Tanjong Pagar United 2-2 Global FC
Singapore Cup semi-final first leg
1 October 2013
Queenstown Stadium
Scorers
Ismael Benahmed 30', Monsef Zerka 49'; Misagh Bahadoran 8', Aaron Altiche 69'

It is all square as Tanjong Pagar United and Global FC have all to play for, following a 2-2 draw in the semi-final first leg of the RHB Singapore Cup.

The Jaguars had the worst possible start when Misagh Bahadoran put Global in the lead after eight minutes.

Monsef Zerka had a glorious chance to restore parity almost immediately followed by Hafiz Osman the skipper, but both were thwarted by Roland Sadia in quick succession.

Crucially, Ismael Benahmed was on hand to tuck home an inviting cross after the half-hour mark following good work by first Ahmad Latiff then Asraf Rashid.

The hosts turned the match on its head after the restart and gained the lead after a goalkeeping error, through returning marksman Monsef Zerka.

The Global defence with goalkeeper Sadia in good form exerted constant pressure on the hosts, who held firm before gradually growing into the game.

However, his counterpart Aurelien Herisson made a real howler by gifting Global a barely-deserved equaliser.

Pre-match, while Tanjong Pagar introduced the newly-available Zerka for this fixture the away side brought in Aaron Altiche for Patrick Delon, one of three suspensions.

Much time had passed before the midfield scrap became increasing apparent, but not before Rufino Sanchez threatened to feast upon Joshua Beloya's through ball.

Thankfully, Walid Lounis was on hand to fend off the danger on 36 minutes.

Herisson almost landed in no-man's land as danger loomed but he was able to hold firm before Altiche could even close in.

The Jaguars received a potential boost in the 49th minute when Bahadoran brought down Latiff on the right touchline.

With a freekick played into the danger zone, who else but Zerka to toe-poke into the gaping far post after Sadia's mistake of punching the ball meekly.

The home side could have even been three took the good if not for some goalmouth heroics to deny Ramdani on the shot.

However, no lapse of any concentration could be afforded moments later when Herisson had to punch away a stinging attempt by Jeffrey Christiaens.

The match certainly opened up by then and once played in by Benahmed, Zerka nearly snatched a goal on the hour mark but for a straightforward save.

Sadia almost got himself sent of for handling outside the box had the referee not been lenient to not to apply the rule of the law in the 62nd minute.

Sanchez had two strikes off target before Benahmed volleyed over in an one-on-one situation.

Then came Herisson's error at a time when the Jaguars looked to be coasting, an unwanted gift onto the feet of the grateful Altiche.

With nothing to lose Ahmad Latiif proceeded to have a fierce drive parried array in the 71st minute.

Minor mistakes aside, commitment was never in doubt as typified by Hanafi running full pelt upfield in a bid to close down an opponent.

He and Latiff played their part in limiting the influence of Starosta and Beloya.

The Jaguars had further chances to edge ahead, notably perhaps the gymnastics applied by Zerka when trying to get his head onto a freekick in front of goal late on.

Bahadoran then struck the bar deep into stoppage time, leaving the match all square and the tie delicately poised ahead of the second leg.

Post match, the ever-positive Patrick Vallee focused on the positives and Herisson as he greeted the press with a broad smile.

“Everything is open at 2-2 for the second leg. Neither Tanjong Pagar nor Global has qualified. It'd been an interesting and fine game; we might have started slowly again but I think everyone enjoyed it.

“We missed lots of chances, and because sometimes in the end there would be chances (for the opponents) to equalise, we have to rectify things (during training). Everybody can say it's a goalkeeper's mistake but he can't be blamed and has done a lot. It is part of football.

“Everyone put in a good performance and I like the fighting spirit and bouncing back.”

Tanjong Pagar United: Aurelien Herisson, Anthony Aymard, Hafiz Osman (c), Hanafi Salleh, Azhar Ahmad, Asraf Rashid (K. Vikraman 71'), Ahmad Latiff, Ismael Benahmed, Kamel Ramdani, Monsef Zerka, Walid Lounis
Booked: Lounis 20', Asraf 65'

Global FC: Ange Guisso, Ben Starosta (c), Rufino Sanchez, Misagh Bahadoran, Roland Sadia, Aaron Altiche (Marvin Angeles 90'), Marwin Angeles, Jeffrey Christiaens, Joshua Beloya, Jerry I Barbaso, Jason De Jong
Booked: Sadia 62'

Referee: Ahmad A'Qashah
Assistant Referees : Tang Yew Mun, Ong Chai LeeBest online casino site