CNMI shows progress vs Singapore

The CNMI lost another match in the AFC U19 Championship Bahrain 2016 Qualifiers, but showed some improvement in their 0-10 defeat at the hands of Singapore last Wednesday night at the SCG Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

The CNMI’s starters against Singapore pose for a group photo before their second game in the AFC U19 Championship Bahrain 2016 Qualifiers last Wednesday night at the SCG Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. (Contributed Photo)

Today’s game (last Wednesday) against Singapore saw an improved team despite what the score line may tell. Passes were being connected and chances for goals were created. No balls hitting the back of the net for the CNMI players but they sure did give it their best,” team manager Ruselle Zapanta said in a report submitted to Northern Mariana Islands Football Association office.

Forward Sean Perez started out for the Teen Ayuyus against Singapore and tried to anchor the team’s offense on a couple of occasions.

“The team continued working their ‘block’ and shifting side to side, trying to catch Singapore on the counter attack. We had several foot races between Sean and Singapore’s defenders for the ball, but they were just as quick as Sean. Sean managed to win a couple of corners or gave us a chance to put Jordan’s (Butcher) long throws into play,” the team manager added.

Joining Butcher and Perez on the starting unit were goalie Joshua Galario, Ryu Tanzawa, Hunter Jewell, Evan Thosert-Belcher, Scott Kim, James Ermitanio, Alan Hinson, and team captain Kennedy Izuka. The Teen Ayuyus used the 4-1-4-1 formation in the first half to hold Singapore to three goals.

Midfielder Muhhamad Hami Syahin Bin Said broke the ice for Singapore with his goal in the 10th minute and he also recorded the team’s second goal in the 36th minute. The third one came three minutes later, courtesy of defender Justin Sui.

Despite leading by three at halftime, Singapore became more aggressive on offense to notch seven more goals and complete the blowout.

“The second half saw both teams making changes on their lineups. Singapore added a couple of attacking players and in the 57th minute, Yoshi (Mafnas) came in for Hunter which had us switch into a 4-4-2 formation—a move that hopefully could give Sean some help up front in search for that goal,” Zapanta said.

“It was a battle out on the field. It was a more physical game, which the referee put to work, trying to break some altercations. A yellow card was issued to Jordan, who had several strong tackles. It was rough in the final 10 minutes where goal came flooding in. Josh had many good saves, but unluckily rebounds went to Singapore players—a deflection that gave Josh no chance. The team may have been drained by then too,” Zapanta added.

Singapore’s last five goals were made in the final 10 minutes with the first one coming from forward Ariyan Malik in the 82nd minute and the remaining four from midfielder Karthik Raj (83rd), captain Gareth Low (87th), defender Shah Zulkarnean (90th), and forward Irfan Fandi (second minute of stoppage time). Fandi, who was one of Singapore’s substitutes, had two goals in the second half getting his first in the 61st, while the other early goal in the final frame was logged by midfielder Joshua Pereira off a penalty shot.

Meanwhile, the Teen Ayuyus will have a high-caliber opponent for their third game as they take on host Thailand tonight at 7pm (10pm Saipan time). The CNMI players watched Thailand beat Chinese-Taipei, 3-0, last Wednesday after the former’s game against Singapore.

“Our boys were amazed by their play and it’ll be a tough battle against the AFF U19 champions,” Zapanta said.

Thailand has a 1-0-0 win-draw-loss record for second place in team standings in Group H behind South Korea, which also holds a similar mark, but has the advantage in the goals scored after downing Singapore, 6-2, last Monday. The top finisher in the group after the pool play will qualify to the championship next year.