lion city cup

It was not going to be an easy match for the Singapore U15s against tournament favorites Flamengo of Brazil. Their taller and physically stronger opponents also had the individual flair to keep possession of the ball for much of the game, giving our youngsters little opportunity to do the attacking. (Photo 2 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Mahathir Azeman(#3) tussling with Flamengo’s Arlindo Neto (#9) looked on by teammates R Aaravin(#5) and Amirul Azmi(#6). (Photo 3 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Flamengo’s Caio Rangel (#10) racing the ball past Singapore U15s captain R Aaravin (yellow armband). (Photo 4 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Heirul Suhanes parries the ball away from a Flamengo free kick taken just outside the penalty box. The Singapore U15 goalkeeper was kept busy for much of the 90 minutes. (Photo 5 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Mahathir Azeman (Singapore U15 #3) keeping pace and marking Flamengo’s midfielder Arlindo Neto (#9). (Photo 6 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

One of the few occasions when Singapore threatened the opposition’s goal and forcing Flamengo’s goalkeeper, Thiago Rodrigues, into a full stretch. (Photo 7 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Working hard throughout the match is diminutive striker Zulfadhmi Suzliman (Singapore U15 #7) seen here in full flight with the ball. (Photo 8 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Working the ball in midfield to find an opening for their forwards are Adam Swandi (#10) and late substitute Faridzuan Fuad (#17). (Photo 9 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)

lion city cup

Soundly beated 3-0 by a more accomplished side, Singapore’s U15 youngsters like Raja Ahmad Zaki (#15) demonstrate sportsmanship toward their opponents. (Photo 10 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)