YOUNG Tigers coach blasts his defenders

22 April 2012

Ong Kim Swee hit out at his defenders for being careless and caused the Malaysian side lost 2-0 to Singapore's Balestier Khalsa in the S-League on Friday.

The Tigers dominated possession but a defensive Balestier played a patient game to gain victory at home.

The teams share the best defensive record, but Tigers lost it after just two minutes.

A long diagonal pass by Balestier goalkeeper Joey Sim appeared to pose no real danger when it found its way to Tigers defender Mahalli Jasuli but the captain was caught napping, allowing Hamqammal Shah to score their opening goal past Izham Tarmizi.

Balestier relied on counter-attacks throughout the match and their patience was rewarded in the 59th minute when a slip by Tigers centre-back Shahrul Mohd Saad provided Ruhaizad Ismail a clear path for the second goal.

"Mahalli and Shahrul are the black sheep for the team yesterday (Friday).” said Kim Swee yesterday.

"We lost due to two silly mistakes and those were the only chance Balestier got! We will learn from the mistakes. We have to improve, no matter what. "

Tigers will face Hougang United on Friday without main players, Mahalli, Fadhli Shas, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor and Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, who have been called for the international friendly match against Sri Lanka next weekend.

"I will have to rotate those available in their absence, and of course it will be a difficult match," Kim Swee added.