SEA Games: Shafiq misfires at the Games

He scored six goals for the LionsXII last season, including a 35-metre wonder strike against Perak.

In an interview with The New Paper last month, Shahfiq Ghani revealed he had set himself a target of five goals at these South-East Asia (SEA) Games.

When the time came for him to shine, the 21-year-old forward failed to provide any sort of spark for the Singapore Under-23s' attack.

After Thursday night's 1-0 semi-final defeat to Thailand, Shahfiq's barren streak was extended to four matches.

And in two of those games, including Thursday night, he was substituted by coach Aide Iskandar for off-colour performances.

Shahfiq managed 75 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Malaysia.

Against the Thais Thursday night, Shahfiq failed to hold up play, was unable to find a teammate with even a simple pass and was a passenger for much of the time until he was hauled off in the 66th minute.

Aide didn't hide his disappointment over how one of his most talented strikers failed to deliver.

"For me, he didn't have a good tournament," the former Lions skipper said after the match.

"I expected more from him, but he didn't produce."

Aide was asked what took him until the 66th minute to make his first change. He responded: "I wanted to give Shahfiq a chance to prove himself because he didn't have a good first half.

"But in the second half it was the same and I guess that was all he could give me."

Shahfiq looked sullen as he trudged towards the team bus after the match.

When TNP asked him how he felt at being unable to replicate his club form, he said: "Of course I'm disappointed.

"It's hard to explain... Maybe it's form, maybe it's the pressure.

"It's difficult because in the Malaysian Super League, everything I try comes off. But here, everything doesn't."

The bronze play-off against Malaysia tomorrow is the final chance to salvage some pride, and Shahfiq is keen to prove his worth.

He said: "Of course we want the bronze, that's the best we can do now.

"I hope I get the chance to help us do it."

Get The New Paper for more stories.