Scorers; Ayat assisted by Khai assisted by Junior Khai assisted by Aizad assisted by Cina assisted by Gab
Al-Caliph was eager this Sunday. Everyone was looking forward to playing Rendezvous. This was the team that beat us 2-5 last season in a cup tournament. For me, it was the first time I be facing them as I was away during that game last season. Ive heard so much about the team and were prepared tactically. I know the strength and weaknesses of our Al-Caliph. Therefore I had prep the team days before the game - a first in history.
We had good numbers for the game. Most came early and they had warm up without cajoling. The team look calm and confident. And kudos to Vice-Captain Khai for initiating the huddle. Its been a long time since it happened. You be surprise at how much that small gesture can do to a team.
The game started well. Both teams were feeling one another. A little cautious and wary. In the 8th minute, a speculative long shot by Rendezvous Muru was not properly pumped away by Wan and it was 0-1. To be down early and in the manner we did were a little demoralising. I was stumped at the space given and poor handling by our keeper. But it was still early in the game and Al-Caliph need to hold our head high and find a goal.
It came soon after a brilliant long searching ball met Khai who squeezed down the lanes and crossed the ball. We had 3 men near it and it was Ayat who bulge the net with a thunderbolt of a shot. 1-1. We had the upper hand. We were continously pounding their goal. There were plenty of good moves moving forward. Chances were there and had Aizad converted Zam's layoff, we would have taken the lead. Alas his shot was over the bar with the keeper standing rooted.
Then the unthinkable happen. Right at the death of half-time, and innocous cross ball from right flank by the opponent saw our keeper punching the ball into our goal. It was 1-2. He should have held the ball comfortably as it was at his height. The team went into the half slightly distraught.
It was a tough half-time break but we had no time to dwell but to pick it up. I believed that the team was in good shape. We had possessions and the team was playing far better than the Singapore national team. Stange! Sometimes do not have to have 600 passes to get to the goal! I like the way we were playing. We were staggering the ball forward and not sideways too much. Al-Caliph was still confident.
We were off the blocks at the whistle. Only we had the bounce of the ball, we could have scored on the offing. We were in control of midfield again and asking questions on every part of the field. Defensively we were sound and everyone was putting that extra effort to press and regain possession.
And it had to come. Gabriel squared the ball to Cina who possibly miss kick his shot towards goal. It came to Aizad who was quick minded to cushion the ball and layoff to Khai. Aizad immediately duck down while Khai set himself up...with a whiff, the ball went into the top corner for a photo finish goal. GOAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!! GOAL GOAL GOAL!!! 2-2.
Cina was a massive influence in midfield. Macam tiger. He made his presence count with crunching tackles winning the ball often. Their midfield had difficulty stringing passes forward. Jnr and Aizad were tall against the opponent. Junior did so much that it was very rare that Feroz was called into action. And when Feroz was needed, he came away with flying colours. Captain Zamri was chasing the ball back from every position. Gab is 'new' to the team but he slot in the right back comfortably. Another strong and confidence performance from him. Did we miss Tyrus there?
Alas we couldnt pull off another amazing comeback. The weather was beginning to take its toll on the players. Yet we concentrated enough to finish the game 2-2.
In my opinion, there were pockets of the game where we should do better. We have the personnel and technique. With more confidence and urgency, we may possibly do more. It was quite clear that the opponent were going for a draw. We should have taken the game at the scruff of the neck and push on. Nevertheless, we should maintain this form in our remaining games. It will sit us in good stead in the end of the season. COYAC! (jangan KOYAK sudah!)
by Coach PS : apologize to Shy and Fulin for not putting them in the game.