Prime League: Haidil Sufian’s stunner saves Cheetahs a point

plvswoodlands

HOUGANG UNITED 1
Haidil Suffian 66′

WOODLANDS WELLINGTON 1
Khairul Ariffin 32 pen’

It was a debut game that young 19-year old Haidil Suffian would never forget.

His 40-yard curler, which beat Woodlands’ custodian Yeo Jun Gang and into the net, stunned almost the entire 200-odd crowd who were enjoying their Saturday afternoon under hot conditions.

The left full-back, who recently joined Hougang from Vipers FAA team in NFL Division III, impressed his coaches and the crowd with his impressive work ethic and footwork for the 88 minutes he played.

His fellow Cheetahs also impressed the crowd with fast passes and one-touch plays. However, in front of the goal, chances came begging.

Al-Nazirul Islam gave a good account, and would have capped off his performance with a goal if his freekick had not struck the post.

It was Woodlands that took the lead, after referee Muhammad Syahir adjudged Nazri Sabri to have brought down Farouk Farkhanah, after the striker led a counter attack. Khairul Ariffin converted the spotkick on the 32nd minute.

The Cheetahs could have been further embarrassed by Farouk again, after a miscommunication between Nazri and centre half Aidil Rahim led Farouk through with the goalmouth gaping open. Farouk only managed to hit the post and the score stayed the same at half time.

In the second half, Woodlands attacked with more intensity than in the first half but they were not able to penetrate Hougang’s defence again.

The turning point came when Nazirul Islam’s corner was cleared by the Rams’ defence. Haidil Suffian managed to control the ball from near the centre line, and lashed an unbelievable volley high up the Woodlands’ defence and into the net for the equalizer.

The Cheetahs could have won the game when Syaqir Sulaiman headed from inside the five yard box towards goal but the ball went above the crossbar. The game ended with both teams sharing the spoils.

The Cheetahs will meet the Singapore Cubs team at Jurong West Stadium next Saturday.

Photo Credit: Christina Seah Rodrigues, Voxsports.net

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