S'pore under-16s only need a point against Everton to reach semis
Singapore U-16 1 Flamengo U-15 1
SINGAPORE - Studs showing, Pedro Fernandes clattered into Singapore's No 16, leaving the latter in a heap on the ground.
Still wincing from the challenge, Dhukilan Jeevamani picked himself up with little fuss, even offering his hand to Pedro.
On one of the biggest days of his life, the 16-year-old was not about to lose his cool.
It was the first time he stepped out onto the field as skipper of the Singapore under-16 squad, and marshalling the defence with distinction, Dhukilan helped Takuma Koga's charges post a 1-1 draw with Brazil's Flamengo in a Canon Lion City Cup Group B clash at Jalan Besar Stadium last night.
Muhaimin Suhaimi scored in the 70th minute with a cleverly-placed shot to thrill the majority of the 2,490-strong crowd, and for a while, it looked as if the hosts would be able to eke out a famous win over the tournament favourites, who were a man down.
Despite Dhukilan's Man-of-the-Match performance at the heart of the defence, it was not to be, though, as Flamengo's Jorge Marco equalised with five minutes remaining with an equally smart chipped shot that left Fashah Rosedin in the Singapore goal stranded.
Jeffrey Lightfoot, the player Dhukilan replaced as captain, had nothing but praise for his team-mate.
Out with a calf injury but watching from the stands, Jeffrey said: "The team played very well today, and it was a very good performance by Dhukilan. He led by example, controlled the backline well and put in some very crucial tackles.
"He is a good captain and his performance will add a bit of pressure on me when I get back.
"But it's reassuring to know that there are other leaders out on the pitch."
While the Punggol Secondary School student was disappointed with Flamengo's late goal, Dhukilan did give a hint of a smile after the game when speaking of the captaincy.
"I've always dreamt of this moment, to lead a team out on to the pitch. But you have to keep your feet on the ground and focus on the game," he said. "I'm in to take over Jeffrey, and I hoped to do what he has done - lead the team and control the defence.
"Now, we just need to put the pressure out of our minds and do our job and not lose to Everton in the next game."
With Flamengo beating Everton 1-0 in the group's first fixture on Saturday, everything now hinges on tomorrow's game against the Merseysiders. A draw will see Singapore under-15s through to the semi-finals.
Said coach Koga: "Everton are a good team and it won't be easy for us. I just want the players to take a rest and prepare for the game."
Jeffrey was more candid, saying: "Everton have a good defence with a steady goalkeeper. We have to look to be more creative in attack. I think the boys have been given enough exposure to go out there and do the job."
Group A result Juventus 1 Newcastle United 0
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