BoLASEPaKO.com - A Blog on Singapore Football

Yasir Hanapi (with ball) scored in the 26th minute While the 1-1 draw against Indonesian side Persipura Jayapura that might have dented their chance of advancing forward to the next round, it was an improved performance by an S.League club in this round of the AFC Cup group stages with Home United restored the much-needed pride for the Singapore clubs in the second-tier continental club tournament. The result came after the forgettable 5-0 washout by Hong Kong's Kitchee SC over Tampines Rovers in late February in another group stages match that cast a doubt if any of the Singapore representatives would able to make it to the round of 16 of the competition. Lee Kwan Woo (13) tussled with Im Junsik As a team representing the Singapore professional football league, Home United's Korean coach Lee Lim Saeng emphasized his will to do well in the tournament, which he last led the reigning Singapore Cup holders to the octo-finals back in 2012, in spite of the thin squad he

(P.S: If you access this site via "come.to/matchpix", please click the "Facebook" icon after you click "HERE" when you want to view the album as that will redirect you to the album, thank you) S.League - Home Utd 3-1 Albirex Niigata (S) 4/11/13 Runners-up medals at presentation The outcome of the match determined the positionings behind Tampines Rovers Football Club - the champions and saw Home United Football Club outmuscled Albirex Niigata FC Singapore 3-1 to claim the second and third spot respectively with a stunner by Sirina Camara. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES Singapore Cup Final - Home Utd 4-1 Tanjong Pagar Utd 8/11/13 Off to Asia again for the Protectors Home United Football Club claimed the other ticket to Asia with an emphatic 4-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United at the JBS. Clearly for all to see the tough fitness regime imposed by Korean coach Lee Lim Saeng paid off that saw the Protectors overcame

Off to Asia again with this Cup win by Home United Should we say the emphasis on match fitness by Home United coach Lee Lim Saeng paid off with that emphatic display that shredded Tanjong Pagar United apart in the RHB Singapore Cup final? Just days ago a friend of mine suggested that the Protectors are the fittest side among the S. League clubs with the tough regime imposed by the former Korean international since his arrival at the Bishan-based club three years ago. All it took was two quick set-pieces goals in the early stages of the first half to inflict the damage on their opponents to set the momentum right for Home United to wrap up their second Cup win under Coach Lee with a convincing 4-1 scoreline. Shahril Jantan won the Cup two-on-a-roll Seemingly agreeing with the opening notion, Home United's 'keeper Shahril Jantan offered his thoughts to this blogger after the match. Said the decorated custodian: "I think that this team is fitter as compared to

Tigers came close to tap on this melee in 20th minute It was a dream that came to an abrupt end with Balestier Khalsa saw their unprecedented bid for a cup double ended in an agony. Given a precedence that saw the newly crowned League Cup winners came from behind to beat Hougang United to be in the RHB Singapore Cup's "Final Four", hopes were high for the Tigers to repeat the same feat against Home United who were on a slim advantage of a goal margin after their semi-final first-leg win at Toa Payoh last week. In a match that was relocated to the Jalan Besar Stadium from Bishan Stadium for unspecific reasons, both teams took onto the field knowing a slip would be costly for either side in their bid for glory. However, the cautious approach was soon overshadowed by some physical plays on the field that saw referee Leow Thiam Hoe reaching for his pocket on numerous occasions to keep things in check. The red card incident in the 33rd minute Kim Minho (15) go

Ismael Benahmed saved Jaguars Ismael Benahmed's 84th minute equalizer resulted the 1-1 draw between his Tanjong Pagar United and Home United at the Bishan Stadium that ultimately saw the positioning of both teams on the table remained status-quo after a month break. The S . League season resumes its fixtures following an adjournment for the mid-season League Cup tournament and saw the third-placed Jaguars travelled away to take on the fourth-placed Protectors last evening. The match also saw former Singapore international John Wilkinson turning out for the Queenstown outfit in his first return to Bishan after his much-publicized exit from Home United middle of the last campaign. Herisson denied Lee Kwan Woo's (center) effort The hosting side were having much of the possession in the first period of play by pinning the Jaguars in their own half, but couldn't break down the resilient defence led by skipper Walid Lounis with the assistance from Zahid Ahmad,

(P.S: If you access this site via "come.to/matchpix", please click the "Facebook" icon after you click "HERE" when you want to view the album as that will redirect you to the album, thank you) Prime League: Woodlands Wellington 1-2 Home Utd 09-03-13 "Ooops" I would say the white outfit by Woodlands did make the shooting and focusing easier for my basic lenses in the dim floodlights. The dark background during the night time also help in getting the focusing fast, if both sides are to deck in light-colored jersey and of course the lighting environment is the key as well The result of this match came days after the sides' senior squads clashed days ago at Bishan Stadium. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES AFC Cup - Warriors FC 2-4 Kitchee SC 12/3/2013 The horrendous performance by Warriors FC was absolutely unacceptable for a side that once broke the ceilings to play in the elite ACL. Some soul sear

Did not have a good feeling when I packed my stuff and headed north when I saw the gloomy sky above me. It confirmed my fear when the train was on its way to Marsiling station when it passed by Woodlands Stadium that had its Lightning Warning System (LWS) activated during the downpour that took place earlier. Rams' head coach Salim Moin took charge of this match Upon reaching the ground, I overheard the relevant officials remarked that the Prime League match between Woodlands Wellington and Home United "would kick off at 6pm" (instead of the stipulated 5pm). The match eventually kicked off at approximately 6:15pm following the deactivation of the LWS (which I guess flexibility should be applied here rather than sticking close to the guidelines since it's weekend after all). Brief Scribe of the Match (Woodlands Wellington 1-2 Home United) The hosting Rams got themselves into the act by dominating much of the first half with their possessive play in thei

Not being able to see games of late due to work and fatigue that creeped into my body system. Of course, the dreaded Lightning Warning System (LWS) that saw the last two games (sources: 1 , 2 ) I attended being patronized by it for some “good necessary intentions” despite the hassle, could be such a phobia to turn up at games too. Following some astonishing results that hogged the talking point among the fraternity, I thought it would be a good idea to see how Woodlands Wellington would fare in their away encounter at Bishan Stadium, home ground of Home United who aren't exactly enjoying their best start of the year with a draw (against DPMM) following by a heart-breaking loss last week to Albirex Niigata (Singapore). Especially, this came after the bold claim by Rams coach Salim Moin that his team have the capability to finish among the top three of the league during their pre-season introductory meet-up with the media. Although the former national midfielder was quick t

Lionel in action for Home Utd in AFC Cup Apparently, the stone has been cast for Home United goalkeeper Lionel Lewis to call it a day from professional football, despite earlier media reports suggesting that he might carry on if the ankle surgery he is undergoing soon would be a success. THE REASONS BEHIND THE DECISION In an email interview with this blog, the 30-year-old explained this latest development that caught a few off-guard, especially since many perceive a goalkeeper's lifespan on the field would stretch beyond 35 like one of his Lions predecessors, David Lee, who retired in 1997 at the age of 39. “Many people tell me goalkeepers peak from 30 onwards. For me, the minute you are a professional player, you have to always be at your peak.” opined Lionel. “I actually plan to start playing part-time a few years back. I always believe having a stable job is very important. A footballer’s career is a short one. I wanted to start building my career after football years a

(P.S: If you access this site via "come.to/matchpix", please click the "Facebook" icon after you click "HERE" when you want to view the album as that will redirect you to the album, thank you) Uniform Derby - Singapore Cup 04/07/12 It wasn't easy to snap the shots when the lights were dimmed, as compared to those during the AFC Cup.The uploading of the shots was late, as I was out of town shortly after the game. The 2-1 win by the Warriors eventually laid the ground for their advancement to the semi-finals of the Cup after they drew 3-3 with the Protectors days later at home. (P.S2: This album is the only one for the month of July due to various pre-arranged commitments that made it impossible to have a few more.) PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE MATCH PICTURES

(P.S: If you access this site via "come.to/matchpix", please click the "Facebook" icon after you click "HERE" when you want to view the album as that will redirect you to the album, thank you) S.League - Geylang Utd 0-2 Harimau Muda 03/05/12 Yazid Yasin - the pillar of the Eagles in difficult times First "LIVE" TV shot of the season and glad to meet up with the "guru" before he thought I disappeared. The set might appeared to look "dark" as I stick to 1/400 for all these shots with the usual "default JBS setting". Harimau Muda's Wan Zack Haikal proved to be why he could the hot contender for the "Young Player of the Year" with his industrious rate on the flanks and duly rewarded with his opener (and a yellow too) before the end of the first half. Geylang did unleashed their trump card in Amy Recha but it was rather late for him to show us what he's capable. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE