8 (Brandon Koh) as he was the most dangerous player to us."