Daniel Bennett makes the difference in defence for Singapore

Story by Koh Yizhe. Pictures by Vanessa Lim, Lai Jun Wei, Marvin Tang.

Daniel Bennett played in the centre of defence in Singapore’s 2-1 win over Jordan last night and that was a major reason why the Lions’ Asian Cup football qualifying campaign is back on track.

Bennett replaced Precious Emuejeraye who has had a difficult time in the central defensive position. Precious’ lack of mobility was cruelly exposed by the Vietnamese in the 0-1 semi-final loss that knocked defending champions Singapore get knocked out of the ASEAN Football Championship (Suzuki Cup).

Bennett’s performance last night against Jordan was of a man-of-the-match vintage.

In the first half, he put his body on the line to block a Jordanian shot which was heading for goal. He was also there to bail out Shaiful Esah whenever the Jordanian wingers managed to break through.

His ability to keep up with the speedy Jordanian players was something that stood out, given how Precious is not as mobile.

Bennett capped the night off by providing the incisive through pass for Noh Alam Shah to score Singapore’s second goal.

Near the end of the game, Bennett also made a crucial block when he threw himself at the feet of Jordanian danger man Shelbaieh (#9) who was about to shoot. The result was Bennett lying on the floor for a few minutes in pain.

Bennett plays central defence for S.League club Singapore Armed Forces FC and with this performance, coach Avramovic will surely want him to continue playing there.

In goal, Hassan Sunny replaced Lionel Lewis, who was out with a neck injury. Sunny had a decent game, with a standout save in the 67th minute. Jordanian midfielder Baha (#4) got past three defenders only to find his powerful shot block by Sunny.

Although looking a little nervous at times, his vision and accurate goal kicks to pick out open strikers on a few occasions stood out.

At right back, captain Noh Rahman turned in an average performance and once again gave away a penalty, although it was arguably a dubious call. Noh Rahman also conceded the last penalty in last year’s 2-2 draw with Vietnam just before the Suzuki Cup.

One of the big talking points before the match was the choice of Shaiful Esah at left back, giving him his first international start. With Bennett moving into the middle from his usual left back position for Singapore, it was a chance for Shaiful to show what he was made of.

For the most part, he was able to step up his game but he showed some nerves and was easily turned by his Jordanian opponents on a few occasions.

He also almost scored from a free kick, but he flashed it wide.

Said coach Raddy Avramovic at the post-match conference," Shaiful Esah can do more, but it is his first game, so it is understandable." © Red Sports