SINGAPORE (28 June 2012) – The Singapore NFA Under-15 team was denied a place in the semi-finals of the 24th edition of the Lion City Cup following the 6-0 thrashing they suffered at the hands of Manchester City. They had earlier conceded a 2-1 loss to Brazilian side Vasco Da Gama in their first game in the group.
The English side did not take too long to open account when Joseph Nuttall fired in the lead on 15 minute as he then doubled the score right at the half hour mark off a cross from Derie Corfe.
The score at the end of the first half was 3-0 to the visitors with Marcus Wood adding the third goal in the 37th minute of play.
Just seven minutes into the second half, City grabbed their fourth goal of the game through Aaron Namane as Lukas Nmecha (54th minute) and Joseph Hardy (56th) then nailed the fifth and sixth goals for the visitors.
“I would like to congratulate Manchester City. They outplayed us in many areas, especially in the physical department. In the second half I made some changes and at 3-0 down it was going to be hard for them to come back,” said Nazri Nasir, the chief coach of the Singapore NFA U15 side.
“But I think they still gave their all, they tried to fight back and never gave up. It will be good experience for them to learn from this.”
Added Nazri’s opposite at City, Scott Sellars: “I’m really pleased with the performance and also two of the goal-scorers are only thirteen years old. I think the Singapore side is a very young team, and physically we are ahead. And I think that made the difference.”