Sunday, July 10th, 2011
1930hrs, Choa Chu Kang Stadium
SAF FC 0 : 1 Hougang United
Carlos Delgado (25')
Match Attendance: 1419
SAF FC were stunned by a shock defeat against Hougang United FC on Sunday evening at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium. The title contenders were trailing on the 25th min when they were rocked by a Carlos Delgado set piece that gave the Cheetahs the all rare 3 points.
Hougang United came to this clash in hopes of erasing their 5-1 lost to the White Swans 3 days before in which Coach Aide Iskandar described as an "unacceptable performance" and "a wake up call" for the team.
And erased they did.
And erased they did.
The home side came on strong on the start and began business with a few shots on goal early in the first 15 minutes.
Warriors were awarded a free kick 25 yards from the goal mouth and Ivan Jerkovic launched his free kick only to have Fadhil Sahlim palm the ball for the corner, however, the corner didn't bare much success.
Warriors were awarded a free kick 25 yards from the goal mouth and Ivan Jerkovic launched his free kick only to have Fadhil Sahlim palm the ball for the corner, however, the corner didn't bare much success.
Couple of minutes later, Hougang United had it's turn on the set pieces and Argentine midfielder Carlos Delgado eagerly stepped up to the freekick, but his tame shot only found the save hands of SAF custodian Shahril Jantan.
20 minutes on, Hougang United were denied a penalty of what seemed to be a foul on Jordan Webb. The Canadian received a through ball from Mamadou Diallo and was sent tumbling in the box after a strong tackle from one of the SAF defenders. The referee, however, saw nothing of it and allowed play to continue.
20 minutes on, Hougang United were denied a penalty of what seemed to be a foul on Jordan Webb. The Canadian received a through ball from Mamadou Diallo and was sent tumbling in the box after a strong tackle from one of the SAF defenders. The referee, however, saw nothing of it and allowed play to continue.
From there on, the Cheetahs stepped up their game. Slowly but surely the SAF soon found themselves overwhelmed in midfield. Attacking midfielder Mamadou Diallo's quick feet caused much of the midfield mayhem and the Guinean's trickery was soon rewarded when he was fouled 30 yards from goal.
Once again, Carlos Delgado stepped up to the freekick and he sent a swerving shot beating the SAF keeper to land the ball in the top right corner. The 6th goal of the season for the Argentinian.
Half time stayed 1-0 to Hougang United.
On the restart, striker Vitor Borges almost increased the lead to 2-0 when he found himself one on one with Shahril Jantan but the keeper did enough to derail the Brazilian's lop shot.
Half time stayed 1-0 to Hougang United.
The Cheetahs threat on the SAF backline did cause some headache for the Warriors but many a times when Stiker Vitor Borges found himself back to goal and turned to shoot, he was systematically swarmed by hordes of blue shirts.
Jordan Webb's counter attacks from the left channel finally yeld space inwards of goal and on receiving support from left back Isaac Lau, the Canadian winger decide to venture all the way in by himself but his shot only managed to grace past the goal mouth to the oohs and sighs of the Hougang United supporters.
Hougang had a close call when in the dying minutes. SAF sensing the urgency, launched waves after waves of attacks and substitute striker Erwan Gunawan ledge on the ball from the counter to deliver a low shot from 20 yards but Fahdil Salim was equal to task and parried the ball to safety.
Hougang held on the lead til full-time.
Hougang held on the lead til full-time.
This win puts Hougang United in 6th place, and with Woodlands Wellington next on the fixture, this match would prove the be another well deserved morale booster for the clash on Friday.
"We are Hougang United!
Hougang United FC!
We're by far the greatest team!
The S-League has ever seen!"
Hougang United FC!
We're by far the greatest team!
The S-League has ever seen!"
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