Match Reviews Week 2

Extreme Gals vs Wild Chikas

Match report

The 2^nd of the girls’ games on Sunday was this encounter. A physical mismatch, yet Extreme Gals failed to take advantage of their superiority over last year’s Cup champions, the Wild Chikas. However, most of the game was played in the Chikas’ half, with them finding it difficult to break through the midfield. A scoreless 1^st half set the tone for a faster-paced 2^nd, but to no avail, with both keepers hardly troubled by the opposing forwards. The match looked set to end in a stalemate, when suddenly, a scramble in the Chikas’ penalty box led to the referee awarding Extreme Gals a controversial penalty for what the 2^nd official Ravishankar claimed was a definite handball. The penalty stood, and was calmly converted by Durga. That was the last kick of the game, as the referee brought the match to an end, 1-0 the final score.

Woman of the Match

She was hardly troubled in her goal, but Extreme Gals keeper Armin showed her potential again, staking her claim as MMA’s undisputed NO.1 Women’s goalkeeper. Some very confident catches and accurate throws could rival those of some goalies in our men’s division. Her presence in goal surely is a comforting thought for her teammates.

Extreme Gals verdict

Extreme they were, both in spirit and determination. Their opponents hardly had a sniff on goal, and the only drawback was that they didn’t have a well-honed finisher amongst their ranks. With that kind of steely midfield, surely a proper striker would benefit from their services. Durga took the last minute penalty well under pressure, and maybe she is that finisher they need to keep them at the summit.

Wild Chikas

Clearly outdone physically, surely there will be better days for the Chikas. They do possess speed about them, but did not use that advantage well against the Extreme Gals. Maybe their opponents’ intimidation tactics worked well, but the Chikas will have to prepare better for their next game if they are to defend their Cup title.

Hadouken vs Shabooyaz

Match report

The 1^st game of the new girls’ futsal season was a much anticipated one. The was a lot of hype surrounding last year’s league champions Shabooyaz this time around, with new captain Shamini playing a more central role this season. Hadouken, meanwhile, were actually last year’s Whoosh Kiss with a few new faces added to give them some much-needed depth and stability. The game kicked off in a very cagey fashion, both teams not committing themselves forward too much, approaching the game carefully. A lot of the possession was contained in midfield. After a few early exchanges, Hadouken’s defense was caught napping suddenly when a swift counter-attack left them for dead, Shabooyaz’s Janaki bursting through from the center circle and slotting the ball home to put Shabooyaz 1-0 up. That early goal clearly gave them more confidence, and surely would have silenced their critics as well. Hadouken immediately responded, using their physical advantage and bulldozing through the Shabooyaz midfield, but they found it tough to get past Shabooyaz last-man (or woman, I should say), Kaema, and goalie Sarada. On one such chance, both were beaten, but Shamini tracked back and was on hand to bail her team out, hoofing the loose ball clear before it could reach the Hadouken forward. Just before half-time however, a lapse in concentration gifted Rinita a sight on goal, and she made no mistake, a beautiful left-footed finish beating Sarada. The 2^nd half was never going to be as exciting as the 1^st, though it must be said, Shabooyaz had plenty of chances to win it, but several 1-on-1’s with only Hadouken’s keeper to beat went begging. The game ended in fair 1-1 draw.

Woman of the Match

A tight affair, this game, but Kaema’s superb defending in the heart of the Shabooyaz defense really stood out today. Holding a very high defensive line, she made sure her keeper was hardly troubled from close range, with Hadouken limited to some weak long-range efforts, bar their goal scored. Winning some aerial battles confidently, she really made the last-woman position her own. A truly John Terry-like performance. Perhaps this team should be built around her.

Hadouken verdict

A good start from Hadouken, using their physicality well against the smaller Shabooyaz players, but defensively, they were exposed too often, not dealing with Shabooyaz’s long passes very well. Defending too high does have its usefulness, but can lead to some easy goals conceded when against a quick team like Shabooyaz. An important point however, and a point which may prove to be very useful come the end of the season.

Shabooyaz verdict

A brilliant early goal made some people think that they were going to trounce their opponents, but that wasn’t the case. Defensively, they were very stable, with Kaema putting in a Woman-of-the-Match performance. Offensively however, they were poor, with their solitary goal coming from midfield. Some speed is needed in their attack, several 1-on-1’s wasted in such fashion when the opposing last defender managing to catch up and snuff out Shabooyaz’s chances. We know from last season that they can do much better.

Match Reviews Week 1

ZIBOM vs Zombie Kg Pisang

Match report

Last season’s SFL Cup semi-finalists ZIBOM got the ball rolling for the third SFL season in a row in their match-up against one of the many newcomers this season, Zombie Kg Pisang. ZIBOM with their attractive, swift counter-attacking play were always going to be favourites in this one, and captain and playmaker Hanan Elias proved that by scoring the first goal of this SFL season, after stealing the ball off the Zombie defender, he coolly lifted the ball over the keeper and into the goal. But Zombie gave themselves some hope, when a wonder-strike from Fuad somehow beat ZIBOM goalie Naqib Nasir, came off the underside of the crossbar, and went in. Sensing an upset, the Zombies threw more men forward, but they were made to pay when Hadri Abd. Majid pounced on a weak back pass to poke in ZIBOM’s 2^nd goal. Hadri grabbed his 2^nd just before the break when his shot ricocheted off the keeper and rolled into the back of the net. After the break, Zombies woes continued when a neat finish through the keeper’s legs from Zul Izzi put the game beyond doubt, before Hadri completed his hat-trick with a magnificient solo run and finish to cap off a brilliant, all-round performance from ZIBOM.

Man of The Match

In a match where ZIBOM were hardly under threat, it was their star striker Hadri Abd. Majid who proved the difference, signing off a brilliant performance with three, well-taken goals. Proving last season that he is a real goal-poacher, maybe this year he can lead ZIBOM to the much sought-after SFL title.

ZIBOM verdict

Yet again, a team to look out for this season. Their impressive speed and counter-attacking play is a real threat, and having gelled as a team pretty easily last year, their only weakness seems to be the way they perform against the so-called “Big Teams”. Maybe this year could be a better year for them.

Zombie verdict

A tough opener for the newcomers. Some slight defensive worries, but nothing that can’t be rectified. A brilliant goal by Fuad, showed that they do have the quality. A few more goals like that, and who knows, a few big upsets perhaps??

Suicidal vs Ayam

Match report

Last year’s ultimate underdogs Ayam were back, this time up against the newly assembled Suicidal team. Boasting a line-up including several players who really impressed last season, namely Anand (a.k.a Wudu) and Prashanth, amongst several others, Suicidal started well, taking the game to Ayam, keeping possession well, and asking many questions of the Ayam defense. And before long, Prashanth opened the scoring, driving home a piledriver from distance, which jus flew past Ayam’s stand-in goalie, Hazrul. Suicidal continued to search for a 2^nd, and just before half-time, they were duly rewarded, captain Ziya coming in as a substitute, and blasting in yet another long-distance shot with what was virtually his 1^st touch. In the 2^nd half, it was more of the same, and it came as no surprise when Wudu, showing some excellent close-control and skill, danced past the entire Ayam defense before slotting home to make it 3-0 to Suicidal. And a few minutes later, Karthik (a.k.a. Bufo) showed off some Sharma-like skills, rolling the ball under his feet, before laying the ball off to Muthuvel, who calmly side-footed the ball into the back of the net for Suicidal’s 4^th. Final score 4-0.

Man of The Match

In a complete all-round team performance such as this, it was really hard to single anyone out from Suicidal who deserved this award, but for the way he took his goal and his all round contribution to his team’s win, Wudu is the Man of the Match. We knew from last year that this boy is something special, and he’s proving it again this year.

Suicidal verdict

The only new team to win this week, and a really comfortable one at that, makes Suicidal an early contender this season. Some brilliant long-distance shot-taking, sturdy defending, and some flowing football surely will take them quite far this season. But it’s still early days, and they will be facing tougher opponents in the weeks to come.

Ayam verdict

A poor start to the season for last season’s underdogs. Error-strewn goalkeeping, a shaky defense, and no real goal-scoring threat gives Ayam plenty of room for improvement, and since it’s still early in the season, plenty of games to do so as well. Last season we were all entertained by how much how heart they showed as the season wore on, and we will all support them in the future to make sure that their “never-say-die” spirit endures throughout this season as well.

U-9 vs United Life

Last year’s SFL Cup champions U-9 were largely expected to begin this season with a bang, and they did not fail to impress, with a very comfortable 6-0 whipping of newcomers United Life. Hardly a minute went by before Shahrul Azreen slotted in the 1^st goal, a cute finish beating United Life’s stand-in goalie Vee Ther to finish off a flowing U-9 attack. That early goal demoralized United Life. Soon after, captain Suzuanhafizan grabbed his 1^st goal of the season, finishing off yet another “defence-to-attack” move coolly. And after Shahrul grabbed his 2^nd, it was just damage limitation for United Life from then on, as U-9 took total control of the game. It got worse for United Life when their captain Julian was sent off after a 2^nd bookable offence, after a late tackle on Suzuan. Andrew and Ravishankar grabbed a goal each as well, before Shahrul clinched his hat-trick, to catapult himself to the top of the top-scorers list alongside ZIBOM’s Hadri.

Man of the Match

A superb team performance as always from U-9, but this time, Shahrul Azreen really showed his strengths, with a well-taken trio of goals. Missing out the majority of last season through injury, this performance must surely boost his confidence and that of U-9’s as well.

U-9 verdict

Another confident performance from the SFL Cup winners of last year, their flowing transition from defence to attack was just too much for United Life to handle. It could have easily been more than 6 goals, but at the rate they are going, U-9 look certainly like the team to beat. Still early days though.

United Life

Playing an inexperienced keeper in goal may have contributed to their problems, or maybe U-9 were just too good on their day. Hopefully next week they will have their 1^st choice keeper back in goal. They will, however, be missing their captain Julian, who will probably be suspended for the next game after receiving his marching orders against U-9. No sliding tackles folks!!

Heroes vs 69 Flyers

Match report

Defending league champions Heroes were expected to cruise past the Flyers this week, but my, were they in for a fight!! An exciting, slightly one-sided game began with Heroes displaying their ability to keep the ball, culminating in an early goal by Afi, his shot beating Flyers goalie Jerome pretty easily to make it 1-0. It was an extra special goal for Afi, Sunday being his birthday (many happy returns!). But that early goal didn’t quite set the tone of the game, as it stung the Flyers into a more disciplined formation and performance, with Jerome eager to make up for conceding that early goal. Flying and diving this way and that, he managed to thwart Heroes’ attacks, helped by experienced defender Puvan (a.k.a Ashley Cole). They also had a few sights on goal, Bob and Abilaash Menon coming close on a few occasions. But try as they may, they couldn’t get past the heroes defense or their goalie. The game ended 1-0.

Man of the Match

He may have been on the losing side, and it was his mistake that led to the only goal of the game, but goalkeeper Jerome of 69 Flyers gets the nod with his brilliant saves which kept the scoreline at that. Some brave dives at the feet of the on-rushing Heroes’ strikers and some quick, accurate throws out to his forwards went a long way to getting him selected as Man of the Match.

Heroes verdict

A slow start to the season for Heroes, but a win is always a win. They were rarely troubled defensively, but their attack seemed to have lost its spark in the 1^st game. Probably due to the opponents goalkeeper though, but with time, you can expect Heroes to recover their razor-sharp attack. Come the final stages of the league, look out for Heroes, because they’re going to be on top there or thereabouts.

69 Flyers verdict

They started off pretty slowly against Heroes, but as the game got on, you could see that they were improving as a team, defensively more than offensively, however. But then again, defense is sometimes the best offense. Maybe switching around a few players may help their cause.

Diablos Locos vs Dirigo FC

Match report

Diablos Locos began their new campaign without 2 of their most influential players from last year’s unexpected run to the SFL Cup final. On the other hand, newcomers Dirigo were looking forward to giving a good showing of themselves in their debut season. After a slightly cagey first few minutes, Locos’ new signing Saravana Raj opened the scoring with his 1^st competetive goal for the club with a blistering shot from long range which just whizzed past Dirigo goalie, Mahesh. Dirigo were still reeling from that wonder goal when the Locos striked again, this time Russian import Ivan pouncing on the loose ball after captain Logan Kaderes had caused some unrest in the Dirigo defence. In the 2^nd half, the Locos controlled possesion, and soon after, Logan made it 3-0 with an impressive diving header from a high kick-in. Just when the Locos thought they were home and dry, Dirigo pulled one back, hitting Locos with a sucker-punch out of nowhere via Jeeva. However, Ivan restored the Locos’ 3-goal lead, his kick-in bouncing off the keeper’s legs, to make the final score 4-1.

Man of the Match

It was a tough choice between the 2 new signings of Diablos Locos, Raj and Ivan. But though Raj’s wonder-goal will definitely be a contender for goal of the season, it was Ivan’s all-round performance, never-say-die attitude and his constant running that gets him the nod. A star in the making perhaps??

Diablos Locos verdict

Many expected the Locos to struggle this year without their 2 stars from last year, but a strong showing in their 1^st game has maybe reignited their hopes, with their 2 new signings proving that they can more than fill the voids left behind. A team to look out for, if they can be more consistent and plug up the few holes they possess defensively.

Dirigo verdict

A slow start for the newcomers, but maybe the score flattered the Locos. A strong, physical performance by Dirigo, proving that they weren’t pushovers and were not at all bullied into submission by the Locos. Maybe a lack of playing time together contributed to their defeat, but with more games, surely they can only improve as a team.

Soleus vs Musaib

Match report

Soleus had a good season last year, finishing 4^th in the league and reaching the semi-finals of the Cup. Bolstered by a fresh face in the form of their new striker and with their brand-new black-and-gold jerseys, they started off impressively, taking the game to Musaib. What they didn’t count on though, was that Musaib’s goalie was bang on form. A string of fine saves to deny Luqman on several occasions was more than enough to prove his credentials, and keep Musaib in the game. Even when Abdul Azim (a.k.a Yem) was thrown in, he could not find a way past Musaib’s keeper. Musaib threatened too through their strikers, and it was on one such occasion late in the game when they threw all their players forward, leaving no one behind to mind the shop. Soleus’s Ashraf intercepted a pass, and before you knew it, it was 3-vs-1, Musaib’s keeper being the last man behind. Some clever interplay between Yem and Ashraf led to the latter feeding the ball to an unmarked Luqman to slot the ball home. The final score, 1-0 to Soleus.

Man of the Match

Our 2^nd outstanding goalie of the week, Musaib’s keeper (anybody here knows his name?). A fantastic performance, repelling wave after wave of Soleus’s attacks. Unfortunately, just when he thought he had bailed his team out, a late goal took away his clean sheet. An excellent performance nevertheless.

Soleus verdict

A good performance by Soleus, 1-0 being a fair result in the end. Showing some good attacking play, it could have been a more comfortable win. Look out for this boys, they will be up there among the top teams. With an impressive strike force like that, they will be a force to contend with.

Musaib’s verdict

A steady performance by the newcomers, this being the best showing by a new team so far this round. Strong goalkeeping, steady defending, and a balanced attack, makes this team a possible threat. How much of a threat, only time can tell.

1 match did not have review. Kratus United vs Bambang Pamungkas.

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