Singapore: Chinese Taipei notched up a surprise result against Singapore that ignites the island’s hopes of a first appearance at the AFC Asian Cup finals in more than four decades and left coach Kazuo Kuroda hailing his senior players.
Xavier Chen and Chen Chao-an scored the goals that earned Chinese Taipei a 2-1 win over the Singaporeans after Hariss Harun had put the home side in front as Kuroda and his team punished the home side’s complacency to take all three points.
The win was Chinese Taipei’s first in this phase of qualifying for UAE 2019 after losing their opening game on home soil against Turkmenistan in March, and it was their first in the qualifying rounds for the championship since defeating Malaysia 3-2 in Bangkok in April 2000.
"We were initially worried after we fell behind, and had to work hard to earn our victory,” said the Japanese coach.
"I am pleased with our game. We were organised in attack and defence. The experience of our senior players lifted the team while the youth energy from the younger ones complemented our line-up.
"We played with skill and a good mentality. They were important in our victory. Singapore thought they were a bit stronger than us."
Kuroda’s starting line-up featured six players with experience of the top two divisions of the professional game in China plus Europe-based Xavier Chen, and it was that know-how that played a role in Chinese Taipei emerging with all three points.
"Chinese Taipei had not settled into the game and the pitch in the first 15 minutes,” said Singapore coach V. Sundram Moorthy. “Once they settled they were a decent team.
"We had to be tactically clever and keep things compact, we didn't want to be too open to give our opponents space.
"We gave away free kicks in dangerous positions and paid the price for failing to defend them. A draw would have been a fairer result.
"Chinese Taipei have improved a lot. There are no easy teams in international football anymore. We have to work extra hard to get back into the qualification spots."
The result means Chinese Taipei are level on three points with Turkmenistan, who lost 2-1 to Bahrain in Dasoguz, with the Singaporeans propping up the group with one point from the opening two matches.
Bahrain secure all three points after 2-1 away win over Turkmenistan
Bahrain had goals from Mohamed Al Romaihi and Abdulla Yaser to thank for maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign, with Myrat Yagsyyev’s late strike little more than a consolation for the home side.
“The match was very interesting and tough,” said Bahrain coach Miroslav Soukup. “Turkmenistan are a good team, they played in front of many fans who supported them very well during the game.
“I am pleased with this important victory. I want to say thanks to the players. We scored the first goal when we needed it very much. It is good to return to Bahrain with three points after a long and difficult trip. We are on top of our group now.
“We were under pressure after the first match. This victory broke that pressure on us. We will try to play better in the other games in the group stage. There is enough time to prepare well for them.”
The loss was a blow for Turkmenistan, who are aiming to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup finals for just the second time.
“We wanted to continue our winning ways at home, but we couldn’t do it,” said coach Yazguly Hojageldiew. “We created chances to score, but used only one.
“Bahrain are a well-organised team. My team tried not to give the advantage to Bahrain, but they played better in the second half and scored two goals. It is very unfortunate that we lost at home.
“We will continue battling to qualify to the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup 2019. We have four more games to do it.”
Photos: Football Association of Singapore & Turkmenistan Football Federation
Source: the-afc.com