Al-Caliph performed an Everton when they came back from 0-3 to draw 3-3 in the last 20 minutes of the game against Sunday FC. It was a long and draining game. Al-Caliph started well however conceded two easy goals through poor positioning and covering.
After the first half hour, lethargy had set in and I made no less than seven changes and it changed the complexion of the game. However, the goal was not forthcoming. We were not testing the keeper or he was in the right place in the right time.
Second half started briskly however we conceded another goal, a result of another abysmal defending in the second half. It must have been the ketupat and lontong. We continued to attack and when Bul missed another golden opportunity, it was becoming one of those days again.
Yours Truly I decided to come on in the last 20 minutes although we were down 0-3 because there were areas upfront that we could capitalised and we didnt. There were individuals who could perform more however they were unable to through lack of adequate support or movement - and NOT their inadequacy. Our movement upfront were disjointed and predictable. This has been the case in most of our games this season.
Firstly, Shy's prowess should be capitalised more often. I was glad that it happened when I played. In that instant, he called out to me and I managed to squeal a reply as i moved in the right direction however it got to the keeper first - or I was too slow.
Kathir was too deep - because he was performing his defensive duties. However it gave an opportunity for a forward to be behind him to receive the ball in acres of land. Twice I had it and twice I blew it for sheer lack of match fitness and readiness. Both came off excellent vision and pass from Shah.
Khai was too far away although I keep telling him over the season to make more movement to come in. It was not happening. I couldnt dwell on this and decided to do something about it. We were restricted by time. When an opportunity arose and I took it over from Shy and it led to the penalty which he duly scored.
The far post has been a bane this season. Countless chances were wasted. The opportunity came and I was torn between that and another in the center as my usual cries were unheard. I made the decision to stick at the back and did what I could best for that ball and thankfully Zj rose to the occassion. My eyes was glued to it and saw how it went in as I fell. Exhilirating.
Review Although the title of the tournament had been sewned up, never at anytime did it cross my mine that it was ok for us to lose. And Im glad that this grit was shown by all. You should see Zamri's face and he got the ball rolling when once again he scored another scorcher. Great vision by Khai.
Wan did well in all honesty. After a fidgety start, he got down to business and cleared the ball with his legs and head. He intercepted a few balls and made a couple of simple passes. He needs to be more mobile though.
We were disjointed however we had opportunities that we didnt capitalise on. We should move the ball faster and test the keeper when the opportunity arose.
Your captain had sms me about how amazing it was coming back from 3 goals down. I shared his sentiment and kudos to him and vcapt for keeping a strong team morale up and highly spirited. This is about the best team we had. There was respect and all is united although we came from different backgrounds. Some have played further then others but like Omar says, the spirit in this team couldnt be found anywhere. If i recall correctly, Mr Dino, our honourable sponsor, did mention that he had never seen such a team before and he has been with many over the years.
Man of the Match There are calls to name a man of the match. However to find one was hard to come by. I have seen all your games and to get the title, something extraordinary must happen. Sparks could only be seen in that last 20 minutes.
Omar did very well covering as center back. He broke a lot of the opposing attacks up to midfield. He was snapping all over. Zj played through the pain barrier and Bul took it like a man on his fragile nose. Khai got to work and questioned the opponent's often and provided some good passes.
What was heartening was that you guys came to play on the third day of celebration. That to me deserve the man of the match.
Administration Cina fined $10.
The voting has started. Send your votes via sms to capt or vcapt on your choice of the three best players in your team for the tournament.