A HAT-TRICK FOR FADHIL AS YOUNG LIONS MAUL CAMBODIA

Fadhil Noh grabbed a personal best with a hat-trick (57th, 67th and 73rd minute) as Khairul Nizam (35th), Gabriel Quak (41st) and Fairoz Hasan (87th) scored the other goals for the visitors.

Both teams are using this match as part of their preparation for the SEA Games which will be held for the first time in Laos at the end of the year.

“The players did very well. They showed a lot of hunger, enthusiasm and displayed an excellent workrate throughout,” said T. Pathmanathan, the head coach.

“We showed good teamwork and finishing and we took our chances very well. The first goal was probably the best of the lot for me as the build-up play was excellent, ending with Shaiful’s run down the left and cross and Nizam’s finish.

“This (our finishing) is a big boost for our strikers and I hope they will continue on this vein for their remaining matches for the Young Lions before going for the SEA Games.”

In front of more than 20,000 fans, Fahdil’s hattrick was also a first for the team since Fazrul Nawaz’s three goals in the 2007 SEA Games bronze medal win over Vietnam in Korat, Thailand two years ago.

The visitors struggled for much of the opening first half before opening the score sheet in the 40th minute when SAFFC fullback Shaiful Esah broke down the left with an overlapping run before crossing for Khairul Nizam to smash home with unerring accuracy.

Young Lions winger Gabriel Quak then made it 2-0 six minutes later before the Fahdil Noh show in the second half.

Another substitute Faizoz Hasan added the icing on the cake with Singapore’s sixth goal three minutes from time.