Protectors must win for shot at keeping Singapore Cup at home

With a 3-2 first leg deficit, Home United have a surmountable task to see off Brunei DPMM in order to keep the Singapore Cup on home soil

Global failed to impress in a 1-0 defeat to the White Swans on Friday night (Photos: S.League)

The Singapore Cup was supposed to be decided over two legs last week but the infamous haze spoilt the party in both semi-finals, as the four teams sat through five excruciating nights of waiting before finally taking to the pitch on Friday.

Swans Soared while Protectors Stumbled

Albirex Niigata (S) made easy work of Global FC to secure a 1-0 win over their Filipino counterparts at Clementi Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Rion Taki, while Steve Kean’s Brunei DPMM secured a 3-2 victory over the Protectors of Home United at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Home coach Philippe Aw cut a frustrated figure at the end of that game, having seen his side mount a superb comeback to lead 2-1, before conceding defeat in the last 30 minutes with goals from Azwan Ali and Rafael Ramazotti.

Will the Singapore Cup Remain on Home Soil?

Ken Ilso will be Home United’s main attacking threat in the second leg

Despite the heartbreaking result, the Protectors showed enough guile to keep their hopes alive. The form of former German Bundesliga striker Ken Ilso was one positive factor they took from the game.

The Dane has been one of the standout performers in the S.League this season, having formed a telepathic understanding with local hotshot Azhar Sairudin. If the duo can continue to eke out another impressive display in the second leg against the Bruneians, there might be some hope of keeping the coveted trophy in Singapore.

History bodes well for Home United. The S.League giants hold the record of the most Singapore Cup titles won — at six — and will be eager to make it three consecutive seasons in which they have made it to the finals.

The rescheduled date for the second leg is Nov 24, and it’s safe to say that Singaporeans will be banking on Home United to keep our Singapore Cup dream alive.

By Kelvin Leong
[su_note note_color=”#b4f1fa”]About Kelvin Leong

Kelvin Leong is Associate Editor for ESPN FC, and a former media officer for the Singapore national football team.[/su_note]