By reader Ng HL
The Hong Kah C Division football team celebrate their 2–1 win over Singapore Sports School. (Photo courtesy of KZA)
Temasek Polytechnic Sports Complex, Tuesday, August 13, 2013 – Defending champions Hong Kah Secondary defeated Singapore Sports School 2–1 to reach the final of the 2013 National C Division Boys’ Football Championship.
It was Hong Kah’s first win over Sports School in five attempts since 2005.
The first half was evenly contested with both teams tactically disciplined, taking turns to keep possession of the ball without much penetration.
The first half seemed destined to be a goalless draw when Hong Kah’s Danial Putra felled Sports School’s striker casually in the penalty box with one minute left on the clock. It was an opportunity that Singapore Sports School gladly converted to take a slender 1–0 lead. (Editor’s note: Do you know the name of the goalscorer for Sports School? Please share in the comments section and we’ll update the post. Thanks.)
With their back against the wall, Hong Kah regrouped in the second half. From the start of the second half whistle, Hong Kah’s relentless efforts were rewarded seven minutes into the half when Nuri Irfan finished Louis Joel’s headed knock down with a superb half volley. It was beautiful goal which started from a harmless free kick from the edge of the Sports School penalty box by Hong Kah’s dead ball specialist Zuhailee.
The equaliser sparked life into the second half and Hong Kah seized the momentum to create waves of attacking opportunities. Hong Kah’s attacking moves were denied by a resolute Sports School defence. Hong Kah’s substitute Muhammad Al-fian was having the game of his life on the right flank and gave the Sports School defence a torrid time.
With two minutes left on the clock, Hong Kah’s Al-fian sent a teasing cross into the Sports School’s penalty box for his unmarked teammate Rezza Rezky. Rezza was immediately hacked down by two desperate Sports School defenders. The referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot.
With the clock ticking down, Rezza kept his nerve and dispatched the penalty coolly to send the Hong Kah bench into a frenzy. The final whistle that arrived shortly confirmed Hong Kah’s qualification for the C Boys national final, much to the delight of their supporters.
Hong Kah will defend its National title against neighbours and arch-rivals Jurongville Secondary on August 20, at Temasek Polytechnic.
Hong Kah Lineup
Hifzhil, Indra Moraga, Danial Putra, Nuri Irfan, Nabil Iman, Syazwan (Al-fian), Is Hazwan (Hidayatul Firdaus), Fauwaz, Zuhailee, Rezza Rezky Ramadhani, Louis Joel Chng, (Danial Hakim)
Singapore Sports School Lineup
Editor’s note: If you know the names of the players, please feel free to share in the comments section and we’ll update the post. Thanks.
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