By Song Sung Hai

Last Season’s Results
CYL 0-4 TPUFC
TPUFC 3-0 CYL
TPUFC 0-1 CYL

A lesser than desirable marksmanship have plagued the Jaguars offensive capabilities and saw us losing the past 3 battles by one-goal margins. The next test comes in the form of the still winless Courts Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium tomorrow and a win surely must be on the cards.

The Young Lions lost their previous game to a struggling Geylang International side at Bedok Stadium by a solitary goal and Coach Aide Iskandar will want to take positives from the display which saw them drawing 2-2 with Woodlands Wellington. He will be asking for a lot more from the likes of Sherif El-Masri and Al-Qaasimy Rahman especially with Jordan Webb suspended for this encounter.

The lean and yet still mean Jaguars will once again be missing the creative Kamel Ramdani, defensive lynchpin Anthony Aymard and the reliable Zahid Ahmad to injuries. Masrezwan Masturi will have to sit this one out as well due to suspension.

The Jaguars have managed to outperform opponents in our past three matches and enjoyed overwhelming possession and yet the goals continue to elude. One cannot help but feel that it is only a matter of time before the floodgates open for the team.

Head Coach Patrick Vallee, though, insists that the team keeps up the same level of performance and that things will eventually work out.

“We will approach the match with the same mentality, same kind of play and fight hard for a win. I won’t be changing anything in the way we play,” he stressed. “I don’t want my players to play under pressure because it is not good. We must play with a free mind and go for the result. We continue playing like that I am sure the result will come for us.”

Patrick also feels that the Young Lions are a better side this season in contrast to the results they have gotten so far.

“ They did not start the season well, yes, but not because they are bad or anything else but they have improved a lot and all their opponents had tough games against them. Aide is a former player with good experience in the S.League and he is an important aspect of the Courts Young Lions setup,” he concluded.

The stage is set for a fiery clash between the Jaguars and the Young Lions as both sides will have plenty to prove. No mercy will be asked and none will be given in this crucial tie for two sides eager to get their seasons back to positive reckoning.

Don’t miss it! See you there!