Contributed by Eric Ong

Thong Nhat Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 – A superb John Wilkinson header midway through the first half sealed a 1-0 win for Singapore over the Korea University Selection Team in the opening match of the Ho Chi Minh City International Tournament.

Man-of-the-Match Wilkinson timed his run into the box perfectly to meet club-mate Shaiful Esah's wickedly struck freekick, directing his header into the corner giving the rooted Korean keeper no chance.

“It was a good delivery from Shaiful and John timed his run perfectly,” said coach Radojko Avramovic. “It's the kind of standard situation that we've been working on and whether it's John or someone else at the end of it, a goal is a goal.”

Khairul Amri made his first appearance for the Lions in almost a year after an injury-plagued season, starting up front with Aleksandar Duric and had a useful 60-minute workout.

“It was not just Amri but Tengku and Masrezwan who have not played for the National Team for a long time. They did their part but they are still a long way from competition form as they've not played international football for a while,” said coach Avramovic.

Geylang forward Masrezwan Masturi also put on a Singapore jersey for the first time in almost three years after being in the international wilderness and played the first half on the right side of midfield.

The defensive pair of Daniel Bennett and Precious Emuejeraye helped to ensure a clean sheet but there were still some defensive aspects that Avramovic was concerned about.

“Precious and Daniel at the back did very well although we allowed too many crosses to come in. That will be something we have to look to cut out. Lionel and Hassan generally were very comfortable at the back,” said Avramovic.

Ho Chi Minh City International Tournament
Singapore 1 Korea University Selection 0
(John Wilkinson 25')

Remaining fixtures for Singapore
Thurs, 22 Oct (1600hr) (local time)
Singapore vs Turkmenistan

Sat, 24 Oct (1615hr) (local time)
Vietnam vs Singapore