National Teams – Age-group ● Mar 25, 2023
U22s suffer narrow defeat to Hong Kong
Jordan Emaviwe against Hong Kong, 24 March 2023
SINGAPORE, 24 MARCH 2023 – The Singapore Under-22 team opened their Merlion Cup 2023 campaign with a narrow 1-0 loss to Hong Kong.
The team dominated proceedings and had at least six chances to score, but lacked the ruthless edge to see off their opponents.
Although Hong Kong had much of the possession in the first half, it was Singapore who came closest to scoring – twice.
Right back Andrew Aw’s pinpoint cross found forward Abdul Rasaq, who expertly diverted the ball away from two Hong Kong defenders before unleashing a shot on the swivel. Although his shot was goal bound, it deflected off another Hong Kong defender for a corner kick.
Rasaq had another opportunity minutes later. Latching on to Harhys Stewart’s defence splitting pass, he did well to turn his marker only to see his shot saved by Ng Wai Him before Jordan Emaviwe volleyed the rebound narrowly wide.
Abdul Rasaq reacts to a missed chance, 24 March 2023
Despite the chances, Singapore fell behind in the 40th minute. A mix up between goalkeeper Aizil Yazid and defender Ryaan Sanizal saw both players challenging for the same ball, preventing the latter from effectively clearing it. The ball fell to a Hong Kong player whose shot hit the post, but the rebound fell kindly to Ichikawa Sohgo who calmly scored the opening goal.
Singapore piled on the pressure in the second half in search of an equaliser and Rasaq came close for the third time. The lively Amir Syafiz found space on the right flank and his low cross found Rasaq, but his effort struck the post to the dismay of his teammates and the fans.
Rasaq’s resilience then created a goalscoring opportunity for substitute Syahadat Masnawi. Pressing a Hong Kong defender, Rasaq won the ball and found Syahadat in space. The forward held off three defenders, but lacked the composure to keep his shot on target.
Singapore’s best chance to equalise came right at the death, but Syahadat’s goal bound effort was cleared off the line by a Hong Kong defender.
Syahadat Masnawi’s effort in stoppage time is cleared off the line, 24 March 2023
Head Coach Philippe Aw said after the match: “Goals win games. We created enough chances to score but unfortunately we didn’t take them.
“The boys put in a good performance. They pressed well, created opportunities and fighting spirit. Apart from scoring, I have no complaints.”
The Under-22s will take on Cambodia on Sunday at 5pm.
Singapore U22: Aizil Yazid (GK), Kieran Teo, Ryaan Sanizal (Bill Mamadou 69′), Adam Reefdy, Andrew Aw (Fairuz Fazli 78′), Jared Gallagher (Elijah Lim 69′), Harhys Stewart, Amir Syafiz, Nicky Singh (Syahadat Masnawi 59′), Jordan Emaviwe, Abdul Rasaq (Iman Hakim 78′).
Unused subs: Danial Iliya (GK), Wayne Chew (GK), Aqil Yazid, Ilhan Noor, Danial Crichton, Ajay Robson, Fathullah Rahmat.
