October 20, 2004

AFC Cup 2004 Semi-finals – First Leg

The Eagles took a giant step towards the AFC Cup Final with a creditable 1-1 draw in Damascus, Syria against Al Wahda.

Muhammad Jaafar late strike cancelled out Aleksander Duric’s opener for the Eagles although the Singapore side’s away goal could prove vital for the return match at the Bedok Stadium.

In front of 23000 supporters, the home side dominated proceedings but Eagles goalkeeper Shahril Jantan was in inspired form as he denied the Al Wahda strike-force of Iyad Mandou & Moussa Traore time & time again. In the first half, both Traore & Mandou had strikes superbly stopped by Shahril who was in unbeatable form. In the second half, it was the turn of the woodwork to denied efforts by Nabil Al Shohmoh & Mandou.

With the good fortune, the Eagles rode their luck & broke the deadlock when a superb through ball by Singapore international defender Noh Rahman released Duric who got past a defender & Al Azwar before putting the ball into the net to stun the crowd of 23,000 into silence.

With the goal & Shahril Jantan looking unbeatable with him shutting out the Syria attack, the Singapore side looked to have secured an unlikely win but Al Wahda coach Ninad Stavric threw in all his cards as he urged his side forward in the closing minutes.

To the relief of the home crowd, they grabbed the equaliser with just 5 minutes remaining as Mohammed Jaafar headed home a cross from fellow substitute Walid Al Sherif  just seconds after coming on to the pitch.