S'pore Selection win Sultan of Selangor's Cup
The heroics of Geylang International goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari last night handed the Singapore Selection side a first Sultan of Selangor's Cup success since 2011.
The 23-year-old shot-stopper repelled two spot-kicks in the 4-3 penalty-shootout win, after the exhibition match against 33-time Malaysia Cup winners Selangor FA, played at their 80,000-capacity Shah Alam Stadium, was locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
The triumph was all the more remarkable considering the Singapore Selection, led by Home United coach Philippe Aw, played most of the second half a man down following young defender Shahrin Saberin's red card in the 54th minute.
The 21-year-old defender received his marching orders after picking up two yellow cards.
The visitors were already trailing 1-0 by that point, after winger R Gopinathan put Selangor ahead with a shot from the edge of the box.
EQUALISER
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Aw's side did not enter a defensive shell and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 77th minute.
Another Geylang Eagle, attacking midfielder Stanely Ng, popped up with the crucial equaliser after reacting quickest to a loose ball in the Selangor penalty box.
The match then went to the shootout, where Syazwan - on as a half-time substitute - stole the spotlight with his two stops, ensuring Abdil Qaiyyim's miss for the Singapore Selection did not matter.
Earlier, in the curtain-raiser between Selangor and Singapore veterans, the Malaysian oldies won 2-0.
Shahrin Majid opened the scoring in the 16th minute, before Dollah Salleh sealed the match nine minutes later.
Last night was the 15th edition of the exhibition match.
Selangor now turn their attention to another team from Singapore, when they visit the National Stadium for a vital AFC Cup Group E match with Tampines Rovers on Tuesday.
Tampines must beat Selangor to progress to the competition's knockout rounds, while Selangor need only to avoid defeat to advance.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
