Written By: Kenneth Ho
Coming into the match on the back of a morale-boosting 4-1 win over Warriors FC, Home United were expected to triumph over Courts Young Lions on Wednesday evening at Jalan Besar Stadium.
However, buoyed by their own impressive 3-0 win over Hougang United in the last match, Young Lions gave the Protectors a good fight and shared the spoils of the game with them after a 1-1 draw.
Young Lions coach Aide Iskandar was glad his side did not capitulate to their more illustrious opponents, and said that his players ’showed a lot of self-belief and a lot of confidence’.
”Even when they were playing with eleven men, we tried to get the three points,” Aide added.
”Unfortunately we were let down by poor finishing, but I think you know if Sahil Suhaimi (out through suspension) was here we could have nicked at least another goal.”
Aide also brushed off suggestions that Home were poor in the match, and felt that his side had made life difficult for the Protectors.
”To be honest, we didn’t let them play. If you allow them to play… if you give them time and space they will kill us,” he said.
”Even though we managed to close them down, they were still able to come out of tight situations and that is Home United, a quality side.
”But I have to give credit to my boys, they have shown a lot of maturity in this match and that is a good sign.”
After the game, Home coach Lee Lim Saeng professed his affection for Yasir Hanapi after the midfielder produced a sublime goal to equalise for the visitors.
”He saved the team tonight. He really sacrifices for the team, and cover his teammate. He contributed to the goal, he can play in any positions and I love him,” Lee said.
However, Lee expressed his disappointment about the result before struggling to explain what other factors led to the draw.
”We should have a victory tonight because we need to get the three points but it is not easy to play with ten players,” he said initially before words failed him for a while.
He then continued:”I think tonight Young Lions showed that they are good mentally. But you know, I think looking at our performances in the second half, our opponents didn’t make any chance, but we did.”