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| Latiff (yellowed jersey) started this AFC match |
Ahmad Latiff Khamarudin made his much-awaited start of the season on local soil for Tampines Rovers, which caught many by surprise in their AFC Cup fixture against Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) of Vietnam.
Still yet to clear the mandatory beep test which the ace midfielder failed earlier in the day for the eighth time, the decision left many puzzled over the decision by Stags' coach Steven Tan.
Given that Latiff is due for his last chance two days later, would it be wise to risk the well-being of the man who almost single-handedly won them their league title last year?
Still yet to clear the mandatory beep test which the ace midfielder failed earlier in the day for the eighth time, the decision left many puzzled over the decision by Stags' coach Steven Tan.
Given that Latiff is due for his last chance two days later, would it be wise to risk the well-being of the man who almost single-handedly won them their league title last year?
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| SLNA's Hector (in white) showed pace but was clumsy at finishing. |
"Latiff wanted to play." said coach Tan at the post-match press conference following the goal-less draw with the defending Vietnamese league champions that placed them at the foot of Group F after Kitchee SC notched their second continental win by beating Terengganu earlier.
"We just have to keep our fingers crossed, with recovery and hope he (Latiff)can pass (the beep test).
"But I believe we have players who are capable of stepping in just as well." added the former national striker seemingly hinting that he already has his backup plan just in case things don't work out for his talismanic winger.
"We just have to keep our fingers crossed, with recovery and hope he (Latiff)can pass (the beep test).
"But I believe we have players who are capable of stepping in just as well." added the former national striker seemingly hinting that he already has his backup plan just in case things don't work out for his talismanic winger.
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| Stags' skipper Alek Duric (9) has yet to break his continent duck |
It was a gusto display by the 1998 Tiger Cup winner on the field with his constant pricking opening act on the Vietnamese defence line that saw twice in the second half having the framework to thank for denying the Singapore side from scoring.
Lamented on those lost chances, Coach Tan said:"We could have won the match, but just the lack of composure and missed too many chances in the game."
Lamented on those lost chances, Coach Tan said:"We could have won the match, but just the lack of composure and missed too many chances in the game."
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| Jamil Ali has been a key feature of the Stags' campaign |
On the other hand, SLNA coach Nguyen Huu Thang thought his side fared below his expectations when he shared his thoughts with the media after the match.
"We should have played better than the home team (Tampines), and some of the referee's decisions in this match went against us.
"To me, this is a 'must-win' game for us, as the outcome of this game would greatly influence our qualification for the next stage," added coach Nguyen.
(P.S: I met Latiff after the game and told him - "I still want to take your picture, Good Luck...")
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