Singapore Cup • May 31, 2014

Lee Wants Players To Keep Grounded

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Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Home United romped to an easy 5-0 win over Cambodian outfit NagaCorp FC to qualify for the quarter-finals of the RHB Singapore Cup, in a game which saw five different players get their names on the scoresheet.

Indra Sahdan, Lee Kwan Woo and Fazrul Nawaz scored for the Protectors to give the Protectors a three-goal lead going into the break and substitutes Ahmed Fahmie and Fazli Ayob struck in the closing stages to seal victory.

Speaking after the match, Home coach Lee Lim Saeng said: “I was happy to see the players’ performance as we created many chances and tried to press on the ball after losing it.”

“I want to congratulate my players and give thanks to them.”

The former South Korean international also reserved praise for his fringe players whom he felt played well but wanted them to keep their feet on the ground and not get too carried away.

“I had intended to take out Fazrul and Lee Kwan Woo to prepare for our next match against Brunei DPMM. I also wanted to give a chance to young players like Fazli, Zulkifli Suzliman and Fahmie as we were leading the game,” he explained.

“I was impressed with the performance from these young players, but I want them to be humble because they still have a lot to learn. I also want them to become better players in the future.”

NagaCorp coach Sovannara Prak meanwhile, was gracious in defeat while admitting Home were the better team.

“For us, it was very hard to play the champions from last year as they are very strong especially in terms of possession play,” he pointed out.

“When Home United scored the first two goals, we tried to come back by putting more pressure on them but it didn’t really work out because they have good individual players. They can hold and keep the ball longer.

“I think their team spirit was very good, the quality of the individuals, even one on one situation it was no problem for them so that’s the main point. Overall, it was good experience for us participating in the Singapore Cup.”