U-18 Hockey Asia Cup: Singapore to face Malaysia in semi-finals after beating Chinese Taipei 6-0

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Thursday, June 23, 2011 — Singapore beat Chinese Taipei 6-0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the Boys’ Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup 2011. Having won all their group matches except against Pakistan, Singapore only needed a draw against Chinese Taipei to progress. Singapore will now take on Group B leaders Malaysia on Saturday while Chinese Taipei will play China on Sunday in the match between the third-place finishers.

In an earlier match, an under-strength Pakistan defeated Kazakhstan 12-0 to take top spot in Group A. Having already been assured a spot in the semi-finals, Pakistan fielded a team of reserves with first choice goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas (#1) and their second highest scorer of the tournament Bashir Muhammad Asad (#11) rested.

Despite putting in their best effort, Kazakhstan were unable to put a goal past their opponents and finished the tournament last in their group.

In the match between Singapore and Chinese Taipei, the home team were constantly troubled by the Chinese Taipei defense in the first half as they were held to a 0-0 draw at half time. Singapore could not find their mark and were unable to find the back of the net whichever way they tried. Despite Chinese Taipei having a higher rate of possession, they too were unable to convert their chances.

An on-pitch talk by coach Solomon Casoojee got the Singapore team firing in the second half. Singapore opened their goal fest in the 36th minute with Muhammad Haseef (#4) scoring the hosts’ first goal via a penalty corner. Singapore’s attack moved into second gear as they started dominating play. Chinese Taipei had a few chances to make their mark but were unable to convert and had to watch Singapore score goal after goal.

Chinese Taipei were left disadvantaged after Wang Yeh-Te (#16) was given a five minute suspension after receiving yellow card at the 39th minute. The team then found themselves another player short after Lin Yi-Lung (#11) was given a two-minute suspension after receiving a green card.

Singapore grabbed this opportunity and scored their second goal via a Penalty Corner from Rahat Abdul Jalil (#8). Nur Ashriq (#6) went on to score the third goal for the team with a field goal in the 54th minute. Within a span of five minutes, Singapore put in an additional two goals to bring the score to 5-0.

Chinese Taipei subsequently got a golden opportunity to make their mark. Wu Tsung Han (Chinese Taipei #13) beat Singapore goalkeeper Mohamad Syamirul (#18) near the post and sent the ball to teammate Wang Yeh-Te (#7) in front of an open goal. However, Wang squandered the chance as his attempt went awry.

With less than four minutes left, Singapore could have brought the score to 7-0. Silas Abdul Razak (Singapore #9) was on the receiving end of a pass and with Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Hsu Min-Kai (#1) caught out of position, Silas saw his shot deflect off Chuang Shih-Wu’s (Chinese Taipei #10) stick. A waiting Muhammad Al’fien (Singapore #5) was unable to pounce on the loose ball in time and the attack was subsequently cleared by Hsu (Chinese Taipei #1).

As the clock ticked down, Singapore managed to convert their attack with Silas Abdul Razak (Singapore #9) sending the ball into the Chinese Taipei goal right as the buzzer sounded. However, the goal was disallowed by referee Waqas Butt as it was deemed that the ball entered after the buzzer had sounded.

With his two goals against Chinese Taipei, Nur Ashriq Ferdaus Zul’kepli (Singapore #6) is now the tournament’s third highest scorer with his total tally at nine goals. Teammates Muhammad Haseef Salim (#4) and Rahmat Abdul Jalil (#8) are in joint-fifth place with six goals each.

Singapore will play Malaysia at 5.30pm on Saturday in one semi-final. The other semi-final will see Chinese Taipei take on China on Pitch 2 at 3.30pm.

Final Score
Singapore 6 Chinese Taipei 0

Muhammad Haseef (Singapore #4) – 36′, 59′
Rahmat Abdul Jalil (Singapore #8) – 42′
Nur Ashriq Ferdaus Zul’kepli (Singapore #6) – 54′, 69′
Silas Abdul Razak (Singapore #9) – 56′

For more photos, go to the next page.