Afiq Yunos and Young Lions leave it late against Home United in the S.League

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.

Jalan Besar Stadium, Tuesday, 22 September, 2009 – Afiq Yunos scored a last?gasp winner with the final touch of the match as the Young Lions continued their fine form in the S.League with a 2-1 victory over Home United.

After a run of stunning performances, the Young Lions were brimming with confidence and they took the lead through 18-year old Khairul Nizam in the 11th minute, ending his eight-game goal drought.

However, his early goal was cancelled out by an Itimi Dickson strike in the second half. Both teams pushed for the winner, but it was the heroics from defender Afiq Yunos that gave the Young Lions' all three points.

Home United might count themselves unlucky on a night when nothing went right for them. Shi Jiayi went down with a knee injury less than 30 minutes into the match, adding to Home United injury list which includes former Young Lions' players Isa Halim and Ismail Yunos. They were also without suspended duo Peres de Oliveira and Kengne Ludovick.

Home United haven't played a match in 15 days but they were the first to threaten with Korean striker Ham Hyeong Kyu sending his header against the crossbar in the second minute.

The Young Lions, however, were the ones that broke the deadlock with a goal straight from the training ground. Irwan Shah received the ball on the flank before sending a pin-point cross to the waiting head of Khairul Nizam, whose top-class header flew into the back of the net.

Despite dominating possession, the Young Lions failed to craft anymore chances with a long range effort from Safuwan Baharudin and a Nizam header showing for all their possession.

But things only got worse for Home United when Shi Jiayi went down with less than half an hour on the clock. His shot from inside the box seemed to have injured his right knee and he was immediately substituted by Tengku Mushadad.

Young Lions continued to control the pace of the match, but they were unable to extend their lead at the half.

Home United came out after half-time with renewed vigour and they were rewarded with the equaliser when Itimi Dickson completed a counter-attack with a clinical chip over Jasper Chan in the 57th minute.

Irwan Shah almost provided an immediate reply when he shook off his marker at the edge of the area, but his final product was a weak shot that was easy for Siddiq Durimi.

Shahril Ishak and Itimi Dickson paired up to terrorize the Young Lions' backline down the flanks as they easily turned their markers time and time again with Home United pushing for the lead.

At the other end, Khairul Nizam was a mere spectator and after being caught offside twice in as many minutes, the Young Lions' goal scorer was taken off. His strike partner wasn't doing too well either. In the 74th minute, Yang Mu rounded the goalkeeper, but with the goal gaping before him, he failed to shoot, letting the chance slip.

With the clock winding down, the match looked to be heading to a draw. But Valery Hiek foolishly gave away a free kick on the left flank. A perfect delivery from substitute Izzdin Shafiq was met by the head of Afiq Yunos who put it past the keeper with a brilliant finish.

That proved to be the last touch of the game as the referee blew the final whistle.

Despite all three points in the bag, coach Terry Pathmanathan wasn't happy with his side's performance.

"Credit to my players for their performance, but the defense still has a long way to go, especially the fullbacks. A player can go past you one or two times, but by the third time, he can't do that. Home United were missing Peres de Oliveira and Kengne Ludovick and they could have really punished us."

"I was also expecting more cross to expose their weakness, but after the goal, it all stopped," continued Pathmanathan. "After scoring, Nizam was hiding. There are definitely problem areas that we must figure out."

He also commented on the suspended Gabriel Quak's absence.

"His absence creates an opportunity for other players. This is their chance to show what they have to offer and fight for their place in the starting lineup."