Undistracted by Sheikh Haikal, the ex-Lions demonstrated plenty of discipline in their attacks with the celebrities' equally disciplined and fit in chasing down every ball. Sheikh Haikal spent most of his time on the field parked conveniently next to David and when he did move, the comedian fully utilised his infamous belly to roll his opponent over. The lonely sight of David Lee between the ex-Lions' goal posts had the celebrities recalling Sheikh Haikal to provide entertainment for the 51-year-old with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. With the ex-Lions gaining possession for most of the second half, Singapore's father of the goal mouth, David Lee, was given little work to do. With the midfield in full force, ex-Lions 41-year-old striker Abbas Saad was able to create more chances in the penalty box and almost put the ball into the back of the net when he headed a beautiful cross just inches wide. Though Man Hon has parted with his well-toned built, precision and power still remained in his legendary left foot. The ex-Lions introduced left-midfielder Lee Man Hon, who is currently coaching with Lim Tong Hai, to balance up their assault. Haikal was taken off 8 minutes later just before the half-time whistle.ĭetermined not to disappoint the spectators, both sides returned to the pitch with an extra dose of competitive energy to break the deadlock. Greeted by a roar of applause, Sheikh Haikal's made a red-carpet walk down the field only to be teased by the commentator who said: "This is football, not a stroll in the park". His second attempt, just minutes later, was cleared off the line by an army of celebrity defenders.Īs the match was heating up with the ex-Lions piling on the attacks and doing what they are good at, the celebrities brought on Sheikh Haikal to spice things up. On his first attempt, seconds after he graced the pitch, no red shirts were anywhere near the goal mouth to finish off the chance. Steven, who is currently coaching the national Under-18 squad, was busy dashing down the right flank to feed his dangerous crosses into the center of the box. Sporting his usual number 14 jersey, Steven was still a menacing threat on the right flank and his speedy presence certainly changed the pace of the game. But 3 minutes later, the current coach of Indonesian club Pelita Jaya was substituted by "super-sub" Steven Tan. Soon after, Fandi blasted a shot over the crossbar to give the match its first taste of competitive vigour. Fandi Ahmad, donning the nostalgic number 17 jersey, had a golden opportunity to score but he went easy on the goal keeper. The game got off to a charitable start as the ex-internationals went easy on the celebrities. The star-studded match was meant to be more entertaining than competitive, but it was still not lacking in skilful displays from the Singapore golden boys of yesteryears as they took on household names in the local entertainment scene such as DJ Glenn Ong, TV host Andy Penders and the flamboyant Sheikh Haikal. The only foreigner missing was Korean Jang Jung, who is currently coaching in Sri Lanka. Even Australian striker Abbas Saad, who recently had his 14-year playing ban lifted in March, made his appearance at Jalan Besar. It was a reunion of the team that had lifted Singapore's last Malaysia Cup in 1994 before the Republic pulled out of the league after that season. Taking on a team of local celebrities in a 60-minute affair, a mouth-watering legendary side sealed a 1-0 victory with a deft touch from V. Jalan Besar Stadium, Sunday, The heyday of Singapore football was rekindled at the Jalan Besar Stadium as the "dream team" of the early 1990s reunited to do their bit for charity. Sundramoorthy shoots and scores the only goal of the game.
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