3 Thoughts (Home United vs Albirex Niigata)

It was a successful casting call for Home's Agents of Shield.
Photo Credit: Ian Goh / SG Football Podcast

Local football is back! This year’s Community Shield pitted inaugural Singapore Premier League Champions Albirex Niigata (who else) against League runner-ups Home United.

Home United triumphed in a 5-4 penalty shootout win after a drab 90 minutes. Here are my 3 thoughts on the game.

New Albirex, new struggle

Having seen Albirex totally dominate teams last year, it was weird watching such an insipid performance from the Japanese side. Having retained only 4 players, they no longer boasted the immense talent of Taku Morinaga and the predator that is Shuhei Hoshino who could change the game. It seemed like everything was left on the shoulders of Kyoga Nakamura who looked the only bright spot on a poor Albirex performance.

In a new ruling this season, Albirex would have to start 2 locals and have them play an entire first half.

Firas Irwan and Zamani Zamri were the 2 Singaporeans thrust into the Albirex starting lineup. And lo and behold, they were taken off at half time, as Head Coach Keiji Shigetomi told us during the press conference. Whether this ruling will prove a waste of time only time will tell, but maybe I am just putting it way too nicely.

Home go local but fail to find spark

Home United fielded an all-local lineup as foreign stars Song Ui-Yong (lacking fitness) and Isaka Cernak (training injury) were both out. Both are doubts for this Wednesday’s AFC Cup Group H clash with PSM Makassar.

Home at the back were pretty solid, except for a couple of nervy moments where Kyogo Nakamura nearly weaved some magic. But it’s attacking wise where they really struggled, with the final ball lacking. Adam Swandi, who was making his debut tonight for the Protectors, showed some bright moments but was ultimately unable to really provide that spark that this game so desperately needed.
Home would definitely need to up their game against regional competition if they want to defend the AFC Regional Crown but the returns of Song and Cernak will definitely help that.

Jalan Besar Effect

This year’s curtain raiser was brought to the Jalan Besar Stadium and that for me was a plus. Last year’s Community Shield at the National Stadium seemed a grand affair but lacked the atmosphere. Or maybe just seeing the Jalan Besar stands pretty full was a welcome sight for me. This leaves me thinking how it is going to be for the rest of the season. The hype was there at the start but died down as the season went on. Hopefully, with a closer title race, people will start coming back.

Only time will tell.

Also, do be sure to check out the video which our super talented videogapher, Eric filmed of the thrills and spills in the stands during the penalty shootout!

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Jerome Setho
Writer
The SG Football Podcast