Duric’s header wins S-League title
By Chu Wenshen
SINGAPORE Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC) claimed a 1-0 victory over S.league strugglers, Sengkang Punggol Football Club (Sengkang FC) on Friday evening, thanks to a 15th- minute match-winning header from team captain, Aleksander Duric.
The narrow victory was enough for SAFFC to put the S.League title beyond the reach of runner-up, Tampines Rovers.
This is SAFFC’s fourth consecutive S.League title, a record for the longest run of consecutive titles in the competition.
The motive of SAFFC was clear early in the game with the Warriors ( nickname of SAFFC) eager to grab an early goal. They started the match in a frantic manner, spraying balls upfield with enthusiasm.
Shaking off the weariness after a disappointing season, Sengkang FC seemed determined in their staunch defence to delay SAFFC’s title celebrations. They survived the early onslaught of SAFFC’s attacking play through strong defending efforts. But, Sengkang was facing an experienced team characterised by their pacy movement and attacking approach to the game.
A goalkeeping blunder in the 15th minute by Sengkang allowed SAFFC to grab the opening goal. Aleksander Duric rose above the sea of Sengkang defenders to head the ball towards goal. Sengkang’s goalkeeper, Amos Boon, failing to get a hold of the ball, palmed it towards the left post, sending it to the side netting.
The 1712-strong crowd erupted in joy amidst the celebratory beats of the kompangs(Malay drum – usually used in joyous occasions) as Duric raced towards the embrace of his celebrating team-mates.
“This is a good, confident start to the match. I’m starting to have the celebration mood already,” said SAFFC fan, Lim Teck Woo, 47, warehouse supervisor.
However, the valiant Sengkang FC side did not go down without a fight. In the 44th minute, Sengkang’s young striker, Mamadou Diallo, unleashed a blistering left-foot drive which forced a tremendous save from SAFFC’s goalkeeper, Shahril Jantan, preserving SAFFC’s lead.
The second half saw Duric displaying his aerial prowess again, almost scoring from a header again after connecting with Ahmad Latiff’s pin-point cross at the 59th minute. John Wilkinson added more pressure at the 71st minute with a long-distance volley which Amos Boon scrambled to clear from goal.
However, Sengkang’s skipper Indra Sahdan Daud, making his return from a recent injury, almost leveled the score in the final minutes of the match. Unfortunately, SAFFC’s defence denied him the chance to score the equalising goal by crowding him out in the penalty box.
The match concluded with SAFFC’s fans giving a standing ovation to their departing captain, Aleksander Duric. Duric is due to leave the club to play for Indonesian club, Sriwijaya FC,in November this year.
“We (fans) will miss Duric when he leaves. His goal tonight is the perfect parting gift for us,” said Kong Peng Hui, 23, student.
