“香港足球新闻（2016年3月9日）”的版本间的差异

2016年3月12日 (六) 21:48的最新版本

from球迷大聯盟，http://www.goalgoalgoal.com/n/forum.php?mod=viewthread&tid=263

<蘋果日報>

作客卡塔爾踢生死戰 港足操一課即飛

【2018世界盃亞洲區外圍賽（C組）】經過去年11.17守和中國令全港沸騰一役，港足本月24日將作客卡塔爾，角逐最後一輪世界盃亞洲區外圍賽，儘管爭取出線機會不大，但香港足總只安排一課操練，球員即晚便啟程遠赴中東，難怪現役及前港腳均異口同聲認為港足今次備戰不夠充份。

記者：曾雁平

前日公佈28名港足初選名單，足總在昨日再公佈行程，雖然此戰關乎港足出線希望，但足總因早已編定在3月19及20日上演傑志對東方、標準流浪對南華的兩場聯賽盃四強戰，加上中甲在該周有賽事，包括保連奴、伊達等多位在國內效力的港腳，最快也要20日才歸隊，故港足被迫在21日才開操，大軍當日下午四時半在晒草灣操練後，球員晚上隨即到機場起程。

去年港中大戰聯賽曾「讓路」 據足總的港足行程，球隊抵埗後獲安排兩課操練，以適應當地天氣及環境，但若與去年11月迎戰中國一役比較，本地賽「讓路」令港足有七課操練備戰，今次準備確是大有距離。港足前鋒陳肇麒得悉行程後亦認同備戰欠充份：「本地賽事頻密，南華及傑志又要應付亞協盃，實際上很難安排日子讓港足操練，這是全世界國家隊都要面對的問題。以往在卡塔爾踢過亞運，對當地天氣有一定認識，晚上踢情況亦會好點，個人認為時差問題對球員影響最大。」

足總發言人回應查詢時指，港足賽程早在開「咧」前已與競賽部協調：「港足有考慮過安排本地港腳先操，但又有亞協盃，難齊人操練下，未必收到效果，寧願提早起程往當地。」

李健和：三課操練比較少 前港隊隊長李健和認為鬥卡塔爾前只得三課操練確實是比較少，但對港足處境表示理解：「港足多了球員在國內效力，國內球季剛開始，要求球員提早歸隊操練是不可能，本地球會要專注爭標及護級，同樣難提早放人，相信各方已盡力協調，加上實際出線機會未必太大，目前有三課算可接受。」

港足目前在世盃外C組暫時排在第二位，以三分壓過少賽一場的中國，由於同組的卡塔爾已經穩奪此組首名，所以港足必須在本月24日擊敗卡塔爾，才有希望爭取以最佳次名晉級第三圈。本報訊

亞協盃 傑志輸反擊失榜首

【本報訊】傑志昨晚在亞協盃F組第二輪賽事，作客新加坡在全場佔優下，可惜無法撕破馬里士他卡沙防線之餘，更被主隊上半場一次反擊攻破大門，最終以0:1落敗，痛失榜首位置。

挾四連勝強勢的傑志，面對去年此賽手下敗將馬里士他卡沙，甫開賽便佔優，沈國強及盧均宜多次在右路製造機會，只是前鋒羅勳奴頻頻失機，而其前線拍檔安基斯在26分鐘於禁區左路以右腳熨射門前掠過。

圍攻不下的傑志在31分鐘失波，馬里士他卡沙在右路策動反擊，高奇費利接應傳中射入，為主隊領先1:0。38分鐘，馬軍前鋒卡錫迪壓贏傑志的中堅，單刀殺入禁區，傑志門將王振鵬撲跌對手，被罰黃牌兼輸12碼。幸他將功補過，救出卡錫迪主射的12碼，傑志半場落後0:1。

羅勳奴連番失機 下半場圍攻的傑志有羅勳奴及安基斯屢次埋門失機，其後換入播磨浩謙等小將加強活力，但仍無法攻破主隊大門。89分鐘，羅勳奴接應林嘉緯二傳，於六碼點埋門再失機，傑志以0:1落敗之餘，榜首亦讓予對手。同時間舉行的同組賽事，菲律賓卡雅以1:0險勝拉迪恩，與傑志同得三分，但對賽不及傑志而居第三位。傑志隊長盧均宜指上半場發揮不差，傳球明顯勝對手一籌，最終輸一個突擊，希望返回主場可報一敗之仇。

記者：曾雁平

亞協盃 南華誓贏印度兵回勝軌

【本報訊】近三場不勝的南華（紅衫），今晚八時在旺角場上演的亞協盃G組分組賽，變陣出戰誓要擊敗印度冠軍球會莫亨巴根重返勝軌。（now671今日7:50pm直播）

雖然南華在下半季積極增兵，不過表現未有太大改善，除在聯賽接連失利外，亞協盃首場分組賽對仰光聯亦先勝後敗。賽後高層決定邀請流浪教練列卡度「空降」南華擔任助教，今仗與米路首度合作領軍，能否改善南華欠紀律的防線值得關注。巴西中場卡路士仍養傷，前澳洲國腳賴恩格菲斯腳趾傷無礙，今可正選披甲。

客隊外援來頭猛 米路表示，由於首戰輸波，今迎莫亨巴根必須搶三分，否則出線便有困難，而對手莫亨巴根有一定實力，今戰屬硬仗一場：「我可以說，莫亨巴根整體實力在仰光聯之上，就算我們有主場之助，亦肯定難於應付，尤其要小心對手反擊。」南華為加強中場防守力，將改以梁振邦及陳肇鈞擔任雙防中。南華昨晚拉隊到酒店集宿備戰。

米路指出，莫亨巴根四名外援有質素，故必須加強中路防守，避免對手打反擊。事實上，莫亨巴根外援大有來頭，亞援遊佐克美曾效力廣島三箭，中鋒格倫為千里達國腳，在2006世界盃決賽周屬正選前鋒；至於被米路形容極危險的羅德則為海地現役國腳。首戰以5:2大勝馬爾代夫球隊馬茲亞的莫亨巴根，前日到港，昨晚在旺角場進行適應性訓練。

記者：曾雁平

<明報>

主將讚Rambo訓練有道 南華亞協爭首勝

【明報專訊】近期狀態低迷的港超「三哥」南華，今晚8點將在旺角場出戰亞協盃G組第2場賽事，迎戰印度冠軍莫亨巴根。自列卡度（Rambo）回歸「少林寺」教練團後，主力陳肇麒及張健峰都認為訓練比之前有更多變化，盼有助球隊力爭小組首勝。

陳七練波受傷幸無礙 南華今季表現未如理想，加上首場亞協分組賽作客以1﹕2不敵緬甸仰光聯，若要出線，今仗對首場大勝馬茲亞5﹕2的莫亨巴根，可謂非勝不可，故球隊邀請了去季曾協助南華在亞協盃7連勝的體能教練Rambo回歸。左閘張健峰坦言之前訓練氣氛較散漫，致球員有惰性，但認為現在教練團對球員要求較嚴格，盼在這場關鍵大戰前提升狀態。

而南華昨晚在旺角場作賽前最後備戰，除了中場卡路士及隊長陳偉豪繼續因傷缺陣，「陳七」在操練亦疑似觸傷膝頭，但他在記招大派定心丸，並表示有信心贏波﹕「沒有大礙，看過影片針對部署，留意到對方外援實力不俗，但始終較少應付印度球隊，Rambo回歸後訓練的確有改變，在主場皆以3分為目標。」莫亨巴根昨晚亦在旺角場備戰，外援千里達國腳格蘭以及海地國腳羅德等主力都準備就緒，但主教練辛祖森表示，不了解南華實力，故開賽初段會較保守。

傑志1球不敵馬里士他卡沙 另一支亞協盃香港代表傑志昨晚作客星洲則遭遇滑鐵盧，以0﹕1不敵馬里士他卡沙未能兩連勝，暫時2戰得3分排F組第2。因佐迪及列斯奧受傷只能殘陣應戰的傑志，甫開賽便採取主動，惟羅勳奴及安基斯先後埋門均無功而還，反被對手的蘇奇費利在31分鐘反擊接應傳中射入落後0﹕1。換邊後對手縮在後場死守，傑志嘗試換入年輕球員加強活力，但鄭展龍的後上撞射僅僅被門將撲出，最終傑志以0﹕1落敗。賽後隊長盧均宜認為球隊能控制戰局，惟因1次大意被對手反擊得手，但他有信心在主場可擊敗對手。

文、圖﹕卓志恒

<大公報>

南華主場今對莫亨巴根

【大公報訊】港超足球隊南華在今屆亞洲足協盃首戰兵敗緬甸後，今晚在主場迎來實力比仰光聯更強的印度聯賽冠軍莫亨巴根，南華主帥米路特別留意對方4名攻擊球員，更指定前港腳科夫擔任右閘，以封殺客軍的海地左翼羅德，以減輕對手反擊的威力。

南華在G組首輪比賽作客緬甸對仰光聯輸1：2，今晚回到主場迎戰雖有地利，但看過莫亨巴根比賽影片的米路稱，對手實力比仰光聯高很多，外援遊佐克美、格蘭、羅德與印度前鋒羅佩古拿尤為出色，他説：“莫亨巴根的反擊戰術很有威力，16號球員（羅德）速度高而且科技好，是最危險的球員。”米路計劃以科夫踢右閘去對付羅德，身負重任的科夫説：“羅德的速度很快，我在這方面也不算差，我已準備好應付他，在內地比賽的經驗令我的足球水平再上了一個層次，希望這些經驗在這場比賽幫助到我。”

南華對莫亨巴根今晚8時在旺角場開賽，門票分收100港元及30港元（優惠票）。

傑志作客落敗 昨晚舉行的F組賽事，另一支港超足球隊傑志作客新加坡對馬裏士他卡沙以0：1敗陣，暫以1勝1負排名F組第2。

<文滙報>

南華組三箭頭 今強攻莫亨巴根

香港文匯報訊（記者郭正謙）南華亞協盃首戰敗於仰光聯腳下受挫，為爭取出線今後不容再失，今晚8時南華將於旺角大球場迎戰印度球隊莫亨巴根，將以最強鋒線強攻對手爭取3分。門票一律收100元正、長者及學生特惠票30元正。至於昨晚傑志作客新加坡對陣馬里士卡沙一役，傑志則在佔盡優勢下以0：1不敵。

矢志在主場全取3分的南華，今仗艾華及賴恩格菲斯均可正選上陣，與陳肇麒組成三箭頭強攻對手。在昨日的訓練中亦盡顯要大勝一場野心，大部分時間均集中進攻演練，除死球進攻外甚至連界外球亦制定了進攻套路。

莫亨巴根為上季印度聯賽冠軍，南華前線主力陳肇麒坦言對對手所知不多，「不過坐鎮主場我們有信心可以贏波而回。」

雅麗珊A隊奪關愛足球盃

車路士（香港）足球學校昨舉辦第六屆「關愛足球盃」，為香港紅十字會轄下三所身體弱能學校舉辦聯校足球比賽，期望能為身體特殊障礙學童融入社群出一分力。經過一連數場開心又刺激的比賽後，雅麗珊郡主學校A隊奪得本屆賽事冠軍。■香港文匯報記者潘志南

<星島日報>

「魔鬼少林」強攻印度冠軍

(星島日報報道)南華近期戰績不振，會方決定邀請前流浪教練列卡度「上山」任魔鬼助教，替主帥米路改善訓練和重整軍紀，獲球員一致讚好。「少林」士氣大增，今晚八時在旺角場出戰亞協盃G組勢以穩守突擊戰術，向攻力強勁的印度球隊莫亨巴根搶分。

有別於米路擅於激勵球員甚少責罵，魔鬼助教列卡度願意扮演醜人黑臉發火，更專注安排傷兵獨立訓練。左閘張健峰對改革讚好：「此前士氣較為鬆散，列卡度勝在作風嚴厲及訓練多元化，有助重整軍紀。」

米路直言列卡度加盟，有助部署抵檔莫亨巴根的強勁進攻。他透露今仗將大打穩守突擊：「對手首場5：2大勝馬爾代夫球隊馬茲亞，表現強橫攻力。日本中場遊佐克美和海地國腳羅德等外援均具質素，不過我們誓要藉主場之利穩守突擊搶分。」

莫亨巴根貴為去屆印度聯賽冠軍，陣中有前千里達前國腳射手格蘭掛帥。這位三十五歲的約基前隊友說：「約基在國家隊時曾經指導我球技，但我倆踢法不同，我是衝刺型前鋒，希望今仗成功爭取士哥吧。

列卡度拆「計時炸彈」

(星島日報報道)列卡度上任，首要任務是整頓防，特別是去季表現出色的中堅保贊今季落場表現火爆，由去季定海神針變成計時炸彈。列卡度也表明要想法拆彈，助這名塞爾維亞援將重新振作。

截至今場為止，南華本季各戰出戰廿三場，累積十四勝一和八負，共入四十五球失廿七球，防表現反覆。「少林寺」防好壞，與主力外援保贊有直接關係，此子去季攔截準繩，本季表現火爆，連教練米路也說要多加跟他溝通降火。

後出身的列卡度也表示，助保贊回勇是南華的勝負關鍵。他解釋：「我會和保贊傾談，協助整頓防守訓練。保贊是防守及轉守為攻的關鍵人物，如果踢回最佳水準，南華後防才無後顧之憂。

傑志一球飲恨

(星島日報報道)傑志昨晚亞協盃F組造訪新加坡，被馬里士卡沙射手蘇奇費利突擊建功先失一球，幸門將王振鵬撲出十二碼不致多失，終以0：1飲恨離場。傑志暫以一勝一負排第二，下輪是下周二主場對馬爾代夫的拉迪恩。

<都市日報>

亞協盃主場第一擊 南華無懼莫亨巴根

2016亞洲足協盃分組賽G組分組賽今晚上演次輪賽事，首仗作客緬甸出不師不利的南華，今晚８時陳兵旺角球場迎戰首仗旗開得勝的印度莫亨巴根，力求在首場主場賽事打響頭炮！

南華昨晚於旺角球場作適應性練習，並在剛回巢的助教列卡度安排下，特別研習「死球戰術」及「手榴彈」戰術，而中前場的一眾攻擊球員則接受由顧問教練山度士主理的射門訓練，看來對今晚對莫亨巴根之戰，主隊南華３分是志在必得。

南華足主張廣勇昨亦有到旺角球場督操，為球隊打氣，強調南華上仗作客仰光聯盡失三分下，今仗對莫亨巴根已無失分空間，故今仗主場出擊是非勝不可。

南華主帥米路及中鋒陳肇麒在收操後會見傳媒時，也展示出爭勝決心，現役港腳陳肇麒表示﹕「列卡度重返南華教練團後，訓練模式已有改變，教練團亦有一套針對性的部署，雖然個人對印度球隊的踢法特性並不了解，但南華今仗目標卻很清晰，就是主場贏波！」

主帥米路也期待再次與列卡度可在亞協盃擦出火花，他說﹕「球隊目前士氣及內部氣氛均不俗，而賽前特安排球隊到酒店集宿，可見會方對今仗的重視。至於上仗作客緬甸因坐骨神經痛而倦勤的菲力斯保耶，以及因撞傷肩膊而退下火線的艾華，今晚將可落場搏殺，希望球隊上、下團結一致下，可於主場球迷吶喊助威下，敲響今屆亞協盃分組賽勝鼓。」

傑志亞協盃求勝得敗

藉１２碼罰球於亞協盃首輪賽事主場以一球險勝菲律賓球隊卡雅的傑志，昨晚作客獅城，在稍被看好下以０﹕１不敵馬里士他卡沙，若非門將王振鵬上半場將功補過，救出一個１２碼罰球，否則傑志可能會多失！

過去三年於亞協盃賽事對新加坡球隊未逢敗績的傑志，昨挑戰由前流浪外援卡積域帶領的馬里士他卡沙，雖然兩軍整場賽事埋門機會不多，但主隊上半場卻有兩個入球良機，而蘇奇費利在３１分鐘的入球，算是主隊的第一個正式埋門，且一擊即中，８分鐘後，傑志門將王振鵬禁區內撲跌敵鋒而被球證判罰極刑，惟基斯迪治的操刀被王振鵬成功撲救，令傑志不致洩氣。

下半場傑志採取主動，而主隊則以守為攻，令傑志雖取得外圍優勢，惟具威脅的埋門卻寥寥無幾，其中鄭展龍接任林嘉緯的快射被主隊門將飛身托出皮球，其餘進攻則只屬隔靴搔癢，最終傑志以一球飲恨而回！而馬里士他卡沙全取三分後，現以兩戰得４分升上榜首。

同日的另一場Ｆ組賽事，菲律賓卡雅以補時階段的絕殺入球，以１﹕０擊敗馬爾代夫拉恩迪。

<AM730>

傑志亞協盃敗走獅城

亞協盃F組賽事，傑志作客以0比1不敵新加玻球隊馬里士他卡沙。傑志今仗攻勢不少，但前鋒羅勳奴屢失戎機，並於31分鐘失守而輸波，在F組兩戰1勝1負。

<東方日報>

傑志僅負失榜首

【Eden新加坡直擊】傑志昨晚於亞協盃F組賽事，作客新加坡馬里士他卡沙，這支連續3年出征「獅城」都獲勝的港超勁旅，飽受傷兵困擾及兵疲下，即使掌控大局，仍遭以突擊戰術應對的主隊以1球險勝，全失3分兼被對方取代榜首位置。

傑志上半場掌控大局，11分鐘伏兵禁區頂的林嘉緯抽射被門將接實；20分鐘西班牙鋒將羅勳奴起腳射斜，去到31分鐘傑志卻意外先失一球，馬里士他卡沙把握反擊機會，由蘇奇費利剷射入網破悶局；完半場前王振鵬禁區內撲跌對手遭判罰12碼，基斯迪治主射被「阿鵬」救出，傑志不至多失。

朱志光讚「生牯仔」Good Show 換邊後，傑志換入鄭展龍、羅梓俊及播磨浩謙三名年輕球員，其中「阿龍」一記後上直射死角幾乎破門，卻又被對手門將「神救」，傑志終以1球見負，作客新加坡3連勝的佳績告終。暫代主教練的足球總監朱志光，坦言球隊受過於頻密的賽程所影響，球員疲倦表現失準，不過他大讚一班上陣的「生牯仔」，指他們雖欠經驗，仍協助球隊在比賽後段製造大量攻勢；幾乎取得「士哥」的鄭展龍賽後稱：「賽事中獲得兩個機會，自己應可處理得更好，但今次是一次很好的經驗，對之後再出戰亞洲賽絕對有幫助。」

南華旺角場擺陣求響勝鼓

南華於亞協盃G組首場分組賽作客不敵緬甸仰光聯，今晚8時回師旺角主場迎戰暫居榜首的印度冠軍莫亨巴根，為保出線不容有失。「少林寺」陣前迎來好消息，澳洲中鋒賴恩格菲斯及時傷愈與艾華雙鬼拍門，務求於小組首響勝鼓。

（now 671周三晚8時直播）

Rambo狂操手榴彈戰術 「少林寺」亞協盃首場作客仰光聯以1比2落敗，暫居G組第3位。該役為南華主射12碼先開紀錄的賴恩格菲斯，日前操練被隊友踩傷腳趾，幸昨日無礙復操，可望與艾華合力攻堅，「陳7」陳肇麒則代替繼續養傷的卡路士，與林學曦後上支援。南華早前邀得「Rambo」列卡度回巢，近日不時協助教練米路指導球員企位，還苦練手榴彈戰術。

「陳7」期望能見效：「Rambo回來對球隊有正面影響，未來作客印度已預計會很難踢，更加希望能在主場贏波。」

南華近仗後防不穩，連帶向來穩陣的保贊亦不時出現失誤。米路指：「保贊今季的拍檔不停換人，默契難免有影響。幸好科夫亦屬經驗十足的領袖，可望能為保贊分憂。」莫亨巴根去季首奪印度聯賽冠軍，亞協盃首場分組賽主場大破馬爾代夫球隊馬茲亞5比2，實力強橫。該役梅開二度的射手格蘭曾代表千里達國家隊出戰06年世界盃決賽周，但他昨於賽前記招直言對南華認識不多。除這名35歲中鋒外，米路還點名提防日本「10號仔」遊佐克美及出身於小保加預備組的海地中場羅德。

FIFA制度及領袖改革見信心

我剛於上月底出席在蘇黎世舉行的國際足協（FIFA）特別大會，除新任主席選舉外，會議上還通過很多重要的改革建議，如成立新的FIFA理事會取代FIFA執行委員會，負責FIFA整體策略和發展方向等決策範疇；秘書處則負責管理及商業營運；FIFA主席、理事會成員等高層設最高十二年任期限制等。

恩芬天奴充滿熱情 FIFA通過新的改革建議，同時迎來新領袖去領導、推動整個改革。剛當選的主席恩芬天奴對足球及FIFA發展擁有清晰的視野，在參選過程中表現出色。過去我曾與他數度碰面，他對足球的熱情、比賽的知識及溝通技巧（他能流利操五種不同語言）令人佩服。我相信他能協助FIFA挽回形象及管治威信，甚或於未來帶來更前瞻性更重大的革新。同時，我並不覺得他以歐洲足球為中心，深信他會與所有屬會及足協（包括亞洲足協及香港足總）緊密合作。

經過這次具歷史意義的特別大會，相信FIFA已手握未來發展的整個藍圖。現在每位世界足球的持份者，包括球員、管理人員、球迷、傳媒，一起殷切期待美好將來。

專欄輪住o黎‧ 香港足球總會行政總裁薛基輔

<太陽報>

賴恩格菲斯傷愈孭重飛 南華爭出線斬草除「根」

南華於亞協盃G組首場分組賽作客不敵緬甸仰光聯，今晚8時回師旺角主場迎戰暫居榜首的印度冠軍莫亨巴根，為保出線不容有失。「少林寺」陣前迎來好消息，澳洲中鋒賴恩格菲斯及時傷愈，可望與艾華雙鬼拍門，務求重返勝軌。

（now671周三晚8:00直播）

「少林寺」亞協盃首場作客仰光聯以1:2落敗，暫居G組第3位。該役為南華先開紀錄的賴恩格菲斯，日前操練被隊友踩傷腳趾，幸昨日無礙復操，可望與「黑豹」艾華聯袂正選。南華早前邀得「Rambo」列卡度回巢救亡，近日不時協助教練米路指導球員，還加練手榴彈戰術。陳肇麒期望及時見效：「Rambo回來後為訓練增添了變化及針對部署，對球隊有正面影響。我們以往甚少作客印度，已預計到受天氣等環境因素影響甚難應付，更加要確保能在主場贏波。」

少林寺加練手榴彈戰術 南華近仗後防不穩，連帶上季獲選為最受公眾歡迎球星的保贊，亦不時出現致命失誤。米路表示：「保贊今季不時因後防傷停問題需更換中堅拍檔，默契難免會有影響。幸好除保贊外，科夫亦是經驗十足的領袖，可望為保贊分憂。」

上季首奪印度聯賽冠軍的莫亨巴根，今屆亞協盃首場分組賽便於主場大破馬爾代夫球隊馬茲亞5:2，該役梅開二度的射手格蘭曾代表千里達出戰2006年世界盃決賽周，實力不容忽視。除了這名35歲中鋒，米路還點名提防日本「10號仔」遊佐克美及出身於小保加預備組的海地中場羅德。

飽受傷兵賽程頻密拖累 傑志亞協盃贏形勢輸波

【高詩琦新加坡直擊】傑志昨日在新加坡上演的亞協盃F組賽事，作客馬里士他卡沙，這支連續3年出征「獅城」都獲勝的港超勁旅，在飽受傷兵困擾及兵疲之下，即使掌控大局，仍遭以突擊戰術應對的客軍以1球險勝，爆冷全失3分。

擅於控球的傑志上半場掌控大局，11分鐘，伏兵禁區頂的林嘉緯接應唐建文橫傳抽射被門將接實；13分鐘，盧均宜吊傳予沈國強，後者第一時間起腳又被門將接到，19分鐘，羅勳奴三閘線試射省中對手彈高，又被門將輕鬆沒收，這位西班牙鋒將1分鐘後再起腳射斜，安基斯於22分鐘及26分鐘更先後從左路突破，但去到31分鐘傑志卻先失1球，馬里士他卡沙把握一次反擊機會，由蘇奇費利剷射入網打開紀錄；完半場前王振鵬禁區內撲跌對手球員遭判罰12碼，基斯迪治主射被「阿鵬」救出。

朱志光讚生牯仔對辦 換邊後，傑志先後換入鄭展龍、羅梓俊及播磨浩謙3名年輕球員，其中「阿龍」一記後上直射死角幾乎破門，卻又被對手門將「神救」；安基斯及羅勳奴各有不少機會建功，同樣無法將皮球送入網窩，傑志終以1球落敗，作客新加坡3連勝的佳績告終。暫代主教練的足球總監朱志光，坦言球隊受過於頻密的賽程所影響，球員難免因疲倦影響表現，不過他大讚一班「生牯仔」的表現，指他們雖欠經驗，仍協助球隊在比賽後段製造大量攻勢；幾乎取得「士哥」的鄭展龍賽後表示：「賽事中獲得兩個入球機會，自己應要處理得更好，但今次是一次很好的經驗，對之後再出戰亞洲賽絕對有幫助。」

<Straits Times>

Tight defence helps unfancied Balestier stun Kitchee

Pan Zaixiang

AFC CUP Balestier Khalsa 1 Kitchee 0

The odds were heavily stacked against Balestier Khalsa last night, as they faced reigning Hong Kong Premier League champions Kitchee in their AFC Cup Group F tie at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

The Tigers, struggling in last place in the S-League, were without their injured foreign striker Robert Pericic. Meanwhile, Kitchee had former Atletico Madrid player Rufino del Burgo in their ranks.

Yet the hosts managed to pull off a 1-0 victory in front of 1,048 fans to stay unbeaten so far in their AFC Cup campaign.

Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic was pleased that his counter-attacking strategy had paid off and said after the game: "This was what we were expecting from Kitchee - to keep possession. If we played like them, we would have lost.

"They were missing two foreigners, but we were also missing key players. It is all down to hard work; we played compact and defended very well."

The two sides had met in the same stage of the tournament last season. Kitchee won both matches by an aggregate score of 5-1.

Last night, the visitors dominated possession from the start and nearly took the lead in the 26th minute, when Christian Kwesi was put through by defender Tong Kin Man and fired just wide of the far post.

However, it was the Tigers who broke the deadlock five minutes later, when Fadhil Noh sent in a cross from the right flank for Zulkiffli Hassim to fire home from close range.

Croatian striker Miroslav Kristic then had a glorious opportunity to put Balestier 2-0 up in the 39th minute when he was brought down by Kitchee goalkeeper Wang Zhenpeng in the penalty box.

However, his spot kick was saved by Wang.

Kitchee went desperately in search of the equaliser late on but Balestier's defence, well-marshalled by centre-back Emir Lotinac, who passed a late fitness test to play, managed to hold on for a confidence-boosting victory as the Tigers moved to the top of Group F on four points.

Kitchee interim coach Alex Chu, who only took over last weekend after Spanish coach Abraham Garcia resigned, rued his side's lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.

He said: "We had many chances to score but the home team played very defensive and made it difficult for us. Maybe the players were tired due to the difference in temperature and humidity over here but every player tried their best."

In Group F's other game, Filipino outfit Kaya FC beat New Radiant of Maldives 1-0 in Manila.

The Tigers will next travel to Manila to face Kaya in their third AFC Cup group game on March 15 while Kitchee will entertain New Radiant at home on the same day.

Singapore's other representative in the AFC Cup, Tampines Rovers, beat Malaysian Super League side Selangor 1-0 at Selayang Stadium in their Group E tie.

<Today>

Tigers sink fangs into Kitchee Zulkiffli Hassim’s first-half goal seals hard-fought win over Hong Kong team

SINGAPORE — Balestier Khalsa continued their unbeaten start in their AFC Cup group stage campaign as midfielder Zulkiffli Hassim’s goal in the 31st minute sealed a hard fought 1-0 win against Hong Kong side Kitchee at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday evening (March 8).

After a quiet opening 10 minutes, Kitchee almost took the lead in the 11th minute when midfielder Lam Ka Wai fired a dangerous shot towards goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.

The away side, who parted company with Spanish head coach Abraham Garcia over the weekend and were without their Spanish imports Fernando Reico and Jordi Tarres due to injuries, broke once again in the 15th minute when a cross from the right wing almost fell nicely for Spanish forward Rufino Del Burgo, but defender Emir Lotinac was on hand to make a vital interception.

The Serbian passed a late fitness test on Monday evening to make his first appearance of the season and he starred on the night as he manned the Tigers’ backline to perfection.

With Balestier struggling to retain possession against a side who modelled their style of football on Spanish giants FC Barcelona, Kitchee had yet another golden opportunity to take the lead, but forward Christian Kwesi, unmarked on the left wing, fired agonisingly wide in the 26th minute.

Kwesi was made to rue that chance as Balestier took the lead with their first real opportunity of the match five minutes later.

Serbian forward Mirsolav Kristic released Fadhil Noh on the right flank and the winger picked out Zulkiffli, who finished well to complete a brilliant counter-attacking move.

Having taken the lead, Balestier had a chance to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot when Fadhil played Kristic through on goal with a long ball and he was brought down by Kitchee goalkeeper Wang Zhenpeng in the penalty area.

But Kristic saw his spot-kick well saved by Wang, who dived to his right, much to the dismay of the 1,048-strong crowd.

The Tigers then survived a late onslaught from Kitchee to grab the vital three points.

On Tuesday night’s result means Balestier move to the top of Group F with four points, after Philippine outfit Kaya FC beat Maldivian side New Radiant 1-0 in the night’s other Group F match.

“I didn’t expect to top the table but we worked hard and got the results,” said Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic. “If you asked me before I would have said we could have given a good fight. But to be top of the group...that is surprising.”

Kitchee’s interim coach, Alex Chu, blamed fatigue for his team’s defeat.

“I think my team was tired from playing too many games in the last few days (four games in 10 days). But every player did their best and the match could have gone either way,” he said. “Balestier adopted a defensive approach and played on the counter. We tried to break them down but we couldn’t.”

In Tuesday's other AFC Cup match involving a Singapore team, Tampines Rovers made it two wins out of two in their Group E campaign as they beat Selangor 1-0.

Stags head coach V Sundramoorthy rested British attacking duo Jermaine Pennant and Billy Mehmet, and it was one of their replacements, Fazrul Nawaz, who popped up with the winner in the 27th minute with a neat finish.

The result meant Tampines go top of the group with six points, two ahead of Filipino side Ceres FC who defeated Bangladeshi outfit Sheikh Jamal 2-0.

Selangor are third with one point while Sheikh Jamal are bottom with no points.

<The New Paper>

Zulkiffli's goal enough to beat Kitchee Zulkiffli goal enough for Tigers to floor Hong Kong champions and top their group

By DAVID LEE

GROUP F BALESTIER KHALSA 1 (Zulkiffli Hassim 31) KITCHEE SC 0

This will go down as one of the greatest nights in the history of Balestier Khalsa, after the S.League club rose to the top of Group F in the AFC Cup in only their second appearance in the competition.

It was a classic smash-and-grab, but the Tigers played out Marko Kraljevic's counter-attacking game plan to perfection as they beat the superior Kitchee SC 1-0 at Jalan Besar Stadium in front of 1,048 fans last night for their first win of the season.

They became the first Singaporean team to beat the Hong Kong Premier League champions in nine attempts spanning more than four years.

"This is what we expected from Kitchee, that they will have most of the possession," said Balestier coach Kraljevic.

"If we try to play the same game, we will lose. That's why we relied on the counter-attack and it worked."

The visitors had 16 shots at goal and nine corners compared to just five shots and no corners for the hosts, but what mattered most was Zulkiffli Hassim's (above, second from left) 31st-minute winner off Fadhil Noh's right-wing cross.

While Balestier centre back Emir Lotinac put in a colossal performance after a speedy return from a calf injury, it was a true team effort from the underdogs in a feisty affair that saw four players booked from each side.

Goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam was unbeatable between the posts to deny Rufino and Cheng Chin Lung, and Balestier's wingers and full backs were indefatigable on the flanks to stop the dangerous Kitchee wide men.

Even striker Miroslav Kristic, whose barren run extended to 540 minutes, ran himself to the ground at both ends of the pitch, chasing seemingly lost causes and winning a 39th-minute penalty.

Unfortunately for him, Kitchee goalkeeper Wang Zhenpeng pulled off a great save to deny him a goal.

Kitchee may have been missing their foreign centre back Recio and winger Jordi Tarres, but Kraljevic said: "What do you want me to do? We also have Robert Pericic out injured and played with only two imports, this is football. We worked very hard and luck follows brave people."

With Filipino outfit Kaya beating New Radiant from the Maldives 1-0, Balestier went top of the group, a situation that caught Kraljevic by surprise.

He said: "The S.League is a good and competitive league which some people don't give enough respect to.

"Last year, we lost to eventual champions Johor Darul Ta'zim by a stoppage-time goal here and conceded only in the last 15 minutes away.

"We are a better team than last season because we now have more experienced players like Jamil Ali and Syafiq Zainal.

"I hope this can kickstart our league campaign."

•BALESTIER KHALSA: Zaiful Nizam, Fadli Kamis, Sheikh Abdul Hadi, Emir Lotinac, Hanafi Salleh, Fadhil Noh (Syafiq Zainal 56), Gary Loo (Jamil Ali 58), Shah Hirul Yusof (Hazzuwan Halim 76), Fazli Ayob, Zulkiffli Hassim, Miroslav Kristic

•KITCHEE SC: Wang Zhenpeng, Lo Kwan Yee, Kim Taemin, Li Ngau Hoi, Tong Kin Man, Sham Kwok Keung (Harima Hirokane 65), Ngan Lok Fung (Cheng Chin Lung 70), Huang Yang, Christian Kwesi (Law Tsz Chun 74), Rufino del Burgo, Lam Ka Wai

•TNP Man of the Match: Emir Lotinac (Balestier Khalsa)