MANAMA, BAHRAIN, 6 AUGUST 2014: The Singapore team that is vying for selection for next month’s Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, defeated their Bahrain counterparts 3-2 in a friendly at the Al-Ahli Stadium in Manama, Bahrain, on Tuesday night (early Wednesday morning, Singapore time).

Striker Sahil Suhaimi, who plays for the Courts Young Lions in the S.League, was the key figure in the match, scoring twice to lead the team to victory.

However, it was Bahrain who took the lead in the third minute through a penalty. But Singapore equalised 11 minutes later when goalkeeper Hassan Sunny’s long kick dropped to the sprinting Sahil who proceeded to lob the ball over the Bahrain goalkeeper into the net.

Singapore received a boost on the stroke of half time when the Bahrain goalie fumbled with Shahfiq Ghani’s inswinging corner kick and conceded a goal to give the Republic a 2-1 lead.

Bahrain were reduced to 10 men in the 52^nd minute when one of their players was sent off. Shahfiq and Sahil then connected to make it 3-1 in the 61^st minute when the former sent Sahil through to slot the ball past the goalkeeper. Bahrain pulled a goal back but Singapore held on for the precious win.

This result will be compiled along with the match results obtained by the Under-23 National Team this year, as part of our submission to the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) for a place in the Team Singapore contingent that will be competing in the  Asian Games.

National Teams Head Coach Bernd Stange praised his players for their determination to get a good result.

“This was an important game and win for the team. The players were committed to show that they deserved to be nominated to the Asian Games. It has always been difficult for Singapore to get a result in the Middle East, and it was a difficult task against a team that is ranked 14th in Asia. We had to bring everything out on the field and the players delivered,” said the German who helmed the team in Manama.

“It was a hard and tough game. The result shows that we have the youngsters with potential to get results but they need more international experience to grow.

“We need to continue to put our efforts and concentration on our young players to move forward.”

Singapore’s First XI:

Hassan Sunny, Al Qaasimy Rahman, Baihakki Khaizan, Afiq Yunos, Shakir Hamzah, Safuwan Baharudin, Zulfahmi Arifin, Shahfiq Ghani, Iqbal Hussain, Adam Swandi, Sahil Suhaimi

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