【Match Report】White Swans Self-Implodes in Additional Time
The White Swans gave away a potential victory when a series of missed open chances and last minute defensive errors cost them dearly in tonight's match against Tanjong Pagar.
With a chance to close the gap at the top to 3 points vis-a-vis Lion City Sailors,the White Swans took an early lead in the 7th minute through hotshot Ilhan Fandi who scored his 4th goal in 5 games for Albirex.
The White Swans dominated the match and had at least 3 gilt-edged chances which they could have put the result to bed. Left back Daichi Omori missed the goal completely with his left foot when he faced an empty net. Probably his right foot could have come in useful.
Midfielder Kumpei Kakuta also ballooned a shot when he was left open in the box in the first half.
The White Swans continued to dominate in the 2nd half. Kakuta, again, dragged his shot wide of the post when he had an excellent chance to make it 2 nil.
Towards the end of the game, Tanjong Pagar sensing that there might be an opportunity to get something out of the game with the White Swan's profligacy, piled men forward.
In the 90th minute, ex-White Swan Reo Nishiguchi swept in a corner to equalise for Tanjong Pagar.
As the White Swans moved forward to regain the lead, it was Tanjong Pagar's substitute striker Khairul Nizam who pounced on a loose ball and some defensive mix-up between GK Koga and his defenders to send the away crowd into a frenzy.
The White Swans slumped to the floor at the final whistle as they knew that they have no one else but themselves to blame for the loss.
With games coming thick and fast in the coming weeks, the White Swans will have a chance for redemption next week against Balestier on 16 Jul (Saturday) at Jurong East Stadium.
But first they might have to do more shooting practice on the training ground, and improve their accuracy and precision in front of goal.
The next game will come quickly for Albirex as they will meet Balestier Khalsa FC on next Saturday,16 July at Jurong East Stadium. Kickoff is 5.30pm.
With a chance to close the gap at the top to 3 points vis-a-vis Lion City Sailors,the White Swans took an early lead in the 7th minute through hotshot Ilhan Fandi who scored his 4th goal in 5 games for Albirex.
The White Swans dominated the match and had at least 3 gilt-edged chances which they could have put the result to bed. Left back Daichi Omori missed the goal completely with his left foot when he faced an empty net. Probably his right foot could have come in useful.
Midfielder Kumpei Kakuta also ballooned a shot when he was left open in the box in the first half.
The White Swans continued to dominate in the 2nd half. Kakuta, again, dragged his shot wide of the post when he had an excellent chance to make it 2 nil.
Towards the end of the game, Tanjong Pagar sensing that there might be an opportunity to get something out of the game with the White Swan's profligacy, piled men forward.
In the 90th minute, ex-White Swan Reo Nishiguchi swept in a corner to equalise for Tanjong Pagar.
As the White Swans moved forward to regain the lead, it was Tanjong Pagar's substitute striker Khairul Nizam who pounced on a loose ball and some defensive mix-up between GK Koga and his defenders to send the away crowd into a frenzy.
The White Swans slumped to the floor at the final whistle as they knew that they have no one else but themselves to blame for the loss.
With games coming thick and fast in the coming weeks, the White Swans will have a chance for redemption next week against Balestier on 16 Jul (Saturday) at Jurong East Stadium.
But first they might have to do more shooting practice on the training ground, and improve their accuracy and precision in front of goal.
The next game will come quickly for Albirex as they will meet Balestier Khalsa FC on next Saturday,16 July at Jurong East Stadium. Kickoff is 5.30pm.
Detail of the match is here
