【Match Report】Goals Galore in Special Night - 2022 SPL MD10
In a night when the Albirex Cheerleading girls returned to the stadium pitch for the pre-match performance, while Main Sponsor Denka held a special ceremony to kick-off the match, the White Swans romped to an 8-2 victory against the Geylang Eagles.
There were many good performances such as top striker Kodai Tanaka's hattrick, playmaker Kan Kobayashi's 2 goals, right back Masaya Idetsu's 4 assists and Singaporean winger Zamani's 1 assist and 1 goal.
However, the biggest cheer for the night was given to Singapore National Striker, Ilhan Fandi, who made his long awaited debut tonight.
Leading 3-1 at half time from 2 goals by Kodai Tanaka and one by Zamani, the Eagles got a goal back when Koga's weak punch from a corner landed on Geylang's striker Sime Zuzul's feet. Zuzul swept the ball into the top corner to make the score 3-2.
Sensing that the momentum may be shifting to the Eagle's favour, Albirex Head Coach, Yoshinaga, signalled to Ilhan to get ready to come on. And what a debut it was.
Almost immediately, the tide was turned. Ilhan's first attempt at goal hit the upright. However, the White Swans attack sensed blood and started waves of attack with Ilhan as their new focal point.
In a 22 minute spell, the White Swans scored 5 goals and Ilhan was involved in at least 3 goals.
In the 64th minute, Ilhan received the ball in the middle of the park and with one touch, released Idetsu who was charging down the right wing. Idetsu's cross found Sugita unmarked at the left post who made the score 4-2.
7 minutes later, GK Koga's long ball found Ilhan who brought the ball into the penalty box. Ilhan showed strength to hold the ball such that Geylang's centre back and ex White Swan Rio Sakuma had to resort to rough tactics to bring him down. As the referee played advantage instead of a penalty, Tanaka picked up the loose ball and smashed it home to bring the lead to 6-2.
In the 85th minute, another counter attack saw Ilhan receiving the ball from the excellent Idetsu. Ilhan took a couple of touches to control the ball and sent Zaiful the wrong way to make the score 8-2.
The 3 goals showcase Ilhan's vision, strength and composure respectively. It took 5 months for Ilhan to make his debut for the White Swans due to National Service and injury. However, the ferocious crowd realised that the White Swans now have a precious weapon in hand when they cheered his every move.
For the record, Kan Kobayashi scored the 5th and 7th goal for the White Swans.
The season will now take a 3 weeks break for international tournament. The White Swans will host Hougang Utd on 19 Jun (Sunday) at Jurong East Stadium. Kickoff is at 5.30pm.
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