Captain Naufal hoping for happier ending than 2023
The Straits Times|October 04, 2024
Singapore Under-16 captain Iliya Naufal Idris will not forget the 2023 Lion City Cup (LCC) final in a hurry.
Deepanraj Ganesan
Captain Naufal hoping for happier ending than 2023

While attempting to win the ball off a BG Pathum United player, he fell awkwardly on his left hand and lay flat on the Jalan Besar Stadium pitch, unable to get up.

The centre-back, who had to be substituted in the 70th minute, was taken to the KK Women's and Children's Hospital, where X-rays found that he had broken two bones in his left wrist.

His Singapore U-15 teammates went on to lose 4-3 on spot kicks to the Thai side after the match ended 1-1.

A year later, Naufal, 16, will lead his side out to face Pathum again in an LCC semi-final at the same venue on Oct 4, hoping to better last year's result.

Japanese outfit Tokyo Verdy and Johor Darul Takzim, both tournament debutants, will contest the other semi-final. The final and third-place play-off will be held on Oct 6.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView all
Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore
The Straits Times

Krupnova brings positivity to Wondersticks and S'pore

While it has been only two weeks since Eliska Krupnova joined Singapore Floorball Premier League (SFL) side Wondersticks, the 2020 world's best female floorball player has lit up the league in more ways than one.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 06, 2024
HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The Straits Times

HER UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Belarusian Goutseva back to complete her artistic swimming vision for Singapore

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
The Straits Times

Villa now in the big leagues, thanks to their manager

On The Ball | There are doubts about the new Champions League format, its extended group stage and \"Swiss model\" fixture list. Try telling that to anyone connected with Aston Villa, though.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT
The Straits Times

REDS' WIN 'SPECIAL' FOR SLOT

Manager says it will let wife see a happy man, but warns of tough stretch ahead

time-read
3 mins  |
October 06, 2024
Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality
The Straits Times

Respectful Emery wary of United's winning mentality

Unai Emery praised the under-pressure Erik ten Hag on Oct 4 as the Aston Villa boss labelled Manchester United \"the best team in the world\" despite their dismal form.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER
The Straits Times

ANGE FACES A 'CURIOUS' TEST BY HURZELER

Brighton boss, who asked 'many questions' on a day at Spurs in 2023, has 'inside info'

time-read
3 mins  |
October 06, 2024
Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months
The Straits Times

Pogba's 'nightmare is over' as ban cut to 18 months

French international footballer Paul Pogba said on Oct 4 that his \"nightmare is over\" after a four-year ban for doping was reduced to 18 months.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal
The Straits Times

Blues need time to compete with City, Arsenal

Chelsea are improving but are not yet ready to compete with top English Premier League clubs like Manchester City and Arsenal, manager Enzo Maresca said on Oct 4.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024
The Straits Times

Billie Jean King Cup to align with Davis Cup format

The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will transition to an eight-team event in 2025, from the current 12, to mirror the existing Davis Cup format, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said on Oct 4.

time-read
1 min  |
October 06, 2024
Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on
The Straits Times

Money talks to grow US rugby reportedly back on

Rugby union's governing body World Rugby has revived talks to raise funds for growing the sport in the United States, three people familiar with the matter said.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 06, 2024