SEA Games: Singapore players say lack of focus, wasted chances cost them against Myanmar
REPORTING FROM KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
Lapses in concentration and failing to put away their chances were the factors that allowed Myanmar a 2-0 win on Monday (14 August) night, said the Singapore U-22 footballers competing at the SEA Games 2017.
Two goals from striker Aung Thu in either half of the match consigned Singapore to the defeat at the Selayang Stadium.
Singapore had managed to keep the Myanmar team at bay until late in the first half, when they conceded the first goal. Singapore dominated early in the second, but failed to make full use of the chances they created – with Myanmar eventually scoring again to secure the points.
Young Lions coach Richard Tardy told the media after the game that although he was “not happy” with the results, he was “a little proud” of his charges for the effort they showed throughout the match.
Missed opportunities
Things could have turned out differently had Singapore seized the opportunities that came their way, or maintained their focus.
Tardy said the goals were a result of the mistakes the Singapore team made, and defender Amirul Adli admitted that it was due to a “lack of concentration” by the defenders.
“It happened too fast due to the quick pace of the Myanmar players,” Amirul said.
“I would say that if we were to put in more concentration, we can deal with the goals that we conceded,” he added.
“That’s just football. In a slight moment, anything can happen if you don’t focus. Overall, I would say 95 per cent of the time we were really alert… we gave our best but unfortunately, that’s football.”
Striker Ikhsan Fandi, who himself had four chances in a eight-minute period early in the second half yet failed to score, admitted that they have to do more in the attacking end.
“We had so many chances in the second half. I think we dominated that half. We didn’t deserve this (the defeat)… we missed a lot of our chances; I missed a lot of chances,” said Ikhsan.
“We need to learn to finish our chances. Definitely we will try to do more finishing, set-pieces, more attacking plays (in training before facing Malaysia).”
Tough challenge ahead
With the loss, Singapore are staring at elimination. A second defeat on Wednesday against Malaysia will certainly end all hopes of qualification.
Tardy, who has been downplaying expectations for the team since before the SEA Games began, said, “The game against Malaysia will be tough but important for us if we want to have a chance to reach the next round.
“The target was to get at least two points from the first two games, now it will be difficult, but I know playing Malaysia will be exciting for my young team.
“I hope they learn from their mistakes, and I’m sure next time it will be better.”
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