Singapore Ratings vs Cambodia: Ikhsan, Safuwan shine in Phnom Penh victory
Kenneth Tan rates the players in Singapore’s 2-1 comeback win away against Cambodia in the international friendly played at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Fandi Ahmad effect keeps rolling on as Singapore claimed a second victory in four days, coming from behind to win 2-1 against Cambodia in their final international ‘A’ friendly before the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The Lions made four changes from their last outing, with Hassan Sunny returning in goal and Ho Wai Loon given his first international start at left-back, while Faris Ramli replaced Gabriel Quak on the left flank.
So how did they fare?
Player Ratings (1-10)
Hassan Sunny (6.5) – Replacing Izwan Mahbud in between the sticks, Hassan could not be blamed for Cambodia’s early opener due to the freak nature of the goal. He collected a few crosses into his area with authority and set up the attacks with his kicks from distance a number of times, but also flapped at a couple of corners later in the second half – which could have proved costly.
Zulqarnaen Suzliman (6.5) – Yet again chosen at right-back, the 20-year-old did not have a good first half and could have done better in a few defensive situations. Credit to him, he stuck to his task and fared much better in the second half – constantly snuffing out the threat that came down his flank. He is putting up a good case to start at the Suzuki Cup.
Irfan Fandi (7) – Another game, another solid showing for the strapping centre-back. The going was tough at times, but Irfan stood up strong to intercept the ball a few times and clear most of the balls that came his way. Most importantly he has completed a second straight full game for the Lions, after previously struggling to last a full game at the international level.
Safuwan Baharudin (7.5) – Handed the Lions armband for the first time, Safuwan put up a true captain’s performance with a commanding display at the heart of defence. Getting an early kick to his head never affected him as he denied the inroads of the Cambodian attackers and also made use of his aerial ability well on attacking set-pieces. With Cambodian substitute Chan Vathanaka finding more space down Singapore’s left later on in the game, he also stepped in to ease the pressure off his left-back Zulfahmi Arifin on a few occasions.
