All the ball, but none of the bite.
Singapore’s Under-16 boys opened their 2025 Lion City Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to the Philippines at Jalan Besar Stadium on 9 July and fans have taken to social media to express their feelings at the result, a day after the girls lost 9-0 to Korea Republic.
Singapore U-16 coach Ashraf Ariffin admitted his boys had control but lacked the calm to finish the job.
“It’s not just the poor finishing. I think the composure in front of goal could be better, while our transition, organisation in defence (could be better).” he told The Straits Times.
Singapore came out strong, with forward Lukyan Tan testing Philippines goalkeeper Reign Lewis Deomampo in the sixth minute.
The hosts created numerous chances, but the breakthrough never came.
Instead, it was the Philippines who struck first in the 64th minute.
Substitute Joshua Gabriel Moleje beat the offside trap and calmly chipped the ball over the stranded goalkeeper Ilhan Rezal.
Ashraf responded by introducing forwards Darius Lai, but the substitute fired wide when it mattered.
And with five minutes left, the Philippines sealed the win, midfielder Lawrence Binalong breaking free on the counter to score the second.
Two shots on target, two goals.
A masterclass in efficiency.
“It was lucky for us to get two beautiful goals from counter-attacks. For us Filipinos, we just have that fighting spirit to really work hard.” said Joshua, who was named Player of the Match.
The young lions roared in possession, but couldn’t find their bite in front of the goal.
The loss and the way it happened, sparked a wave of reactions online after TMSG posted the result on socials.
The Cubs will play against Cambodia on 11 July next.
MAIN PHOTO: FAS