Scorers; Khai Zamri Zj
It was the third day of Hari Raya and with the title in the bag, the mood of the team was festive and relaxed. Attendance was surprisingly good and this has probably got to do with the enthusiasm and eagerness to get on the field after a timely layoff.
Coach made several changes to the team, which was strong enough to beat any opponent on their day. The squad was reminiscent of Manchester United as the team had strength in depth and when called upon, any player would be ready for action and give their best. Captain had to drive Coach's car from one carpark to another so he had missed the first goal which Sunday FC scored. From what was gathered, it was through a quick free kick conceded near Al Caliph's penalty box. Schoolboy mistake which the team should be familiar with. Their second goal came from a through ball as their striker managed to outsprint trialist for the day, Shah Ridzuan, to slot the ball past the outstretched Anuar. Sunday FC had led 2 nil halfway through the first half.
The team on the field was getting nervous and tired, probably due to the hangover of ketupat and soft drinks. Coach immediately took matters in his own hands and sent the whole bench to the field. These added fresh legs rejuvenated the team, causing problems for the surprised opponents as the substitutes added much needed width. Crosses after crosses were whipped in from Khai and Kathir and only the post and the goalkeeper prevented Al Caliph from getting a goal. Their full backs were given a torrid time by our wingers' jinking runs. The score remained the same at halftime but the performance of the team was encouraging.
Second half started brightly for Al Caliph as they launched attack after attack to get that solitary first goal. However, it was not to be as Sunday FC launched a quick counter attack to make the score 3 nil. Any team would look dejected but Al Caliph was not just any ordinary team. They were made of winners and fighters. Instead of blaming one another and starting unnecessary arguments, they encouraged one another, even after missing a chance. It was as if they knew they could somehow get the goals and get something out of the match. Coach had enough and sent himself in to the field. It proved to be a masterstroke. True enough, the goal came through an absolute cracker of a goal from Zamri outside the box. 3-1. Game on.
The team started to believe again and the rain did have any effect on the determination of the team. Another foray and a pass from Coach was received by Khai. His movement was stopped by their defender in the penalty box. Penalty! The pressure was high but the experienced Khai coolly slotted in his spot kick. 3-2 with ten minutes left!
Al Caliph battled on in search of the equalizing goal. Khai sent in a cross which looked to have been overhit but somehow Coach, who gathered enough in him to run to the far post, managed to stretch his neck long enough to head the ball back across the goal. The ball sailed over Captain but not too high for Vice Captain who came out of nowhere to head in the equalizing goal. 3-3! This was vintage Al Caliph!
That goal lifted the team and they believed the winning goal would come, even with only 5 minutes left to play. However, that goal did not arrive but the players were ecstatic with their efforts to claw back from being 3 goals down. This match underlined the essence of Al Caliph – Belief and Trust in one another. Al Caliph is no ordinary team. Al Caliph is a family.