July 31, 2004

Asian Schools Football Championships

23 July – 1 August 2004

Hong Kong

Singapore U18 exited the Asian Schools Championships after a 3-1 penalty shootout loss to Thailand in the semi-finals

The Cubs topscorer in the tournament Zulkifli Hassim netted his fourth goal of the Championships as the two teams drew 2-2 in 90 minutes, with midfielder Zulfadli Zainal scoring Singapore other goal.

With no winner the match went to penalty kick to decide the winner &  it was Thailand who held their nerve in the shootout, triumphing 4-1 to progress to the final against South Korea while Singapore play China for the third/fourth placing

All-Star treat for dedicated S-League followers at Jalan Besar

 

Kelme East-West

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Challenge Cup East 5 West 2

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stanley ho

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[email protected]

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THERE was only one winner at the Kelme East-West Challenge Cup last night. It was not the victorious East team, who stormed to a 5-2 win, nor the determined West team, who fought gallantly until the final whistle.

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The winners last night were the 3,400 S-League fans who produced a cacophony of cheering and singing. They danced the night away at Jalan Besar Stadium, an evening made all the more memorable by the inaugural Singapore Fireworks Festival 2004 at nearby Marina Bay, which decorated the night sky above the stadium.

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Not that the fans were distracted by the pyrotechnics, with S-League stars shining on the pitch.

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The match was a telling riposte to S-League sceptics, suggesting that Singapore's only professional sporting league is still alive and very much kicking.

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With prize money of $12,500 for the winners at stake, the football on show was anything but friendly.

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Never mind that the season is entering a critical phase — with no less than five teams still in the hunt for the S-League title — the players gave their all in a pulsating game that was just reward for the S-League faithful, who sportingly tolerated a persistent drizzle.

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Just eight minutes into the game, the West team were awarded a penalty after Balestier Khalsa striker Yusri Waris was brought down in the box. Woodlands Wellington midfielder John Wilkinson stepped up and deceived East goalkeeper Chen Si with a cheeky lob that delighted the West fans.

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The goal jolted the East team into action and an avalanche of goals followed.

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A free-kick by Geylang United's Stewart Petrie in the 19th minute levelled the score for the East team, before Young Lions defender Vladan Seric planted a firm header into the net at the stroke of half-time to give East the lead.

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In the 52nd minute, Seric found himself on the score sheet again. This time, the giant centre-half volleyed home an Imran Sahib corner with a flying scissors kick, a spectacular effort that earned him the Man of the Match award.

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"It was great to score, although I didn't expect to score twice," said a delighted Seric. "My second was special and I dedicate it to all the fans who turned up to support us."

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Two goals from Young Lions' Jamil Ali and Sinchi Golden Throat's Zhou Yi wrapped up the victory. But the West could at least cheer an 81st minute effort from Ryuji Sueoka, to ensure that it was a memorable night for all concerned.

Singapore's fixtures
25 July (Sun): Singapore 5-0 Vietnam, Shing Mun Valley, 6pm
26 July (Mon): Singapore 5-0 Brunei, Shing Mun Valley, 6pm
27 July (Tue): Singapore 1-6 Korea, Shing Mun Valley, 6pm
29 July (Thu): Singapore 1-0 Hong Kong, Siu Sia Wan, 6pm – quarter-final 
30 July (Fri): Singapore (1)2-2(4) Thailand, Tsing Yi, 4pm – semi-final