Mahindra lose to Singapore by solitary goal in AFC Cup

Margao, May 8 (UNI) Singapore Armed Forces hung on to an early goal by medio Chaiman Therdsak to beat India's Mahindra United by a solitary goal in a crucial Group E match at the Nehru Stadium here today and virtually assured themselves a berth in the quarter-final of the AFC Cup 2007.

The all important goal for the winners came in the sixth minute, which ultimately turned out to be the match winner.

Singapore Armed Forces thus avenged their 0-2 defeat against the same opponents on home ground.

With this win, the visitors are on top of the group with 12 points from five outings with four wins and a defeat. Mahindra are now tied on nine points with Hong Kong's Happy Valley who beat New Radiant of Maldives 2-1 in another match at home today.

The Mumbai side, who play New Radiant in their final outing on May 22 at Male are now uncertain of their place in the last eight as only group toppers are sure of a berth. They though have still a chance to make it to the quarter-finals as two best runners-up sides from the six-group fixture will make the grade.

Mahindra today failed to combine as a team and badly felt the absence Ghanian sharpshooter Yusif Yakubu Yusif and playmaker Mbaka Dady in the upfront and midfield. Both were suspended for this match due to double bookings.

The Singapore side, who have improved their performance with every outings after their first defeat, swung into action from the beginning and shot into the lead as early as in the sixth minute through Thai medio Chaiman Therdsak, whose freekick landed straight into the net deceiving Mahindra goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhary (1-0).

Stung by the early reversal, Mahindra accelerated the pace of their game and came near scoring on a couple of occasions. In the 21st minute, from a James Singh initiated move, Sushanat Mathew ahd powerpacked left footer which was brilliantly punched by Singapore goalkeeper Jantan Shahril.

The home team had another easy chance in the 27th minute but Sushant Mathew again wasted it.

Singapore Armed Forces could have increased their lead in the 33rd minute, but Mahindra goalkeeper beautifully blocked the freekick by Chaiman which rebounded towards Manzur Khan whose shot hit the goal post and rebounded back into play.

In the second half, Mahindra made two changes bringing in Abhisek Yadav in place of Manjit Singh and S Venkatesh in place of Andrew Mensah and made some desperate attempts for the equaliser but there was no change in the complexion of the game.

Mahindra's best chance came in the 77the minute, when Surkumar Singh unleashed a powerpacked shot but Singapore's goalkeeper smartly saved it, diving to his left.

Jordan referee M Salem flashed yellow cards to two Singapore players Chaiman Therdsak and Mohamed Ali Noor.

UNI