Just A Job
Alcántara admitted that the game didn't do much for squad morale, but also insisted that the players were professional enough to put it behind them. "We have many players for a reason, and today was one of the few times we could reward the hard workers with some actual game time. Well, maybe reward isn't the best word, but still."
Winston Chan, who has had just six official appearances, two of them competitive, in his four seasons with the Birds, backed up his coach's comments. "I don't like to lose, but I'll take playing over that. I might have to look at a move if the games don't come soon, though."
Head coach
Niculae Stanca's absence was explained by him being in the stands to watch Edbe FC beat Random Curiosity FC 4-2 to book their place as Group A winners. Although a draw would have been enough for them, they showed no signs of settling for one, and burst to a three-goal lead before thirty minutes. Giovanni Vrencev hit two, but it will not be him that Grilled will have to worry about in the semi-finals now.
"Curiosity were not at their tip-top best today, and though we won 4-3 against them a couple of months ago, it wasn't easy at all. In fact, they're very much like us, and if they turn it into a slug-out, the match could well swing either way in an instant." Stanca analysed.
There was much excitement in Group B as Tampines Phoenix F.C. looked like qualifying after Hilal Ikram Kassim gave them a 3-1 lead right after half-time, but Fafane Club then scored too on newly-crowned Cup winners Be Champions FC, to sidle into second place. It was still all for grabs, but the Phoenixes were burnt out, and Alex Papp turned it all around for Scallop Soccer Team with a hat-trick, which however was still not enough for them, with Dudu Amichai adding a second for Fafane.
