By Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports
Benjamin Ong (left, #22) of Victoria Junior College and Kang Seong Soo (#19) of Anglo-Chinese Junior College challenge for the ball. Ong scored the game-winning goal to secure a semi-final berth for VJC. (Photo 1 © Lim Yong Teck/Red Sports)
Victoria Junior College, Friday, May 15, 2015 — With a semi-final place at stake, Benjamin Ong (#22) stepped up for Victoria Junior College (VJC) and headed home their most important goal of the season, earning them a spot in the semi-final of the National A Division Football Championship.
For Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), the goal was a brutal one. Needing only a draw, the 0–1 loss to VJC led to a three-way tie between them, VJC and St. Andrew’s Junior College. Despite enjoying a stellar season and remaining undefeated prior to the game, ACJC had to bow out of the championship due to an inferior goal difference. SAJC and VJC qualify for the semi-finals as the top two in the group.
“It’s very cruel to be knocked out like this, but it’s all part of the game,” said ACJC coach Ong Jin Yi.
“We played to win, but today, the boys appeared mentally tired, probably due to the fact that many games had been postponed this season because of the poor weather.” ACJC have had five postponed games throughout their season due to lightning risks.
Despite the loss, Ong was positive and was all praises for the ACJC boys.
“I’m honoured and privileged to have coached them. In ACJC, we don’t look at the results, but on character development. Most of the boys have really grown as individuals and they will learn from this defeat.”
Both teams went back-and-forth in the opening half, as neither could break past the other for the lead.
Late in the first half, ACJC had an opportunity to take the lead through a point blank attempt by Boris Wee (#7), but it was deflected off the crossbar. Kang Seong Soo (#19) followed up on the rebound with a volley from the top of the penalty box, but it was saved by VJC custodian Ibrahim Yasin (#18).
In the second half, anchored by midfielder Chaichote Panasampon (#5), VJC played with a renewed aggression and forced ACJC to go on the defensive.
VJC kept the ball in ACJC’s half for most of the time, taking advantage of ACJC’s miscommunication on offence. ACJC could not string their passes together, and could only resort to clearing the ball each time VJC threatened the goal.
In the 62nd minute, VJC were rewarded for their efforts when Ong (#22) headed in the corner kick by Hasif Hakim (#7) for the 1–0 lead.
ACJC mounted a furious rally to secure the equaliser. Kang (#19) managed to penetrate VJC’s defence to score, but unfortunately for ACJC, he was ruled offside.
In the dying minutes of the game, Tan Kay Shin (#18) managed to find an opening for an attempt, but it was saved by VJC’s Ibrahim Yasin (#18). However, Yasin fumbled the ball, allowing Wee (#7) a prime opportunity for the equalizer at point blank. Much to ACJC’s chagrin, Wee’s (#7) volley went over the bar, and VJC sealed the victory.
“We have the VJC spirit in us; we told ourselves that no matter what happens during the game, we will not give up,” said Chaichote Panasampon (#5).
The VJC captain added, “We gave everything we had and everyone on the team contributed. Even though we had the disadvantage in the first half, we kept going and believed in our abilities, and eventually, and fortunately, it paid off.”
“They are my heroes. They are my heroes,” said VJC teacher-in-charge Lim Wei Quan.
He added, “It has been an uphill task, because ACJC is no easy team to play against, so we had to make sure we did our best and find a way against a very well-organized and strong side like them.
“For the boys (VJC) not to be daunted by this, they are my heroes. The coach can do so much, and ultimately, it’s the boys who will go out onto the pitch, stick to the game plan and achieve the result.”
Score by Half
ACJC vs VJC
1st half: 0–0
2nd half: 0–1 (0–1)
Scorers
VJC
Ong Kai-En Benjamin (#22) – 1 goal
ACJC Roster
Ethan Koh (#1), Oon Jin Kuan (#2), Amos Teo Yao Ming (#3), Caleb Cheong Tjuin-Jie (#4), Lionel Retnam (#5), Justinian Matthew Macpherson (#6), Boris Ratu Wee (#7), Andre Wang En Jie (#8), Douglas Yeo Zhi Xiang (#9), Yap Chin Kai, Duncan (#10), Cher Wei Jie (#11), Wong Wei Kang (#13), Tan Yang Hong (#14), Devon Pei Yi Gammon (#15), Muhammad Nur Arsyad (#17), Tan Kay Shin (#18), Kang Seong Soo (#19), Sim Chai Hu Leon (#20), Loy Hui Jing (#22), Quek Yue Jun (#24)
VJC Roster
Ryan Tan Ye Kai (#1), Joshua Tan Jyn-Kit (#2), Fong Yew Sheng (#3), Muhammad Sollehin B Muhd F B G (#4), Chaichote Panasampon (#5), Ahmad Taufiq B Rohaimi (#6), Mohamed Hasif B Abdul Hakim (#7), Sheffield Lok Yu Chen (#8), Teo Jian Kiat (#9), Quek Yong Lin Sherman (#11), Muhammad B Haa-meed (#12), Ryan Shane Chen (#13), Jeff Teo Jiunn (#14), Foong Kah Meng Scott (#16), Tham Yeow Wai (#17), Mohammed Ibrahim B Yasin (#18), Kheshin Cheong Rui Pin (#19), Cai Jiachen (#20), Ong Kai-En Benjamin (#22), Chia Han Xuan, Shaun (#25)
National A Division Football Championship — fixtures and results
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