Singapore Armed Forces FC make history by qualifying for AFC Champions League

Story by Les Tan/Red Sports. Pictures by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.

Jalan Besar Stadium, February 25, 2009 – Singapore Armed Forces FC made footballing history when they qualified for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League after beating PSMS Medan 2-1 in extra-time. SAFFC are the first team from Singapore to play in the AFC league for Asian club champions.

SAFFC had beaten Provincial Electric Authority of Thailand 4-1 in a first playoff qualifier last week to earn this final playoff game against Medan and with this victory tonight, they can now take their place in the AFC Champions League proper.

SAFFC will play in Group G alongside Shanghai Shenhua (China), Kashima Antlers (Japan) and Suwon Bluewings (South Korea).

Experienced playmaker Therdsak Chaiman gave the Warriors a good start when he slotted home from long-range in the 35th minute to give SAFFC a 1-0 lead after Latiff had set him going with a pass from the wing.

However, Medan came alive in the second half. Striker and captain Elie Aiboy ran half the field unimpeded on a counter-attack as the SAFFC defence backtracked. Elie found Costas on the left at the top of the penalty box unmarked and the latter coolly sidefooted past a stranded Shahril Jantan in goal for an equaliser.

SAFFC lacked the final offensive thrust to settle the game in 90 minutes and had to play their second extra-time game in as many weeks. This coming on top of their S.League game three days ago against Balestier Khalsa on Sunday night.

This time, it was Therdsak who played provider, releasing Latiff into space down the right side of the Medan penalty box. Latiff looked like he was running out of options as he raced towards the byeline but then he shocked everyone watching, including goalkeeper Markus, when he rammed home a goal from an almost impossibly tight angle to send the Warriors into the AFC Champions League.

Medan then self-destructed with two red cards although they did come close on one occasion.

Medan coach Liestiadi Lo was understandably an unhappy man.

“I’m very disappointed with the referee for sending off two of my players,” coach Lo said at the post-game press conference. “The second red card was ok. But the first I disagree. The players put in 100% effort. Because of the artificial pitch, the players couldn’t adapt.”

The emotions in the SAFFC camp were the opposite.

“I was going for goal,” said a grinning Latiff after the game. “No point crossing!”

On the Medan equaliser, SAFFC coach Richard Bok said: “It was a quick counter down the middle. Hafizul was a bit inside, tucked in too much. This is where he needs to learn. He’s a young player. He will learn from that.

“I think we started quite well, created a few chances, but didn’t convert it. There was a period where Medan were coming at us. As a whole, I’m quite satisfied with the ways we played. Some of the experienced players had some butterflies. Our fitness carried us in the last two games.”