Brazilian Paulo Rangel fired Selangor to the top of the Super League standings with a brace in a 2-1 win over Sime Darby at the Selayang Stadium after falling behind to an early goal.
Perak tripped up Kelantan 2-1 in Ipoh to climb above LionsXII, who drew with Terengganu 0-0, and Darul Ta'zim while a late goal by Khairan Ezuan Razali moved T-Team off the bottom after a 2-2 draw with Armed Forces.
Selangor, smarting from Tuesday's FA Cup loss to Sarawak, fielded an unchanged line up but were penalised for poor defending after just 72 seconds when Failee Ghazli rifled in the opener from Farderin Kadir's cross.
K. Gurusamy's responded for Selangor with a shot outside the box which hit the post before Rangel grabbed the equaliser five minutes before the break after Sime Darby's defenders failed to cut out Bunyamin Umar's low cross which allowed the Brazilian time to control the ball and pick his spot.
Steve Pantelidis was ruled offside when he headed in Junior Aparecido's free-kick four minutes after the break but Rangel was on hand to head in Hadi Yahya's cross five minutes from time to top the Super League scoring charts with five goals.
Selangor went two points clear of Forces and Terengganu as Sime Darby, who only had one foreign signing in Uzbek midfielder Dilshod Sharofetdinov available, dropped to the bottom of the table with their third league defeat.
Perak continued their surprise start to the season with two youngsters scoring their goals at the Perak Stadium.
An error by Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 12th minute, when he flapped at the corner kick, allowed Ahmad Sukri Hamid to knock the ball in for his first senior goal.
Mohamed Shawky drew Kelantan level 10 minutes after the break but it was another Perak youngster, Khairul Asyraf Sahizah, who replaced Zelimir Terkes earlier, who scored with a header 12 minutes from time.
T-Team left it late to grab a point against Forces at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium as the action shifted to the field after last Tuesday's off-pitch incident in Johor Baru dominated headlines.
Azlan Ismail scored off a Badrul Hisyam Morris pass after 12 minutes to put T-Team ahead but a rocket by Norfazly Alias from 40 metres made it 1-1 five minutes before half-time.
Bruno Martelotto put Forces 2-1 up on the hour mark with a close-range effort from a Venice Elphi pass before T-Team goalkeeper Shahril Saari kept the host in the game when he saved Juan Manuel Arostegui's 67th-minute penalty.
Khairan then stepped up to slam in a loose ball inside the penalty box in stoppage-time to salvage a point for T-Team.
Super League champions LionsXII were held 0-0 by Terengganu at the Jalan Besar Stadium as Shahfiq Ghani coming closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half with a free-kick.
Showing posts with label Kelantan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kelantan. Show all posts
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Friday, 31 January 2014
Coaches of Sime Darby and Armed Forces unhappy over referees
It’s only been 15 days – and four matches – since the M-League kicked off, but already there are rumblings about the poor quality of refereeing.
Already two coaches – Sime Darby FC’s Ismail Zakaria and Armed Forces’ B. Sathianathan – are in danger of being hauled up by the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) disciplinary committee for criticising the referees during their teams’ recent Super League matches.
Ismail had voiced his displeasure after referee Mohd Nazmi Nasarudin awarded a questionable penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Kelantan in the opening match on Jan 18.
Sathia, meanwhile, criticised referee Suhaimi Mat Hassan’s error-filled performance after his side were knocked out 2-1 by Sime Darby in the first round of the FA Cup competition on Jan 21.
Last week, FAM disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Taufek Abdul Razak had instructed the rules and regulations committee to conduct a probe on the two coaches to see if they had breached Article 18 of the FAM disciplinary code.
Article 18 states that players and coaches cannot speak to the media without prior consent from FAM.
If found guilty, Ismail and Sathia face a minimum four-match suspension and a maximum two-year ban.
Surely something must be wrong with the standard of refereeing when you consider this: four red cards and 69 yellow cards have been brandished by the referees in just three rounds of Super League matches. That’s a total of 73 cards in 18 matches!
That works out to about four cards per game.
One match – a Super League clash between Sime Darby and Pahang played at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday – saw eight yellow cards being flashed, believe it or not!
Perhaps, Sathia and Ismail could have gone through the proper channels to voice their displeasure but one can’t just ignore the statistics either.
Ismail, who has yet to be officially charged with criticising the referee, said that he would lodge a formal complaint, together with video evidence, to FAM on the poor standard of refereeing in Kuching.
“It’s not a case of sour grapes ... we are not complaining because we lost to Sarawak,” said Ismail on Thursday.
“I accept my team’s defeat ... but the quality of refereeing is so alarming. We had two of our least aggressive players in the team getting sent off for dissent ... I find that very strange.
“I hope FAM will be more open to criticism. We are criticising because we want the standard of refereeing to improve ... it’s not a personal attack.”
Already two coaches – Sime Darby FC’s Ismail Zakaria and Armed Forces’ B. Sathianathan – are in danger of being hauled up by the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) disciplinary committee for criticising the referees during their teams’ recent Super League matches.
Ismail had voiced his displeasure after referee Mohd Nazmi Nasarudin awarded a questionable penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Kelantan in the opening match on Jan 18.
Sathia, meanwhile, criticised referee Suhaimi Mat Hassan’s error-filled performance after his side were knocked out 2-1 by Sime Darby in the first round of the FA Cup competition on Jan 21.
Last week, FAM disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Taufek Abdul Razak had instructed the rules and regulations committee to conduct a probe on the two coaches to see if they had breached Article 18 of the FAM disciplinary code.
Article 18 states that players and coaches cannot speak to the media without prior consent from FAM.
If found guilty, Ismail and Sathia face a minimum four-match suspension and a maximum two-year ban.
Surely something must be wrong with the standard of refereeing when you consider this: four red cards and 69 yellow cards have been brandished by the referees in just three rounds of Super League matches. That’s a total of 73 cards in 18 matches!
That works out to about four cards per game.
One match – a Super League clash between Sime Darby and Pahang played at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday – saw eight yellow cards being flashed, believe it or not!
Perhaps, Sathia and Ismail could have gone through the proper channels to voice their displeasure but one can’t just ignore the statistics either.
Ismail, who has yet to be officially charged with criticising the referee, said that he would lodge a formal complaint, together with video evidence, to FAM on the poor standard of refereeing in Kuching.
“It’s not a case of sour grapes ... we are not complaining because we lost to Sarawak,” said Ismail on Thursday.
“I accept my team’s defeat ... but the quality of refereeing is so alarming. We had two of our least aggressive players in the team getting sent off for dissent ... I find that very strange.
“I hope FAM will be more open to criticism. We are criticising because we want the standard of refereeing to improve ... it’s not a personal attack.”
Sunday, 26 January 2014
Selangor loses to Singapore LionsXII again
Francis Doe's late goal gave Kelantan sole possession of top spot and the only 100 per cent record in the Super League yesterday as title rivals Darul Ta'zim and Selangor slumped to away defeats.
Kelantan took advantage of the upsets to open a three-point lead after just two rounds of matches with a 1-0 win over Sarawak, who are the only team without a point, in Kuching.
Defending champions LionsXII maintained their unbeaten record against Selangor in five meetings with a 2-1 win at the Jalan Besar Stadium thanks to Khairul Amri Kamal's stoppage time header while Kuala Terengganu T-Team stunned Darul Ta'zim 1-0.
Malaysia Cup champions Pahang also came unstuck on the road when they were upset 1-0 by unfancied Sime Darby, who also struck the woodwork twice, in Selayang.
Liberia international Doe settled a tight contest at the State Stadium in the 90th minute when he tapped in Mohammad Ghaddar's cutback after the Lebanese forward was sent clear by a precise Badhri Radzi throughball.
Darul Ta'zim failed to capitalise on their opportunities at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium and T-Team, increasingly dominant after they broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through Patrich Wanggai.
The Indonesian headed into the net after the ball looped up and over the visitors' defence when Evaldo Goncalves headed into the ground off a corner, just 12 minutes after Luciano Figueroa's shot bounced off the base of the post for Darul Ta'zim.
It was the second straight win for T-Team over Darul Ta'zim after their 2-1 win at Larkin in last year's Malaysia Cup.
LionsXII extended their unbeaten home record to 22 matches when Khairul Amri headed past Selangor goalkeeper Farizal Marlias from a corner-kick five minutes into injury time.
Selangor had been set to return with a point after Fitri Shazwan Raduwan's looping header over Izwan Mahbud in the 57th minute cancelled another header by Shakir Hamzah, also from a corner, a minute before half-time.
In Selayang, Pahang were left wondering what went wrong when two former Kuala Lumpur teammates combined to put Sime Darby in front five minutes after half-time.
Just two minutes after hitting the woodwork, Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin headed home left-back Farid Ramli's cross before Mahmoud Al Amnah also struck the frame of goal four minutes later as Sime Darby could have put the match to bed so much earlier.
Perak also left it late for their first win of the season after a stoppage-time strike by Brazilian forward Eliel Da Cruz Guardiano, making his first start, saw Terengganu beaten 1-0 in Ipoh.
Kelantan took advantage of the upsets to open a three-point lead after just two rounds of matches with a 1-0 win over Sarawak, who are the only team without a point, in Kuching.
Defending champions LionsXII maintained their unbeaten record against Selangor in five meetings with a 2-1 win at the Jalan Besar Stadium thanks to Khairul Amri Kamal's stoppage time header while Kuala Terengganu T-Team stunned Darul Ta'zim 1-0.
Malaysia Cup champions Pahang also came unstuck on the road when they were upset 1-0 by unfancied Sime Darby, who also struck the woodwork twice, in Selayang.
Liberia international Doe settled a tight contest at the State Stadium in the 90th minute when he tapped in Mohammad Ghaddar's cutback after the Lebanese forward was sent clear by a precise Badhri Radzi throughball.
Darul Ta'zim failed to capitalise on their opportunities at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium and T-Team, increasingly dominant after they broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute through Patrich Wanggai.
The Indonesian headed into the net after the ball looped up and over the visitors' defence when Evaldo Goncalves headed into the ground off a corner, just 12 minutes after Luciano Figueroa's shot bounced off the base of the post for Darul Ta'zim.
It was the second straight win for T-Team over Darul Ta'zim after their 2-1 win at Larkin in last year's Malaysia Cup.
LionsXII extended their unbeaten home record to 22 matches when Khairul Amri headed past Selangor goalkeeper Farizal Marlias from a corner-kick five minutes into injury time.
Selangor had been set to return with a point after Fitri Shazwan Raduwan's looping header over Izwan Mahbud in the 57th minute cancelled another header by Shakir Hamzah, also from a corner, a minute before half-time.
In Selayang, Pahang were left wondering what went wrong when two former Kuala Lumpur teammates combined to put Sime Darby in front five minutes after half-time.
Just two minutes after hitting the woodwork, Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin headed home left-back Farid Ramli's cross before Mahmoud Al Amnah also struck the frame of goal four minutes later as Sime Darby could have put the match to bed so much earlier.
Perak also left it late for their first win of the season after a stoppage-time strike by Brazilian forward Eliel Da Cruz Guardiano, making his first start, saw Terengganu beaten 1-0 in Ipoh.
Kelantan continue good form while Perak get first win
Kelantan maintained their perfect start to the Super League season after a late Francis Doe goal allowed them to edge Sarawak 1-0 at the State Stadium in Kuching on Saturday night.
The Liberian striker struck for the Red Warriors in the 90th minute just when the game had seemed headed for a stalemate.
Lebanese forward Mohammed Ghaddar, who fired a brace in Kelantan’s 2-0 opening day victory over PKNS last week, was the architect of the goal. Collecting a through ball from his skipper Mohd Badri Radzi, Ghaddar held off Ronny Harun before squaring the ball for Doe to tap in from close range.
Sarawak were the early aggressors but they had to wait until the 22nd minute before registering their first shot at goal. Serbian striker Milorad Janjus unleashed a long-range shot but it went straight into Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat’s arms.
The fast-running Sarawak attackers gave the Kelantan defenders a torrid time. Asri Chuchu managed to beat the offside trap in the 24th minute but was thwarted by Zairul Fitree’s last-ditch tackle.
Kelantan also had a narrow escape a few minutes later with Obinna Nwaneri clearing the ball off his own line after national goalkeeper Khairul had failed to clear a corner.
Khairul was beaten two minutes before half-time by a volley from Sarawak skipper Joseph Kallang Tie. But to Sarawak’s disappointment, the effort was chalked off for offside.
Kelantan’s best chance of the first half fell to Doe. Despite being unmarked in front of goal, he headed the ball straight at goalkeeper Sani Anuar.
Doe did put the ball in the Sarawak net nine minutes into the second half, but the Liberian was ruled offside.
Sarawak again held the initiative in the second period but failed to create any clear-cut scoring opportunities.
And the Crocs were made to pay for their profligacy when Doe struck in the final minute of regulation time.
At the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, the home side relied on a 90th minute winner from Eliel Guardiano to stun Terengganu 1-0. It was Perak’s first win of the campaign.
The Liberian striker struck for the Red Warriors in the 90th minute just when the game had seemed headed for a stalemate.
Lebanese forward Mohammed Ghaddar, who fired a brace in Kelantan’s 2-0 opening day victory over PKNS last week, was the architect of the goal. Collecting a through ball from his skipper Mohd Badri Radzi, Ghaddar held off Ronny Harun before squaring the ball for Doe to tap in from close range.
Sarawak were the early aggressors but they had to wait until the 22nd minute before registering their first shot at goal. Serbian striker Milorad Janjus unleashed a long-range shot but it went straight into Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat’s arms.
The fast-running Sarawak attackers gave the Kelantan defenders a torrid time. Asri Chuchu managed to beat the offside trap in the 24th minute but was thwarted by Zairul Fitree’s last-ditch tackle.
Kelantan also had a narrow escape a few minutes later with Obinna Nwaneri clearing the ball off his own line after national goalkeeper Khairul had failed to clear a corner.
Khairul was beaten two minutes before half-time by a volley from Sarawak skipper Joseph Kallang Tie. But to Sarawak’s disappointment, the effort was chalked off for offside.
Kelantan’s best chance of the first half fell to Doe. Despite being unmarked in front of goal, he headed the ball straight at goalkeeper Sani Anuar.
Doe did put the ball in the Sarawak net nine minutes into the second half, but the Liberian was ruled offside.
Sarawak again held the initiative in the second period but failed to create any clear-cut scoring opportunities.
And the Crocs were made to pay for their profligacy when Doe struck in the final minute of regulation time.
At the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, the home side relied on a 90th minute winner from Eliel Guardiano to stun Terengganu 1-0. It was Perak’s first win of the campaign.
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Nigerian striker Onyekachi Nowha scores two goals as Kelantan win in Super League
Under-fire striker Onyekachi Nowha answered his critics with a brace in Kelantan 5-1 thrashing of Felda United in Kota Baru yesterday as the East Coast side maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Super League.
The 29-year-old Nigerian was on target in the third and 45th minute before Norfarhan Mohd (65th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (69th) and Badri Radzi (84th) completed the rout. Felda replied through Azrul Ahmad in the fourth minute.
At the Jalan Besar Stadium, Shahdan Sulaiman's penalty four minutes from time earned Singapore's LionsXII a 2-1 victory over T-Team to stay in second place with 24 points.
Shahdan cooly slotted home from the spot past T-Team goalkeeper Mohd Iqbal Suhaimi, who was brilliant throughout the match, after teammate Agu Casmir was fouled in the box.
Lions, however, must thank their lucky stars for the victory as they almost blew it following Shahril Ishak's penalty miss in the 60th minute.
The homesters turned on the heat by scoring first through Shahril in the 51st minute before Zairo Anuar Zalani levelled proceedings, after a brilliant inter-change with Badrul Hisani Abdul Rahman, three minutes later.
At Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Terengganu stayed at third spot in the table following their 0-0 draw with Johor FC.
Terengganu struggled to create chances without suspended striker Francis Doe and the injured Manaf Mamat.
Abdul Hadi Yahya was the only prolific striker upfront but the national player failed to impress.
"Our lack of creativity in attack was obvious in the absence of Francis Doe. We have dropped points but at least we did not lose," said Terengganu coach Mat Zan Mat Aris.
At Likas Stadium, former champions Selangor came from behind to grab a 1-1 draw with Sabah.
Sabah got a gift goal when Michael Baird scored from a defensive slip-up between defender Rasman Roslan and goalkeeper G. Jeevananthan in the fourth minute.
Coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim replaced Azidan Sarudin with K. Solihin after the breather and the move added more pace to Selangor's game and they were finally rewarded in the 60th minute through P. Gunalan's equaliser.
The 29-year-old Nigerian was on target in the third and 45th minute before Norfarhan Mohd (65th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (69th) and Badri Radzi (84th) completed the rout. Felda replied through Azrul Ahmad in the fourth minute.
At the Jalan Besar Stadium, Shahdan Sulaiman's penalty four minutes from time earned Singapore's LionsXII a 2-1 victory over T-Team to stay in second place with 24 points.
Shahdan cooly slotted home from the spot past T-Team goalkeeper Mohd Iqbal Suhaimi, who was brilliant throughout the match, after teammate Agu Casmir was fouled in the box.
Lions, however, must thank their lucky stars for the victory as they almost blew it following Shahril Ishak's penalty miss in the 60th minute.
The homesters turned on the heat by scoring first through Shahril in the 51st minute before Zairo Anuar Zalani levelled proceedings, after a brilliant inter-change with Badrul Hisani Abdul Rahman, three minutes later.
At Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Terengganu stayed at third spot in the table following their 0-0 draw with Johor FC.
Terengganu struggled to create chances without suspended striker Francis Doe and the injured Manaf Mamat.
Abdul Hadi Yahya was the only prolific striker upfront but the national player failed to impress.
"Our lack of creativity in attack was obvious in the absence of Francis Doe. We have dropped points but at least we did not lose," said Terengganu coach Mat Zan Mat Aris.
At Likas Stadium, former champions Selangor came from behind to grab a 1-1 draw with Sabah.
Sabah got a gift goal when Michael Baird scored from a defensive slip-up between defender Rasman Roslan and goalkeeper G. Jeevananthan in the fourth minute.
Coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim replaced Azidan Sarudin with K. Solihin after the breather and the move added more pace to Selangor's game and they were finally rewarded in the 60th minute through P. Gunalan's equaliser.
Kelantan win to stay top while Singapore move into second in Super League
Kelantan scored their biggest win of the season when they thrashed lowly Felda United 5-1 in a Super League match at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru last night.
The Red Warriors showed no mercy to the struggling club side after Nigerian import Nwoha Onyekachi led the goal rush with a brace in the third and 45th minutes.
Mohd Norfarhan Mohd (65th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (69th) and skipper Mohd Badhri Radzi (80th) were also on target.
Felda’s goal came via Azrul Ahmad’s equaliser in the fourth minute.
The big win saw the east coast side consolidating their position at the top of the league with 26 points from 11 matches.
Lions XII moved up to second spot after they edged T-Team 2-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium. Midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman converted a penalty in the 85th minute to claim full points for the Singaporeans.
Lions skipper Shahril Ishak fired the hosts ahead in the 51st minute before his T-Team counterpart Zairo Anuar Zailani drew level just two minutes later.
Terengganu dropped to third place on 21 points after being held to goalless draw by Johor FC at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
At the Likas Stadium, Selangor were forced to labour to a 1-1 draw with Sabah.
The Rhinos’ Australian import Michael Baird stunned the Red Giants with an early strike after only three minutes before leftback P. Gunalan equalised in the 60th minute.
Midfielder Baird took advantage of a miscommunication between Selangor goalkeeper G. Jeevananthan and rightback Mohd Razman Roslan to draw first blood.
Selangor came back stronger in the second half to dominate the match and Gunalan blasted in a half volley for a well-deserved equaliser.
In Kelana Jaya, Sarawak stunned PKNS FC 4-1 at the MBPJ Stadium. The East Malaysians scored through Shahrol Saperi (12), Ashri Chuchu (45, 81) and Vedran Muratovic (65) while Khairul Azrin (58th) replied for PKNS FC.
The Red Warriors showed no mercy to the struggling club side after Nigerian import Nwoha Onyekachi led the goal rush with a brace in the third and 45th minutes.
Mohd Norfarhan Mohd (65th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (69th) and skipper Mohd Badhri Radzi (80th) were also on target.
Felda’s goal came via Azrul Ahmad’s equaliser in the fourth minute.
The big win saw the east coast side consolidating their position at the top of the league with 26 points from 11 matches.
Lions XII moved up to second spot after they edged T-Team 2-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium. Midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman converted a penalty in the 85th minute to claim full points for the Singaporeans.
Lions skipper Shahril Ishak fired the hosts ahead in the 51st minute before his T-Team counterpart Zairo Anuar Zailani drew level just two minutes later.
Terengganu dropped to third place on 21 points after being held to goalless draw by Johor FC at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
At the Likas Stadium, Selangor were forced to labour to a 1-1 draw with Sabah.
The Rhinos’ Australian import Michael Baird stunned the Red Giants with an early strike after only three minutes before leftback P. Gunalan equalised in the 60th minute.
Midfielder Baird took advantage of a miscommunication between Selangor goalkeeper G. Jeevananthan and rightback Mohd Razman Roslan to draw first blood.
Selangor came back stronger in the second half to dominate the match and Gunalan blasted in a half volley for a well-deserved equaliser.
In Kelana Jaya, Sarawak stunned PKNS FC 4-1 at the MBPJ Stadium. The East Malaysians scored through Shahrol Saperi (12), Ashri Chuchu (45, 81) and Vedran Muratovic (65) while Khairul Azrin (58th) replied for PKNS FC.
Kelantan fans unhappy over FAM's action against their FA president
Kelantan fans staged a protest over the FA of Malaysia’s treatment of their FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium yesterday.
The fans, who came early for the Super League match between Kelantan-Felda United, are unhappy that Annuar has to face the FAM disciplinary committee for criticising the national football team’s performance.
Annuar, who is also FAM deputy president, faces a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of making a critical comment about coach K. Rajagopal’s national team.
Annuar voiced his opinion after the national team drew 1-1 with the Philippines.
It was the team’s seventh match without a win on the international stage.
Annuar could be handed a two-year ban from football if found guilty of breaching Article 88 of FAM’s statutes, which state that only the president and secretary-general are allowed to make statements on Malaysian football.
FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah had also reminded football officials not to be outspoken when speaking to the media.
About 50 Kelantan supporters unfurled banners with one having the words: “FAM president don’t influence the disciplinary committee’s decision.”
They also marched around the stadium voicing their unhappiness with the FAM and even asking the president to step down.
“Tan Sri (Annuar) only gave his opinion and advice in his capacity as deputy president of FAM.
“And for this he is asked to face disciplinary charges, this is unfair.
“We want justice,” said Mahizi Mahmood, deputy president of fan club site Kelate.net.
“We demand that the president of FAM step down and let someone else take over because he has been there for too long,” said Mohd Zaini Mohd Zain, president of Kota Baru Red Warriors club.
The fans, who came early for the Super League match between Kelantan-Felda United, are unhappy that Annuar has to face the FAM disciplinary committee for criticising the national football team’s performance.
Annuar, who is also FAM deputy president, faces a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of making a critical comment about coach K. Rajagopal’s national team.
Annuar voiced his opinion after the national team drew 1-1 with the Philippines.
It was the team’s seventh match without a win on the international stage.
Annuar could be handed a two-year ban from football if found guilty of breaching Article 88 of FAM’s statutes, which state that only the president and secretary-general are allowed to make statements on Malaysian football.
FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah had also reminded football officials not to be outspoken when speaking to the media.
About 50 Kelantan supporters unfurled banners with one having the words: “FAM president don’t influence the disciplinary committee’s decision.”
They also marched around the stadium voicing their unhappiness with the FAM and even asking the president to step down.
“Tan Sri (Annuar) only gave his opinion and advice in his capacity as deputy president of FAM.
“And for this he is asked to face disciplinary charges, this is unfair.
“We want justice,” said Mahizi Mahmood, deputy president of fan club site Kelate.net.
“We demand that the president of FAM step down and let someone else take over because he has been there for too long,” said Mohd Zaini Mohd Zain, president of Kota Baru Red Warriors club.
Kelantan thrash Felda United to retain top spot in Super League
Kelantan continued to rule the roost at the top of the Super League when they beat Felda United 5-1 at Stadium Sultan Mohammed IV in Kota Bharu Saturday night.
The squad of Bojan Hodak has collected 26 points, two more points than their nearest challenger, Lions XII, which bagged 24 points.
Kelantan import player Nwoha Onyekach was the hero of the Red Warriors when he scored two goals, in the third and 45th minute.
Kelantan midfielder Mohd Nor Farhan Mohamad netted a goal at the 65th minute, Indra Putera Mahayuddin (67th minute) and team captain Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi (81st minute).
The squad of Bojan Hodak has collected 26 points, two more points than their nearest challenger, Lions XII, which bagged 24 points.
Kelantan import player Nwoha Onyekach was the hero of the Red Warriors when he scored two goals, in the third and 45th minute.
Kelantan midfielder Mohd Nor Farhan Mohamad netted a goal at the 65th minute, Indra Putera Mahayuddin (67th minute) and team captain Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi (81st minute).
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Sime Darby continues giant–killing feats while Terengganu progress in FA Cup
Sime Darby FC continued their giant–killing ways in the FA Cup competition to enter the semi-finals last night.
The club side defeated Johor FC 2-1 in the quarter-final second leg at the Pasir Gudang Stadium to progress 5-3 on aggregate.
Liberian international Patrick Wleh was the toast of the Premier League side after scoring a brace in their return-leg. Ismail Zakaria’s team had won the first-leg 3-2 at the Selayang Stadium on Friday.
Sime Darby FC proved that their are no pushovers in the competition after having earlier knocked out Super League side Sabah and USM FC by similar 2-0 margins in the first and second rounds respectively.
Last night, Wleh was was a constant menace to the Johor FC defenders. The Liberian gave goalkeeper Mohd Anis Faron no chance with two long range attempts in the third and 20th minutes.
Johor FC reduced the deficit through an Ahmad Fauzi Shaari penalty 13 minutes from the end.
Johor FC coach K. Devan clearly missed the service of top scorer Arthuro Bernhardt, who has found the net nine times in seven matches.
The Brazilian had to sit out a one-match suspension.
Sime Darby will play defending champions Terengganu in the two-legged semi-finals on Apr 21 and May 1.
The Turtles held Singapore outfit Lions XII to a goalless draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in the return leg yesterday, but progressed courtesy of their 1-0 first-leg victory in Kuala Terengganu last week.
In Kuala Terengganu, Kedah booked their semi-final ticket after beating T-Team 2-1 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium.
Ghana striker Hamidan Mohammed’s brace in the 64th and 81st minutes were enough to end T-Team’s hopes of going through to the semis for the first time.
Azrul Hazran Amiludin Baki’s goal in the 68th minute proved to be little more than a consolation for the home side. The first-leg had ended in a goalless draw.
In Kota Baru, goals from Mohd Norfarhan Mohamad (18th) and Nwoha Onyekachi (72nd) allowed Kelantan to beat KL SPA 2-0 and progress to the last four with a 5-0 aggregate. The Red Warriors will take on Kedah in the semi-finals.
The club side defeated Johor FC 2-1 in the quarter-final second leg at the Pasir Gudang Stadium to progress 5-3 on aggregate.
Liberian international Patrick Wleh was the toast of the Premier League side after scoring a brace in their return-leg. Ismail Zakaria’s team had won the first-leg 3-2 at the Selayang Stadium on Friday.
Sime Darby FC proved that their are no pushovers in the competition after having earlier knocked out Super League side Sabah and USM FC by similar 2-0 margins in the first and second rounds respectively.
Last night, Wleh was was a constant menace to the Johor FC defenders. The Liberian gave goalkeeper Mohd Anis Faron no chance with two long range attempts in the third and 20th minutes.
Johor FC reduced the deficit through an Ahmad Fauzi Shaari penalty 13 minutes from the end.
Johor FC coach K. Devan clearly missed the service of top scorer Arthuro Bernhardt, who has found the net nine times in seven matches.
The Brazilian had to sit out a one-match suspension.
Sime Darby will play defending champions Terengganu in the two-legged semi-finals on Apr 21 and May 1.
The Turtles held Singapore outfit Lions XII to a goalless draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in the return leg yesterday, but progressed courtesy of their 1-0 first-leg victory in Kuala Terengganu last week.
In Kuala Terengganu, Kedah booked their semi-final ticket after beating T-Team 2-1 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium.
Ghana striker Hamidan Mohammed’s brace in the 64th and 81st minutes were enough to end T-Team’s hopes of going through to the semis for the first time.
Azrul Hazran Amiludin Baki’s goal in the 68th minute proved to be little more than a consolation for the home side. The first-leg had ended in a goalless draw.
In Kota Baru, goals from Mohd Norfarhan Mohamad (18th) and Nwoha Onyekachi (72nd) allowed Kelantan to beat KL SPA 2-0 and progress to the last four with a 5-0 aggregate. The Red Warriors will take on Kedah in the semi-finals.
Terengganu, Kelantan, Kedah and Sime Darby progress to semi finals of FA Cup
Defending champions Terengganu are among four teams that booked tickets to the FA Cup semi-finals after the second leg quarter-final matches Tuesday night.
Terengganu are through with 1-0 aggregate at the expense of Lions XII from Singapore even though they drew goalless in the first leg quarter-final match at Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore.
In the first leg quarter-final match on Saturday, the squad of coach Mat Zan Mat Aris won 1-0 at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu. Terengganu's only goal was scored by Joseph Kalang Tie.
Neighbours Kelantan also made it after winning 2-0 over SPA FC at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, Kota Bharu.
Kedah also qualified for the FA Cup semi-final after edging T-Team 2-1 at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.
Premier League side Sime Darby scored an upset to reach the last four for the first time after beating Super League side Johor FC 5-3 on aggregate.
The match at Pasir Gudang Stadium saw Sime Darby winning 2-1.
Sime Darby under coach Zakaria Ismail won 3-2 over Johor FC in the first leg quarter-final match at Selayang Municipal Council Stadium on Saturday.
The semi-finals matches on home and away basis will be played on April 21 and May 1.
Terengganu are through with 1-0 aggregate at the expense of Lions XII from Singapore even though they drew goalless in the first leg quarter-final match at Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore.
In the first leg quarter-final match on Saturday, the squad of coach Mat Zan Mat Aris won 1-0 at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu. Terengganu's only goal was scored by Joseph Kalang Tie.
Neighbours Kelantan also made it after winning 2-0 over SPA FC at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, Kota Bharu.
Kedah also qualified for the FA Cup semi-final after edging T-Team 2-1 at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.
Premier League side Sime Darby scored an upset to reach the last four for the first time after beating Super League side Johor FC 5-3 on aggregate.
The match at Pasir Gudang Stadium saw Sime Darby winning 2-1.
Sime Darby under coach Zakaria Ismail won 3-2 over Johor FC in the first leg quarter-final match at Selayang Municipal Council Stadium on Saturday.
The semi-finals matches on home and away basis will be played on April 21 and May 1.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Kelantan retain lead while Terengganu continue chase in Super League
Kelantan defeated Perak 2-0 yesterday to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Super League standings while Selangor and Terengganu impressed with convincing victories.
Defender Mohd Daudsu Jamaluddin scored after 12 minutes before Zairul Fitree Ishak added Kelantan's second in the 29th minute in Ipoh.
In the Klang Valley derby, Selangor overcame a resilient Kuala Lumpur 3-0 in Bukit Jali.
After a goalless first half, Bosko Balaban broke the deadlock when he headed in unchallenged at the far post for his third goal of the season in the 57th minute from Razman Roslan's cross.
P. Gunalan made it 2-0 with an overhead kick four minutes later before Amirulhadi Zainal got the third with a long-range strike in stoppage time.
Francis Forkey Doe's hat-trick earned Terengganu a 6-3 victory over Sabah in Kuala Terengganu.
The Liberian striker scored in the 13th, 15th and 78th minutes while Ashaari Samsuddin (fifth), Manaf Mamat (44th) and Joseph Kallang Tie (80th) added the other goals.
Sabah replied through Zainizam Marjan (35th), Brendan Gan (45th) and Rozaimi Abdul Rahman (68th).
In Kuching, Singapore's LionsXII edged Sarawak 1-0 in a match which was delayed 10 minutes in the first half for faulty flood lights.
Captain Shahril Ishak scored from a penalty after Sarawak defender Yosri Derma Raju elbowed him in the 73rd minute.
Terengganu lead LionsXII on goals difference with both teams on par with 20 points.
Defender Mohd Daudsu Jamaluddin scored after 12 minutes before Zairul Fitree Ishak added Kelantan's second in the 29th minute in Ipoh.
In the Klang Valley derby, Selangor overcame a resilient Kuala Lumpur 3-0 in Bukit Jali.
After a goalless first half, Bosko Balaban broke the deadlock when he headed in unchallenged at the far post for his third goal of the season in the 57th minute from Razman Roslan's cross.
P. Gunalan made it 2-0 with an overhead kick four minutes later before Amirulhadi Zainal got the third with a long-range strike in stoppage time.
Francis Forkey Doe's hat-trick earned Terengganu a 6-3 victory over Sabah in Kuala Terengganu.
The Liberian striker scored in the 13th, 15th and 78th minutes while Ashaari Samsuddin (fifth), Manaf Mamat (44th) and Joseph Kallang Tie (80th) added the other goals.
Sabah replied through Zainizam Marjan (35th), Brendan Gan (45th) and Rozaimi Abdul Rahman (68th).
In Kuching, Singapore's LionsXII edged Sarawak 1-0 in a match which was delayed 10 minutes in the first half for faulty flood lights.
Captain Shahril Ishak scored from a penalty after Sarawak defender Yosri Derma Raju elbowed him in the 73rd minute.
Terengganu lead LionsXII on goals difference with both teams on par with 20 points.
Kelantan beat Perak to remain top in Super League
Kelantan tightened their grip at the top of the Super League table with a 2-0 win over Perak at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, Saturday night.
The win enabled Kelantan under the tutelage of Bojan Hodak to collect 23 points from 10 matches.
Lions XII plummeted from the second spot due to goal difference despite winning by a solitary goal over Sarawak at the State Stadium in Kuching with the goal scored by captain Shahril Ishak in the 72nd minute.
Elsewhere, Selangor beat Kuala Lumpur 3-0 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Negeri Sembilan beat Kedah 2-1 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi and T-Team upset Johor FC 3-1 at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium.
The win enabled Kelantan under the tutelage of Bojan Hodak to collect 23 points from 10 matches.
Lions XII plummeted from the second spot due to goal difference despite winning by a solitary goal over Sarawak at the State Stadium in Kuching with the goal scored by captain Shahril Ishak in the 72nd minute.
Elsewhere, Selangor beat Kuala Lumpur 3-0 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Negeri Sembilan beat Kedah 2-1 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi and T-Team upset Johor FC 3-1 at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Kelantan government and FA to build two separate stadiums
The PAS-led Kelantan government will go ahead on its proposal to build a new stadium although the Kelantan Football Association (Kafa) has planned a RM300 million stadium in Bandar Baharu Tunjong here.
State Human Development, Youth, Sports and NGOs Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Fatah Mahmood said the decision by Kafa did not affect the original proposal by the state to build its own stadium.
"The more stadiums the better for the government's efforts to develop football in the state," he told reporters here, Monday.
Previously, Chairman of Kelantan economic planning, finance and welfare committee, Datuk Husam Musa had announced that the state government would build its own stadium through the privatisation of an integrated project in Bukit Merbau, Pasir Puteh.
State Human Development, Youth, Sports and NGOs Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Fatah Mahmood said the decision by Kafa did not affect the original proposal by the state to build its own stadium.
"The more stadiums the better for the government's efforts to develop football in the state," he told reporters here, Monday.
Previously, Chairman of Kelantan economic planning, finance and welfare committee, Datuk Husam Musa had announced that the state government would build its own stadium through the privatisation of an integrated project in Bukit Merbau, Pasir Puteh.
Monday, 12 March 2012
Kelantan coach wants Nigerian striker Nwoha Onyekachi prove his worth
Nigerian Nwoha Onyekachi has shown signs of improvement but he will have to shine in more matches if he wants to remain a Kelantan player come April.
Coach Bojan Hodak said Onyekachi played well when he came on as a second-half substitute during the team’s 3-2 FA Cup win over Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
“Nwoha did well tactically. He’s improving and the fans realise this as they were cheering for him when he came on,” said Hodak.
“This is probably because he is finally settling in with his team-mates. He played top level football before coming here. Unfortunately, he suffered a bad injury. I also found out that he hadn’t been playing competitive football after recovering.
“The question now is whether he is good enough to stay with the team.”
Onyekachi made his debut in the Super League match against Selangor at Shah Alam Stadium last month which Kelantan lost 2-1.
The Nigerian’s appearance was a surprise not only to the fans but also to ex-coach Peter Butler, who claimed that he was unaware Kelantan had signed Onyekachi.
The Englishman lashed out at the Kelantan management and it led to the termination of his contract last month.
In the following match, against Sarawak in the FA Cup, Onyekachi was unimpressive and was booed by the home fans when he was subbed.
Kelantan have three other imports – Nigerian centreback Obinna Nwaneri, Lebanese striker Mohd Ghaddar Mahmoud and Ghanaian midfielder Dennis Antwi.
Ghaddar and Antwi are only eligible to play for Kelantan in the AFC Cup.
Hodak was critical of his defence for letting in two goals against Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
“KL didn’t have many chances but a lack of concentration by the defence allowed them to score two goals. These things shouldn’t happen to teams that are at the top of the league. Instead of a comfortable 3-0 win, the match ended 3-2,” said Hodak.
Kelantan will face Kuala Lumpur SPA in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Coach Bojan Hodak said Onyekachi played well when he came on as a second-half substitute during the team’s 3-2 FA Cup win over Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
“Nwoha did well tactically. He’s improving and the fans realise this as they were cheering for him when he came on,” said Hodak.
“This is probably because he is finally settling in with his team-mates. He played top level football before coming here. Unfortunately, he suffered a bad injury. I also found out that he hadn’t been playing competitive football after recovering.
“The question now is whether he is good enough to stay with the team.”
Onyekachi made his debut in the Super League match against Selangor at Shah Alam Stadium last month which Kelantan lost 2-1.
The Nigerian’s appearance was a surprise not only to the fans but also to ex-coach Peter Butler, who claimed that he was unaware Kelantan had signed Onyekachi.
The Englishman lashed out at the Kelantan management and it led to the termination of his contract last month.
In the following match, against Sarawak in the FA Cup, Onyekachi was unimpressive and was booed by the home fans when he was subbed.
Kelantan have three other imports – Nigerian centreback Obinna Nwaneri, Lebanese striker Mohd Ghaddar Mahmoud and Ghanaian midfielder Dennis Antwi.
Ghaddar and Antwi are only eligible to play for Kelantan in the AFC Cup.
Hodak was critical of his defence for letting in two goals against Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
“KL didn’t have many chances but a lack of concentration by the defence allowed them to score two goals. These things shouldn’t happen to teams that are at the top of the league. Instead of a comfortable 3-0 win, the match ended 3-2,” said Hodak.
Kelantan will face Kuala Lumpur SPA in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Selangor wastes two goal lead to crash out to Johor FC in FA Cup
Johor FC staged an amazing recovery from two goals down and playing with 10 men for over 100 minutes to knock Selangor out of the FA Cup through a penalty shootout in a dramatic second round tie in Pasir Gudang yesterday.
After Azi Shahril Azmi was dismissed when booked a second time with barely 17 minutes gone, Azidan Sarudin scored on the half-hour mark as he finished off a cross from Fitri Shazwan Raduan to put Selangor ahead.
Selangor were 2-0 up in the 56th minute when Solilhin Kanasian's corner came back off the post for Asraruddin Putra Omar to knock in before Johor FC stunned the visitors when first Arthuro Bernhardt set up Fauzi Shaari to score a minute later before the Brazilian grabbed the equaliser in the 68th minute to force extra-time.
Johor FC won the shootout 5-4 in sudden-death after Solihin Kanesian put Selangor's sixth penalty attempt wide after Zambri Chin had converted his.
Kelantan stayed on track to win the FA Cup for the first time when they beat Kuala Lumpur 3-2 at the Sultan Mohammed IV Stadium and they will next meet FAM League side Public Service Commission who defeated Cambodians Preah Khan Reach 1-0 thanks to striker Zulkifli Affendi Zakri's 52nd minute winner in Bukit Jalil.
Norfarhan Mohammad opened the scoring in the 30th minute for Kelantan after finishing off a quick break before KL drew level in the 39th minute when Afiq Azmi headed home in Hishamuddin Othman's cross.
But Kelantan needed just four minutes to regain the lead through Indra Putra Mahayuddin before Badhri Radzi scored in the 70th minute to make it 3-1. Fazuan Abdullah pulled one back for KL in stoppage time.
Defending champions Terengganu edged Perak 1-0 in Kuala Terengganu after Ashaari Samsudin swiveled to score after Francis Doe's free-kick had come off the Perak wall four minutes into first-half stoppage time while Singapore's LionsXII also advanced to the last eight after Shahril Ishak broke Premier League side Betaria's resistance in the 55th minute before Sufian Annuar made it 2-0 six minutes from time at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
After Azi Shahril Azmi was dismissed when booked a second time with barely 17 minutes gone, Azidan Sarudin scored on the half-hour mark as he finished off a cross from Fitri Shazwan Raduan to put Selangor ahead.
Selangor were 2-0 up in the 56th minute when Solilhin Kanasian's corner came back off the post for Asraruddin Putra Omar to knock in before Johor FC stunned the visitors when first Arthuro Bernhardt set up Fauzi Shaari to score a minute later before the Brazilian grabbed the equaliser in the 68th minute to force extra-time.
Johor FC won the shootout 5-4 in sudden-death after Solihin Kanesian put Selangor's sixth penalty attempt wide after Zambri Chin had converted his.
Kelantan stayed on track to win the FA Cup for the first time when they beat Kuala Lumpur 3-2 at the Sultan Mohammed IV Stadium and they will next meet FAM League side Public Service Commission who defeated Cambodians Preah Khan Reach 1-0 thanks to striker Zulkifli Affendi Zakri's 52nd minute winner in Bukit Jalil.
Norfarhan Mohammad opened the scoring in the 30th minute for Kelantan after finishing off a quick break before KL drew level in the 39th minute when Afiq Azmi headed home in Hishamuddin Othman's cross.
But Kelantan needed just four minutes to regain the lead through Indra Putra Mahayuddin before Badhri Radzi scored in the 70th minute to make it 3-1. Fazuan Abdullah pulled one back for KL in stoppage time.
Defending champions Terengganu edged Perak 1-0 in Kuala Terengganu after Ashaari Samsudin swiveled to score after Francis Doe's free-kick had come off the Perak wall four minutes into first-half stoppage time while Singapore's LionsXII also advanced to the last eight after Shahril Ishak broke Premier League side Betaria's resistance in the 55th minute before Sufian Annuar made it 2-0 six minutes from time at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Johor FC knocks out Selangor while Singapore and Kelantan progress in FA Cup
Johor FC knocked out five-time champions Selangor in the second round of the FA Cup after winning a dramatic sudden-death penalty shootout 5-4 at the Pasir Gudang Stadium last night.
The Red Giants only have themselves to blame after they squandered a 2-0 lead to allow the club side, who were reduced to 10-man, to bounce back. Former international Azi Shahril Azmi was sent off after only 17 minutes for a reckless tackle on Selangor’s Azidan Saruddin.
The match ended 2-2 in regulation time and both sides failed to break the deadlock in extra-time.
Goalkeeper Mohd Anis Faron Ahmad was the toast of Johor FC when he blocked K. Solihin’s spot-kick during the sudden-death shoot-out.
Mohd Zamri Chin converted the winning penalty for Johor FC, who face Premier League side Sime Darby FC in the quarter-finals.
Selangor went ahead through goals from Azidan Saruddin (30th) and Mohd Asraruddin Putra (56th).
Fauzi Shaari (59th) and Arthuro Bernhardt (66th) replied for Johor FC.
In the shoot-out Mohd Reduan M’aon and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal missed for Johor FC and Selangor respectively.
Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin was on target as Terengganu’s edged Perak 1-0 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium.
The national midfielder scored with a well-executed volley from the top of the box on the stroke of half-time.
Ashaari could have doubled the lead in the 54th minute but his powerful shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Mohd Nasril Nourdin.
Young Terengganu custodian Mohd Sharmiza, standing in for the injured Sharbinee Alawee Ramli, impressed with some oustanding saves from Perak striker Akmal Rizal Rakli.
The win was sweet revenge for Turtles as they lost to Perak in the Super League earlier this season.
Terengganu face Lions XII in the last eight.
In an earlier match, Singapore Lions XII eliminated NS Betaria FC 2-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Skipper Shahril Ishak drew first blood in the 55th minute before young striker Sufian Anuar added the second in the 84th to set up a quarter-final date with Terengganu.
In Kota Baru, Kelantan laboured to a 3-2 win over Kuala Lumpur at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium.
Mohd Norfarhan Mohd (30th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (42nd) and Mohd Badri Radzi (65) scored for the Red Warriors while KL replied through Mohd Afiq Azmi (37th) and Fazuan Abdullah (90th).
Kelantan face KL SPA in the quarter-finals. The FAM Cup side defeated Preah Khan Reach of Cambodia 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Mohd Zulkifli Affendi nailed the winner in the 52nd minute.
In other matches, Sime Darby FC’s beat USM FC 2-0 at the USM Stadium while Kedah edged Perlis 3-2 in Alor Setar.
The Red Giants only have themselves to blame after they squandered a 2-0 lead to allow the club side, who were reduced to 10-man, to bounce back. Former international Azi Shahril Azmi was sent off after only 17 minutes for a reckless tackle on Selangor’s Azidan Saruddin.
The match ended 2-2 in regulation time and both sides failed to break the deadlock in extra-time.
Goalkeeper Mohd Anis Faron Ahmad was the toast of Johor FC when he blocked K. Solihin’s spot-kick during the sudden-death shoot-out.
Mohd Zamri Chin converted the winning penalty for Johor FC, who face Premier League side Sime Darby FC in the quarter-finals.
Selangor went ahead through goals from Azidan Saruddin (30th) and Mohd Asraruddin Putra (56th).
Fauzi Shaari (59th) and Arthuro Bernhardt (66th) replied for Johor FC.
In the shoot-out Mohd Reduan M’aon and Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal missed for Johor FC and Selangor respectively.
Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin was on target as Terengganu’s edged Perak 1-0 at the Sultan Ismail Stadium.
The national midfielder scored with a well-executed volley from the top of the box on the stroke of half-time.
Ashaari could have doubled the lead in the 54th minute but his powerful shot from the edge of the box was well saved by Mohd Nasril Nourdin.
Young Terengganu custodian Mohd Sharmiza, standing in for the injured Sharbinee Alawee Ramli, impressed with some oustanding saves from Perak striker Akmal Rizal Rakli.
The win was sweet revenge for Turtles as they lost to Perak in the Super League earlier this season.
Terengganu face Lions XII in the last eight.
In an earlier match, Singapore Lions XII eliminated NS Betaria FC 2-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Skipper Shahril Ishak drew first blood in the 55th minute before young striker Sufian Anuar added the second in the 84th to set up a quarter-final date with Terengganu.
In Kota Baru, Kelantan laboured to a 3-2 win over Kuala Lumpur at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium.
Mohd Norfarhan Mohd (30th), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (42nd) and Mohd Badri Radzi (65) scored for the Red Warriors while KL replied through Mohd Afiq Azmi (37th) and Fazuan Abdullah (90th).
Kelantan face KL SPA in the quarter-finals. The FAM Cup side defeated Preah Khan Reach of Cambodia 1-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Mohd Zulkifli Affendi nailed the winner in the 52nd minute.
In other matches, Sime Darby FC’s beat USM FC 2-0 at the USM Stadium while Kedah edged Perlis 3-2 in Alor Setar.
Friday, 9 March 2012
Kelantan unhappy with their foreign players
Kelantan have put strikers Onyekachi Nwoha and Mohammed Ghadar on notice that they are playing for their futures after both failed to find the target in the 0-0 draw with Vietnam's Navibank Saigon in the AFC Cup on Wednesday.
In a match which saw one-half of the pitch flooded in the second half due to continuous heavy rain, Lebanon forward Ghaddar and Nigerian Nwoha both wasted scoring chances while struggling to forge an understanding.
Ghaddar, who was replaced by Nwoha for Kelantan's domestic campaign, played his first match since Jan 20 as Bojan Hodak made six changes to the side that beat Negri Sembilan 2-1 last weekend in his first match in charge since replacing Peter Butler.
Hodak, who watched the Negri match from the Sultan Mohammed IV Stadium VIP box, agreed that the changes and inclusion of Ghaddar and Ghanaian Dennis Antwi, who has also not played for over a month, unsettled the side.
"Definitely, a little bit. I'll tell you why I made the changes. The next transfer window opens on April 2 and the management asked me for my input on the foreign players, to see whether they are good or not.
"Also because Norshahrul (Idlan Talaha) was not ready and I did not want to risk Indra (Putra Mahayuddin) on a heavy pitch because we are playing three games in six days and I only had a week to prepare the team.
"That is why we did not play well and Ghaddar, everything did he did today (Wednesday) was wrong because he has not trained much. He tried hard and nobody booed him. They are all good players and need to prove themselves.
"If they play well enough, then they will stay. If not, we have to find new strikers," said Hodak after the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Nwoha and Ghaddar are in fact on trial for the rest of the month and while the former has four matches, possibly six if Kelantan make the FA Cup quarter-finals, to impress, Ghaddar has only one chance to convince Hodak in the AFC Cup match at Myanmar's Ayeyawady United on March 21.
Ghaddar was denied two penalty claims against Navibank but Hodak did not see the draw as having too much of an impact on their chances of qualifying for the second round, rating the two teams as the favourites in Group H.
"In the first 15-20 minutes, we were too nervous but we got better and had more chances and possession as the match went on. The second half was difficult, we had to play long balls but we played better tactically, concentration and discipline was better than against Negri Sembilan.
"This is not a bad result, we did not lose and the other game (Arema v Ayeyawady United) also ended in a draw (1-1). Navibank and Kelantan are the two better teams in the group.
"If we can win our remaining two home games, hopefully with our own crowd in Kota Baru where teams find it difficult to play, and get one away win, we should qualify," said the Croatian, who attached more importance to tomorrow's FA Cup second round tie against Kuala Lumpur in Kota Baru as anything other than a win would end Kelantan's hopes of winning the trophy for the first time.
In a match which saw one-half of the pitch flooded in the second half due to continuous heavy rain, Lebanon forward Ghaddar and Nigerian Nwoha both wasted scoring chances while struggling to forge an understanding.
Ghaddar, who was replaced by Nwoha for Kelantan's domestic campaign, played his first match since Jan 20 as Bojan Hodak made six changes to the side that beat Negri Sembilan 2-1 last weekend in his first match in charge since replacing Peter Butler.
Hodak, who watched the Negri match from the Sultan Mohammed IV Stadium VIP box, agreed that the changes and inclusion of Ghaddar and Ghanaian Dennis Antwi, who has also not played for over a month, unsettled the side.
"Definitely, a little bit. I'll tell you why I made the changes. The next transfer window opens on April 2 and the management asked me for my input on the foreign players, to see whether they are good or not.
"Also because Norshahrul (Idlan Talaha) was not ready and I did not want to risk Indra (Putra Mahayuddin) on a heavy pitch because we are playing three games in six days and I only had a week to prepare the team.
"That is why we did not play well and Ghaddar, everything did he did today (Wednesday) was wrong because he has not trained much. He tried hard and nobody booed him. They are all good players and need to prove themselves.
"If they play well enough, then they will stay. If not, we have to find new strikers," said Hodak after the match at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Nwoha and Ghaddar are in fact on trial for the rest of the month and while the former has four matches, possibly six if Kelantan make the FA Cup quarter-finals, to impress, Ghaddar has only one chance to convince Hodak in the AFC Cup match at Myanmar's Ayeyawady United on March 21.
Ghaddar was denied two penalty claims against Navibank but Hodak did not see the draw as having too much of an impact on their chances of qualifying for the second round, rating the two teams as the favourites in Group H.
"In the first 15-20 minutes, we were too nervous but we got better and had more chances and possession as the match went on. The second half was difficult, we had to play long balls but we played better tactically, concentration and discipline was better than against Negri Sembilan.
"This is not a bad result, we did not lose and the other game (Arema v Ayeyawady United) also ended in a draw (1-1). Navibank and Kelantan are the two better teams in the group.
"If we can win our remaining two home games, hopefully with our own crowd in Kota Baru where teams find it difficult to play, and get one away win, we should qualify," said the Croatian, who attached more importance to tomorrow's FA Cup second round tie against Kuala Lumpur in Kota Baru as anything other than a win would end Kelantan's hopes of winning the trophy for the first time.
Kelantan coach confident of progressing to second round of AFC Cup
Kelantan are not too concerned about losing two points in the AFC Cup Group H 0-0 draw with Navibank Saigon at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
Since the other Group H clash between Arema FC and Ayeyawady United ended in a 1-1 draw, it leaves all four teams in the group tied on a point each.
And Kelantan coach Bojan Hodak is confident his men can still make the second round of the competition.
“It’s not that bad a result … we didn’t lose the match,” said the former UPB MyTeam coach.
“We are capable of getting six points from our home matches and we just need to win one of our away games,” he told the post-match conference.
Hodak said he made six changes to his starting line – as he needed to test his foreign players and rotate the squad ahead of their FA Cup second round clash against Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Among the players given a run-out were strikers Mohamad Ghaddar (Lebanon) and Dennis Antwi (Ghana). The duo, who last played in a competitive match in January, were given a chance to prove themselves with Nigerian striker Onyekachi Nwoha.
However, the changes made the team look disjointed, especially in attack as the foreign trio lacked cohesion and sharpness.
“The transfer window opens in April and I was asked by the management to evaluate the foreign players to be registered for the Super League,” said the Croatian coach.
“Ghaddar and Antwi are registered for the AFC Cup and we can only evaluate their performances when they play in this competition. These players are still not at their best and are improving. They just need more matches under their belts.”
Navibank coach Pham Cong Loc reckons that his side were unlucky “but I will accept the result”.
“I’m generally pleased with the result but we could have won it. In the first half, we had at least three chances which we failed to convert,” he said. “We were unlucky in the second half as the Kelantan’s side of the pitch was water-logged and this made it hard for us to play our normal game. I believe if the field was in a better condition, one of us would have scored. Still, we will accept the result and I think we can go far in this competition.”
Since the other Group H clash between Arema FC and Ayeyawady United ended in a 1-1 draw, it leaves all four teams in the group tied on a point each.
And Kelantan coach Bojan Hodak is confident his men can still make the second round of the competition.
“It’s not that bad a result … we didn’t lose the match,” said the former UPB MyTeam coach.
“We are capable of getting six points from our home matches and we just need to win one of our away games,” he told the post-match conference.
Hodak said he made six changes to his starting line – as he needed to test his foreign players and rotate the squad ahead of their FA Cup second round clash against Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.
Among the players given a run-out were strikers Mohamad Ghaddar (Lebanon) and Dennis Antwi (Ghana). The duo, who last played in a competitive match in January, were given a chance to prove themselves with Nigerian striker Onyekachi Nwoha.
However, the changes made the team look disjointed, especially in attack as the foreign trio lacked cohesion and sharpness.
“The transfer window opens in April and I was asked by the management to evaluate the foreign players to be registered for the Super League,” said the Croatian coach.
“Ghaddar and Antwi are registered for the AFC Cup and we can only evaluate their performances when they play in this competition. These players are still not at their best and are improving. They just need more matches under their belts.”
Navibank coach Pham Cong Loc reckons that his side were unlucky “but I will accept the result”.
“I’m generally pleased with the result but we could have won it. In the first half, we had at least three chances which we failed to convert,” he said. “We were unlucky in the second half as the Kelantan’s side of the pitch was water-logged and this made it hard for us to play our normal game. I believe if the field was in a better condition, one of us would have scored. Still, we will accept the result and I think we can go far in this competition.”
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Kelantan draw with Vietnam club Navibank Saigon in AFC Cup
Kelantan played to a scoreless draw in their opening encounter against Navibank Saigon in Group H of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Wednesday night.
Despite banking their hopes on four imported players before 5,000 partisan supporters, Kelantan failed to find the net in the evenly contested match.
The Vietnamese club gave Kelantan an early scare as early as the eight minute through Dang Khanh Lam, but the attempt found the safe pair of hands of goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
Kelantan's import, Mohamad Ghaddar squandered a chance in the 26th minute when his stinging shot went wide.
The soggy pitch due to heavy downpour proved difficult for both teams.
Despite banking their hopes on four imported players before 5,000 partisan supporters, Kelantan failed to find the net in the evenly contested match.
The Vietnamese club gave Kelantan an early scare as early as the eight minute through Dang Khanh Lam, but the attempt found the safe pair of hands of goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
Kelantan's import, Mohamad Ghaddar squandered a chance in the 26th minute when his stinging shot went wide.
The soggy pitch due to heavy downpour proved difficult for both teams.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Kelantan inspired by new coach Bojan Hodak
A strategy by the new Kelantan head coach, Bojan Hodak had born fruit eventhough the team had to work hard because several key players were not fielded in the match against Negeri Sembilan, Sunday night.
Assistant head coach, Zahasmi Ismail said the understanding between all coaches concerned had produced a successful result when they beat Negeri Sembilan 2-1 in the Super League match at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium.
"Everything came from him (Bojan). We also followed what all the coaches discussed, including the players to be fielded," he said.
Zahasmi said the fatigue factor could have been a major cause why the Red Warriors failed to show an excellent performance despite playing on home ground.
"Maybe they were exhausted because many players such as Shakir Ali, S. Subramaniam and Khairul Fahmi Che Mat had just returned from training with the national squad and had to play in the Super League.
Assistant head coach, Zahasmi Ismail said the understanding between all coaches concerned had produced a successful result when they beat Negeri Sembilan 2-1 in the Super League match at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium.
"Everything came from him (Bojan). We also followed what all the coaches discussed, including the players to be fielded," he said.
Zahasmi said the fatigue factor could have been a major cause why the Red Warriors failed to show an excellent performance despite playing on home ground.
"Maybe they were exhausted because many players such as Shakir Ali, S. Subramaniam and Khairul Fahmi Che Mat had just returned from training with the national squad and had to play in the Super League.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)