SAFSA RETURN AS BOGAARS CUP CHAMPIONS
// REPORT Thrina Tham
// PHOTOS Tan Yong Quan
The Home Team Academy played host to the game on 4 Apr. SAFSA dominated the 90-minute match, keeping the ball in the attacking half for most of the game.
The combination of persistent possession and pressing finally broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. A stunning cross by the winger Staff Sergeant (SSG) Mohammed Husaini bin Abdullah was met with a perfect tap-in by midfielder Corporal (CPL) Ammirul Emmran bin Azlan.
In last year's Bogaars Cup held at Bedok Camp II, SAFSA also defeated the then-seven-time defending champions SPFSA in a 2-1 win.
This year's goalscorer CPL Ammirul, who is also team captain, said he was honoured to lead the team to victory though he admitted that they played a disappointing first half.
"We knew we should have scored at least one goal in the first half as we had three clear chances. We did everything as planned but the ball wouldn't go in so we were panicking a bit," said the Full-time National Serviceman who serves in the Military Police Command.
The 22-year-old credited the twist of fate to the team's perseverance, saying: "During our halftime talk we said: Just focus, be patient and the goal will come. True enough the goal came because everyone was determined and we kept our composure."
His sentiments were shared by SSG Husaini, who was named "Man of the match" for his crucial cross that led to the match-winning display.
"We were too eager to get the first goal but we knew that we doing well so composure was everything for the second half," said the Regular with the 3rd Battalion, Singapore Guards.
The 24-year-old added: "Hearing my teammates calling my name to deliver the cross gave me the motivation. Even though I was tired, I knew that my teammates needed me."
The SAFSA football team comprises of a 23-man squad, of which two are Regular servicemen.
Said SAFSA football team manager Lieutenant (LTA) Ng Wei Kang: "The win means a lot because it shows determination, discipline and the fighting spirit we have in the team."
"This win kicks off the season, they are starting off strong and they will be in high spirits towards the season," he added. Following the Bogaars Cup, the team will intensify their training in preparation for the National Football League season, organised by the National Football Association of Singapore.
The G.E. Bogaars Cup aims to maintain the historical ties and close working relationship between the SAF and the SPF. The competition is held in honour of the late Mr George Edwin Bogaars, who was Permanent Secretary for the Interior and Defence - now Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Chief of Defence Force Major-General (MG) Melvyn Ong and Commissioner of Police Hoong Wee Teck were the guests of honour at this year's cup final. In an earlier curtain-raiser match for players aged 35 and above, the SPFSA Veterans beat SAFSA Veterans 1-0.
