Scorers : Shahril (2) Zj
Rushing onto the field I heard, "GOALLLL!" The first thought that came to my mind was that Al-Caliph had just scored. But, alas, it was otherwise. The opponent's flock of green shirts was exuberantly celebrating. As I approached our gaffer his face was black as coal mainly because of the scoreline (partly cause of my late coming =b). Things were not looking good for us. We were down 3-nil. I heard murmurs from our bench that we gave the goal to our opponents.
I was discussing with Khai who was out with a gash on his leg, on how good the opponents were. But a loud voice interrupted, "WE ARE BETTER." Such were the exclamation of our big boss man, Uncle Dino. The man of few words but with unrelenting support for this accolade of warriors. Shortly after, a superb cross from the left was met by a header by captain marvel extraordinaire Zi Jian. Our captain marvel who always runs from down under whenever we counter. The score was now 3-1. By this time our gaffer A.Ali had introduced a few substitutions due to our abysmal and horrendous first 20 minutes of display. The fresh new legs added a a new dimension to the game. We were now attacking from all corners and giving the opponents a taste of their own medicine. Soon after the referee blew his whistle and it was half time.
During the team talk, our gaffer injected a bout of confidence in our team's capabilities. He mentioned that we were not playing like we always do and the team agreed that we gave the goals to our opponents. Uncle Dino reiterated that we are a much better team than the opponents and had every confidence in us. Spurred with the team talk, Al Caliph renewed their vigour and spirits were lifted. We started the second half with quick passes all round and the flow was tremendous. Now Al Caliph are acting the part that they are more familiar with, dominating the play.
Soon after, Dayat was substituted with Shahril. Shahril infused energy like no other, going for balls when it seemed meaningless. Our attacking overture finally created a goal which i honestly could not remember but which I knew was scored by Shahril. It definitely was a surge of lifted spirits that we needed to get back in the game. By this time, the opponents was getting tired and the good turnout gave us a slight advantage although the opponents had quite a number of players themselves but we seemed the slimmer team as a couple of their players had bulging mid rifts that was blown out of proportion, kids nowadays.
The opponents themselves had a couple of chances as well as their left winger who proved a handful for our rightback Nadeem made surging runs in and creating a few chances in. It was obvious he was their key man but Nadeem was quick to rebut with a fine display of defending coupled with Feroz's and Kennard's guidance at the back. With these 2 rocks at the back, our defence would be quite a mountain to get pass or rather, get over due to their towering built.
The much much awaited moment came late in the 80th minute when a fine no look pass from the ever lively Omar who mind you is a proud father of 6 but plays like a 21 year old creating havoc so much so that I begin to wonder if he dyes his hair just to look like an old guy. His vision managed to pick up Bull who was straying on the far left side and the ball came in with a big bounce that forces him to jump high that Michael Jordan would be proud of; and headed the ball pass the keeper which the keeper managed to clear his face unfortunately and not the ball. The ball fell to Shahril who still had to expertly head the ball in as it was pretty far away leaving the last man on the line flat footed and the goal was allowed. The players triumphantly celebrated and cheered gleefully as the score become 3-3!
For the rest of the minutes, Al Caliph kept going forward but time was not at our favour and the game ended with Al-Caliph coming back from 3 goals down. It surely was a feat and Al Caliph showed a stint of what it was capable of as this team of brothers once again contended for the title chase in a convincing run up against the league leaders. Uncle Dino was in awe of how we did it as we had no training whatsoever. He kept on saying in his trademark speech,"BAIK,BAIK!". The fine mix of young and old, experienced and inexperienced players was united in this team revered as THE WARRIORS. And I think, it really is the name that scares the pants of opponents and not too mention dashing, handsome and masculinely built players together with her Gaffer and respectable Sponsor who are disciplined and committed to make the team a resounding success. I love this team.
Yours Truly, Bull