SAFFC’s Prime League squad overcame a stubborn Katong FC side to win the 2008 Singapore Pools FA Cup for a 2nd time in 3 years, having first won it in 2006. The Young Warriors clinched it with a superb free kick taken by Asraf Rashid in the first period of extra time after the match had ended 0-0 in the full period.

Having brushed aside all Prime League opposition, such as Tampines Rovers and Gombak United, en route to the Final, the Young Warriors had no prior knowledge of the NFL side. Although rated slight favourites before the match, the Young Warriors, nevertheless, were cautious about their opponents.

It showed in their play. The build up was slow and tentative and it took over a quarter of a hour before the first real chance was created. The Goalkeeper from Katong FC stole the show with his confident display between the woodwork. It gave the team confidence and the NFL side actually had a few chances but were let down by poor finishing.

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The first was lack-lustre but play picked up in the second half. Fadzil Nasir, the team captain, worked tirelessly in mid-field and was always involved in the attacking moves. The best chance came in a swift counter-attack in the 52nd minute. Ruhaini Zainal was put clear by Fadzil on the right and the right winger sent in a perfect low cross into the box. Zulkifli Abdullah appeared to have got on to the cross but, with the goalkeeper already beaten, he agonizingly sliced it just wide off the left upright.

As the game progressed, the NFL side was fast tiring. The Young Warriors’ superior fitness showed. They took control of the game but, although they dominated play and created chances, the finishing was a let down and they could not beat the Katong keeper who was in top form.

Much to the dismay of the Warriors’ supporters, the match went into the mandatory extra time. By then, the NFL side ran out of steam and, with their substitutions used up, play was held up by several cramps and desperate tackling. The young Warriors, to their credit, kept their composure and patiently waited for their chance. It came in the 10th minute of the first period of extra time. A free kick just outside the box was superbly curled in by the diminutive Asraf Rashid for the Warriors to lead 1-0.

That goal took the fight out of the NFL side and the V. Selvaraj-coached young Warriors had done enough to ensure that the trophy returned to the Warriors Arena in Choa Chu Kang for the 2nd time in 3 years.