AFF Suzuki Cup: Who were Singapore’s best players against Myanmar?

Hariss Harun (#14) of Singapore challenges Kyaw Ko Ko (#10) of Myanmar for the ball. (Photo © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)

National Stadium, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — Singapore beat Myanmar 4–2 in their Group B match of the ASEAN Football Championship (AFF Suzuki Cup).

Who were Singapore’s best players?

Hassan Sunny: The 2014 S.League Player of the Year has conceded three goals in the tournament so far. He made a couple of good saves in the second half when Myanmar were on the ascendency and threatened to draw level. But, while the two goals on the night were not directly his fault, his defence’s woes are also his and he needs to share some of the blame. He needs to marshal the defence ahead of him better. (6.5/10)

Shaiful Esah: The left back’s quality with deliveries and set-pieces from his left foot is without doubt, and, when he is on song, it shows in games like tonight. He netted the first goal direct from a free kick, assisted in the third with the corner that led to Hariss’ volley, and forced the fourth with the free kick that Myanmar captain Khin Maung Lwin headed into his own goal.

His defending, as shown in the first match against Thailand when he allowed Thai striker Mongkol Thosakrai to nip in behind him to score the opening goal, still leaves much to be desired but this was not a match to berate him for that. (7.5/10)

Baihakki Khaizan: Eight minutes into the match, he picked up his second yellow card for the tournament that will leave him suspended for the crunch tie against Malaysia on Saturday.

He was culpable for both goals Singapore conceded in the second half. For the first, he unwittingly became the pivot for Kyaw Zayar Win and Min Min Thu’s one-two. His positional sense was exposed by his opponents, and not for the first time. In the first match against Thailand, a throw-in over Baihakki allowed Prakit Deeprom to get to the byline down the left flank to provide the cross for the first goal.

For the second goal, he timed his step up to draw tighter to Kyaw Ko Ko wrongly. He realised it, then checked his run, but it was too late as the ball was already on its way over him with Ko Ko through on goal. It forced defensive partner Safuwan to bundle Ko Ko over for a penalty. (6/10)

Safuwan Baharudin: He has shown more composure than his partner but needs to help stem the flow of goals. (6.5/10)

Ismadi Mukhtar: Showed composure on the ball, defensive tenacity, and good speed going up and down the flanks in the first 37 minutes of the game before he had to be substituted by Al Qaasimy Rahman due to a groin concern. He could have potentially gotten a higher score if he had lasted the duration of the match. (6.5/10)

Faris Ramli: His speed and trickery are well-known and he showed glimpses of them again in this match. He was unafraid to take on opponents on the dribble but has yet to develop composure to deliver the final product.

He dribbled across the box from left to right in the 17th minute before firing a weak shot towards the bottom left corner that was saved easily by the goalkeeper.

He also had a blocked shot in the 31st minute after good work by Khairul Amri to feed him via a cross.

He contributed an assist in this game after his cross was headed away for Hariss to score his first and Singapore’s second goal in the game. (7/10)

Shahdan Sulaiman: He suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle that left teammates unsettled and had coach Bernd Stange surmising that he would not play again this year. All his teammates could think about after the game was him. To rate him after such an injury would be cruel. (No rating)

Hariss Harun: Easily the Man-of-the-Match. Even coach Bernd Stange described him as the “best man on the pitch”. He was a commanding presence in midfield, making tackles to win possession and kept possession well, distributing passes intelligently. Two rare goals to his game are a welcome addition. His most influential position is in midfield and, hopefully, that is where he stays. (8/10)

Shahril Ishak: Played in an advanced position just behind Khairul Amri, Shahril worked diligently and intelligently to link the lines. With Myanmar pressing in Singapore’s half for substantial portions of the match, it was inevitable Shahril found himself on the fringes of the game. But, when he did get himself into it, he showed good play. With two goals from the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, he must be eager to open his account in this edition. (7/10)

Sahil Suhaimi: Playing down the opposite flank from Faris, Sahil did not make much of an impression. In the 33rd minute, after being teed up by Khairul Amri on the edge of the box, Sahil scuffed his shot wide and high into the stands.

However, he did well to control Hassan Sunny’s kick towards the right flank in the second half, then dribbling it past his marker, Myanmar captain Khin Maung Lwin, before being brought down for the free kick which led to Shaiful Esah scoring the fourth goal for Singapore. (6.5/10)

Khairul Amri: After opening his account against Thailand, he must be disappointed to draw a blank against Myanmar. He had a few chances in this game. He also fashioned a few chances for his teammates and linked up well, especially with Faris, Shahril, and Sahil, to bring them into play with good holding of the ball in the final third.

He is unpredictable (which is also part of his threat) and could refine his decision-making. In the 57th minute, in a three-on-three situation, Khairul broke down the left flank with Faris and Shahril bursting forward in support. Khairul chose to shoot from distance and a difficult angle instead of passing the ball. (7/10)

Substitutes

Zulfahmi Arifin: Gained some valuable minutes again versus Myanmar as a substitute. He has a cultured left foot but did not show much of his passing range nor shooting from central midfield alongside Hariss. (6.5/10)

Al Qaasimy Rahman: The 22-year-old was unexpectedly called into action for his first taste of Suzuki Cup football after Ismadi Mukhtar was taken off for a groin concern. He can be proud of a performance that showed aggression and speed in the right back position. Was relatively untroubled. (6.5/10)

Fazrul Nawaz: Did not see much action in about 15 minutes of play. (No rating)

What say you all?

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