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SINGAPORE: They are a rare breed in a football world dominated by right-footed players, it is hardly a surprise coaches are desperate for talented left-footers.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic felt Shaiful Esah could be his ace down the flank, but the SAFFC left-back flattered to deceive in four outings with the Lions.
"Concentrate, take your time and deliver," those were Avramovic's instructions to Shaiful just before Wednesday night's friendly against Indonesia at the National Stadium.
And, finally, the 23-year-old delivered.
Singapore beat Indonesia 3-1 in their final warm-up fixture ahead of two crucial Group E Asian Cup qualifiers against Thailand on Nov 14 and 18, and all three goals came courtesy of Shaiful's cultured left-foot.
Three wickedly curling deliveries - two from free-kicks and another from a corner - by Shaiful served the ball on a plate for Aleksandar Duric and Noh Alam Shah to score and leave the Lions in confident mood ahead of the two battles with Bryan Robson's men.
Duric netted in the 10th and 58th minutes, and Alam Shah headed home in the 21st minute, condemning a feeble Indonesia side to defeat.
Duric had nothing but praise for Shaiful and he called for more of the same against Thailand.
"We have height in the team and we are dangerous from set-pieces. If against Thailand we get deliveries that we got tonight, we will have a chance to score," said the 39-year-old. "Set-pieces will be very important for us."
Avramovic was equally pleased with the Lions' ability to convert from dead-ball situations.
"Set-pieces make the difference in top international games, and it'll surely make the difference for us against Thailand. I am happy with how our set-pieces went today," said the Serb.
"The Indonesia team is similar to Thailand and it is good that the players have the experience of playing against a team like this."
Speaking to MediaCorp over the phone from Thailand at half-time last night, Thailand assistant coach Steve Darby - who led Home United from 2002-05 - correctly predicted the Lions' first XI.
But Avramovic was unperturbed by the Englishman's knowledge of his team. "It's not my problem if he can predict our team," said Avramovic.
One worry is the condition of midfielder Fahrudin Mustafic.
The 28-year-old fell in the penalty box after goalkeeper Lionel Lewis accidentally stepped on his left ankle and was stretchered off in the 53rd minute. But the Persija Jakarta midfielder was up and walking after the game.
"We can't say how bad the damage is now, but I'm able to walk, so that's a good thing. I think I should be back on the pitch very soon," said Fahrudin. - TODAY
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