By Zaher Wahab
Khairul Amri (red) scored the only goal for Singapore in their 1–0 win over the Laos U-23 team in a friendly. (Photo © Muhammad Yusuf/FAS. Used with permission)
Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, October 10, 2013 – Singapore the reigning AFF Suzuki Cup holders, laboured to a 1-0 win over the Laos under-23 team in a friendly match.
With the game delayed by over an hour due to inclement weather, the Lions started strong and scored early, courtesy of Khairul Amri (#19) in the 2nd minute of play. However, the Lions fired blanks after that.
The Lions kept trying but came up against a resolute Laotian defence. Some great saves from Laotian goalkeeper Seng-athit Somvang (#18) ensured that the match remained at 1-0 till the final whistle.
“We had a good combination of young and experienced players sharing the pitch tonight. We achieved what we wanted so there is nothing to criticise about the outcome,” said a terse Bernd Stange at the post match press conference.
True to his promise to develop young talent, Stange handed Adam Swandi, 17, his first start for Singapore. Adam had a relatively quiet outing and was substituted midway through the second half.
It was a night of missed chances and poor finishing for Singapore. However, defender Safuwan Baharudin, defended his teammates strongly.
“This game is a guide of how we will play against Syria. I think a lot of the players were tired after the Lions XII and S.League games but they played their best.”
This win ends a recent three-match losing streak for the national team. Coach Stange will have the weekend to tweak his squad and fire them up before they take on Syria on Tuesday, October 15, at the Jalan Besar Stadium, in the qualifying round of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
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