Giant killers KL SPA FC have set their sights on the scalp of Super League champions Kelantan in their FA Cup quarter-final at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The amateur team, who evolved from the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) recreational club, made history by becoming the first FAM League side to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals after edging out Cambodian club Preah Khan Reach 1-0 on March 10.
No third-tier team have ever made the quarter-finals since the tournament was opened to FAM League sides in 1994.
KL SPA coach Mohd Nizam Jamil said his players were eager to prove themselves against their much heralded opponents Kelantan.
“Football is not mathematics. There’s no guarantee that a top division side will always beat the lower teams,” Nizam said yesterday.
“In fact, Kelantan will be under pressure as they have played three games in 10 days and lost some of their players to injury. However, they have a squad of 25 quality players and can’t be taken lightly.
“We are looking forward to the experience of playing one of the best teams in the country. We have nothing to lose at this stage and will try to savour the moment.”
KL SPA, who beat Premier League side Johor MBJB 3-0 in the first round on Feb 18, are also going great guns in the FAM League. They have collected nine points from three matches to lead the nine-team league.
“We are basically amateurs, but some of our players have played with the state teams while others are from the Bukit Jalil Sports School,” said Nizam.
“Our main target is to secure promotion to the Premier League and our outing in the FA Cup will be a great exposure to the players.”
Showing posts with label Kuala Lumpur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kuala Lumpur. Show all posts
Thursday, 22 March 2012
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.
Selangor beat Kuala Lumpur regain form in Super League
There is nothing like a derby win to lift flagging spirits as Selangor discovered after a comfortable 3-0 win over Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Jalil on Saturday to get their Super League campaign back on track.
Following their FA Cup exit to Johor FC, Selangor coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim unleashed his ruthless streak by dropping goalkeeper Norazlan Razali from the match-day squad against KL.
Norazlan, who spent the previous two seasons with the city side, was held responsible for Selangor's penalty shootout loss to Johor FC last week as G. Jeevananthan came into the Selangor line-up for his first start of the season.
Jeevananthan kept his team in the game with a couple of important saves in a goalless first half to deny KL's Stanley Bernard and Zakaria Charara before Selangor upped the pace after half-time and were rewarded with goals from Bosko Balaban, P. Gunalan and Amirulhadi Zainal.
"We needed to increase the tempo in the second half and when we did that, KL could not cope with us. This is a crucial win for us, very important after a stressful period.
"As a Selangor coach, stress is part of the job because every team that play against Selangor will play to the death. It's also the first time we have beaten a team below us in the table this season and at least we are keeping pace with the leaders," said Irfan after the match at the National Stadium.
Selangor moved up one spot to sixth but are still seven points behind leaders Kelantan and four adrift of Terengganu and Singapore LionsXII, who they meet in a fixture brought forward to tomorrow at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
"We have to guard against complacency, the team took it easy after going 2-0 up. It is exactly what happened against Johor FC when we were also two-up. I hope with the two suspended players back, we will be able to improve on our performance when we play LionsXII," added Irfan, referring to defenders Ramez Dayoub and Bunyamin Umar.
For KL, it is a tenth game without a win in the league and a raging coach Razip Ismail gave his players a shelling in the dressing roon after the game as the city side collapsed after a composed first-half display.
"Which teams go ten games without a win? This is unacceptable and I told them that," said Razip. "The same mistakes keep happening. The first two goals should have been prevented but the defenders were nowhere to be seen.
"It's very frustrating because we did well in the first half and I told them Selangor would come at us. They needed to keep their composure but let their heads drop after the first goal."
Following their FA Cup exit to Johor FC, Selangor coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim unleashed his ruthless streak by dropping goalkeeper Norazlan Razali from the match-day squad against KL.
Norazlan, who spent the previous two seasons with the city side, was held responsible for Selangor's penalty shootout loss to Johor FC last week as G. Jeevananthan came into the Selangor line-up for his first start of the season.
Jeevananthan kept his team in the game with a couple of important saves in a goalless first half to deny KL's Stanley Bernard and Zakaria Charara before Selangor upped the pace after half-time and were rewarded with goals from Bosko Balaban, P. Gunalan and Amirulhadi Zainal.
"We needed to increase the tempo in the second half and when we did that, KL could not cope with us. This is a crucial win for us, very important after a stressful period.
"As a Selangor coach, stress is part of the job because every team that play against Selangor will play to the death. It's also the first time we have beaten a team below us in the table this season and at least we are keeping pace with the leaders," said Irfan after the match at the National Stadium.
Selangor moved up one spot to sixth but are still seven points behind leaders Kelantan and four adrift of Terengganu and Singapore LionsXII, who they meet in a fixture brought forward to tomorrow at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
"We have to guard against complacency, the team took it easy after going 2-0 up. It is exactly what happened against Johor FC when we were also two-up. I hope with the two suspended players back, we will be able to improve on our performance when we play LionsXII," added Irfan, referring to defenders Ramez Dayoub and Bunyamin Umar.
For KL, it is a tenth game without a win in the league and a raging coach Razip Ismail gave his players a shelling in the dressing roon after the game as the city side collapsed after a composed first-half display.
"Which teams go ten games without a win? This is unacceptable and I told them that," said Razip. "The same mistakes keep happening. The first two goals should have been prevented but the defenders were nowhere to be seen.
"It's very frustrating because we did well in the first half and I told them Selangor would come at us. They needed to keep their composure but let their heads drop after the first goal."
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.
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.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Liberian striker Francis Doe continues scoring as Terengganu win in Super League
Francis Doe again showed why he is rated so highly by Terengganu as he struck the only goal in a 1-0 win over bottom side Kuala Lumpur yesterday to move his team level with Kelantan at the top of the Super League standings.
The Liberian ran on to a goalkick by Sharbinee Allawee Ramli and squeezed between KL's two centrebacks before firing past goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim in the 61st minute for his sixth goal of the season at a deserted Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.
After nine games played, Terengganu have 17 points, the same as Kelantan, who can go three points clear today when they play Negri Sembilan in Kota Baru in Bojan Hodak's first match in charge since Peter Butler's departure.
Michal Kubala also bagged his sixth goal of the season as his 80th-minute penalty earned Perak a 2-2 draw with PKNS, who had Zulhariz Mohd Noor sent off at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
Helmi Remeli (20th) and Fauzan Dzulkifli (56th) struck for PKNS either side of Fazli Hazli Kadri's 42nd-minute equaliser for Perak while Frenchman Abdelfatah Safi's penalty three minutes from the end gave Kedah a 1-0 win over Selangor at the Darulaman Stadium after Baddrol Bakhtiar had missed from the spot earlier in the game.
Shahrudin Yakup capped Sabah's comeback from going 1-0 down to Johor FC in Kota Kinabalu with an 80th-minute winner after Rozaimi Abdul Rahman's 31st-minute goal cancelled Arthuro Bernhardt's opener three minutes earlier.
The Liberian ran on to a goalkick by Sharbinee Allawee Ramli and squeezed between KL's two centrebacks before firing past goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim in the 61st minute for his sixth goal of the season at a deserted Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.
After nine games played, Terengganu have 17 points, the same as Kelantan, who can go three points clear today when they play Negri Sembilan in Kota Baru in Bojan Hodak's first match in charge since Peter Butler's departure.
Michal Kubala also bagged his sixth goal of the season as his 80th-minute penalty earned Perak a 2-2 draw with PKNS, who had Zulhariz Mohd Noor sent off at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
Helmi Remeli (20th) and Fauzan Dzulkifli (56th) struck for PKNS either side of Fazli Hazli Kadri's 42nd-minute equaliser for Perak while Frenchman Abdelfatah Safi's penalty three minutes from the end gave Kedah a 1-0 win over Selangor at the Darulaman Stadium after Baddrol Bakhtiar had missed from the spot earlier in the game.
Shahrudin Yakup capped Sabah's comeback from going 1-0 down to Johor FC in Kota Kinabalu with an 80th-minute winner after Rozaimi Abdul Rahman's 31st-minute goal cancelled Arthuro Bernhardt's opener three minutes earlier.
Terengganu win to keep up the pressure on leaders Kelantan in Super League
Terengganu laboured to a 1-0 win over Kuala Lumpur at the Hang Jebat Stadium last night to keep up the pressure on Super League leaders Kelantan.
Liberian hitman Francis Doe scored the solitary goal in the 61st minute to save the Turtles the blushes against the basement side.
KL, bolstered by Zakaria Charara and Emmanuel Okine – both on loan from Kelantan – looked the more dangerous side but were let down by poor finishing.
It took a determined individual effort from Doe to win a match that seemed headed for a draw.
The striker dribbled past three KL defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim.
Terengganu, with 17 points from nine matches, are now equal on points with Kelantan. The Red Warriors, who still lead the standings on goal difference, host Negri Sembilan tonight.
Perak were held to a 2-2 draw by a gutsy PKNS at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
PKNS defender Mohd Helmi Remeli drew first blood in the 20th minute before Mohd Fazrul Hazli Kadri equalised for Perak in the 42nd.
Midfielder Mohd Fauzan Dzulkifli regained the lead for PKNS in the 56th minute but the Seladang were awarded a controversial penalty in the 80th.
PKNS defender Mohd Zulhariz Mohd Noor was given the marching orders for handling the ball and Slovakian midfielder Michal Kubala converted the spot kick.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah came from behind to edge Johor FC 2-1 at the Likas Stadium.
Sharudin Yakup grabbed the winner for the Rhinos in the 80th minute after the teams were tied 1-1 at half-time.
Johor FC striker Arthuro Bernhardt opened the scoring in the 28th minute before midfielder Rozaimi Abdul Rahman equalised in the 31st.
In Alor Setar, Kedah edged Selangor 1-0 to record only their second win of the season.
French midfielder Abdulfatah Safi converted a penalty in the 83rd minute.
Liberian hitman Francis Doe scored the solitary goal in the 61st minute to save the Turtles the blushes against the basement side.
KL, bolstered by Zakaria Charara and Emmanuel Okine – both on loan from Kelantan – looked the more dangerous side but were let down by poor finishing.
It took a determined individual effort from Doe to win a match that seemed headed for a draw.
The striker dribbled past three KL defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim.
Terengganu, with 17 points from nine matches, are now equal on points with Kelantan. The Red Warriors, who still lead the standings on goal difference, host Negri Sembilan tonight.
Perak were held to a 2-2 draw by a gutsy PKNS at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
PKNS defender Mohd Helmi Remeli drew first blood in the 20th minute before Mohd Fazrul Hazli Kadri equalised for Perak in the 42nd.
Midfielder Mohd Fauzan Dzulkifli regained the lead for PKNS in the 56th minute but the Seladang were awarded a controversial penalty in the 80th.
PKNS defender Mohd Zulhariz Mohd Noor was given the marching orders for handling the ball and Slovakian midfielder Michal Kubala converted the spot kick.
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah came from behind to edge Johor FC 2-1 at the Likas Stadium.
Sharudin Yakup grabbed the winner for the Rhinos in the 80th minute after the teams were tied 1-1 at half-time.
Johor FC striker Arthuro Bernhardt opened the scoring in the 28th minute before midfielder Rozaimi Abdul Rahman equalised in the 31st.
In Alor Setar, Kedah edged Selangor 1-0 to record only their second win of the season.
French midfielder Abdulfatah Safi converted a penalty in the 83rd minute.
Terengganu beat Kuala Lumpur In Super League
Terengganu beat bottom-of-the-table Kuala Lumpur 1-0 in their Super League Match at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka.
Import player Francis Forkey Doe scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute.
Elsewhere, Perak drew 2-2 with Selangor PKNS at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.
Import player Francis Forkey Doe scored the only goal of the match in the 61st minute.
Elsewhere, Perak drew 2-2 with Selangor PKNS at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Terengganu, Kelantan and Selangor progress to next round in FA Cup
Defending champions Terengganu cruised into the second round of the FA Cup with a convincing 4-0 win over Police while their neighbours Kelantan had to dig deep into their reserves to edge Sarawak 2-1 yesterday.
At the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru, substitute Mohd Norfarhan Mohd – who replaced the ineffective Nigerian Onyekachi Nwoha – turned hero for the Red Warriors when he scored the winner in stoppage time.
Mohd Azizan Baba stunned the hosts by firing Sarawak ahead in the 20th minute before Indra Putra Mahayuddin equalised in the 34th minute.
Kelantan coach Peter Butler said he was happy with his side’s performance after being given such a tough fight by Sarawak.
“The team played well but I would be happier if we scored more goals,” said Butler.
“In a knock-out competition, you can’t afford to underestimate your opponent.. they have nothing to lose.”
Kelantan will meet Kuala Lumpur in the second round on March 10. The City side defeated Muar MC 3-0.
Sarawak coach Robert Alberts said his players did not play to their full potential but praised his Cameroon signing Guy Bwele.
Sarawak should have won the match in the dying minutes but their Croatian striker Vedran Muratovic ballooned a sitter which eventually cost his side a famous win.
“I’m proud of my team’s performance despite the players not playing to their true potential. Kelantan have invested the most in players and should beat us,” said Alberts.
In Kuala Terengganu, Abdul Manaf Mamat hit a brace for the Turtles in the 38th and 65th minutes while Abdul Hadi Yahya (10th) and Francis Doe (80th) nailed one each.
The night’s upset saw the fall of Negri Sembilan to club side Johor FC 1-2 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
Arthuro Bernhardt was the hero for Johor FC, scoring a brace in the 25th and 81st minutes while Jean-Emmanuel Owona replied for Negri in the 31st minute.
Johor FC will meet Selangor in the next round.
In Temerloh, Selangor skipper Mohd Amri Yahyah celebrated his 100th goal en route to the Red Giants’ 4-0 whitewash of FAM Cup side Shahzan Muda.
New signing Bosko Balaban scored in his second consecutive match in the 21st minute before Mohd Safiq Rahim netted a brace in the 65th and 72nd minutes.
Amri bagged his century in the 81st minute.
The match between Kedah and PKNS FC ended 1-1 after regulation and extra-time before the Canaries emerged 4-2 winners in a penalty shootout at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar.
In Shah Alam, Singapore Lions downed Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) FC 3-0 at the UiTM Stadium.
Leftback Saiful Esah opened the scoring in the ninth minute before rightback Madhu Mohana doubled their lead in the 15th.
UiTM skipper Ahmad Shahril scored an own goal in the 85th minute to complete the rout.
At the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru, substitute Mohd Norfarhan Mohd – who replaced the ineffective Nigerian Onyekachi Nwoha – turned hero for the Red Warriors when he scored the winner in stoppage time.
Mohd Azizan Baba stunned the hosts by firing Sarawak ahead in the 20th minute before Indra Putra Mahayuddin equalised in the 34th minute.
Kelantan coach Peter Butler said he was happy with his side’s performance after being given such a tough fight by Sarawak.
“The team played well but I would be happier if we scored more goals,” said Butler.
“In a knock-out competition, you can’t afford to underestimate your opponent.. they have nothing to lose.”
Kelantan will meet Kuala Lumpur in the second round on March 10. The City side defeated Muar MC 3-0.
Sarawak coach Robert Alberts said his players did not play to their full potential but praised his Cameroon signing Guy Bwele.
Sarawak should have won the match in the dying minutes but their Croatian striker Vedran Muratovic ballooned a sitter which eventually cost his side a famous win.
“I’m proud of my team’s performance despite the players not playing to their true potential. Kelantan have invested the most in players and should beat us,” said Alberts.
In Kuala Terengganu, Abdul Manaf Mamat hit a brace for the Turtles in the 38th and 65th minutes while Abdul Hadi Yahya (10th) and Francis Doe (80th) nailed one each.
The night’s upset saw the fall of Negri Sembilan to club side Johor FC 1-2 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
Arthuro Bernhardt was the hero for Johor FC, scoring a brace in the 25th and 81st minutes while Jean-Emmanuel Owona replied for Negri in the 31st minute.
Johor FC will meet Selangor in the next round.
In Temerloh, Selangor skipper Mohd Amri Yahyah celebrated his 100th goal en route to the Red Giants’ 4-0 whitewash of FAM Cup side Shahzan Muda.
New signing Bosko Balaban scored in his second consecutive match in the 21st minute before Mohd Safiq Rahim netted a brace in the 65th and 72nd minutes.
Amri bagged his century in the 81st minute.
The match between Kedah and PKNS FC ended 1-1 after regulation and extra-time before the Canaries emerged 4-2 winners in a penalty shootout at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar.
In Shah Alam, Singapore Lions downed Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) FC 3-0 at the UiTM Stadium.
Leftback Saiful Esah opened the scoring in the ninth minute before rightback Madhu Mohana doubled their lead in the 15th.
UiTM skipper Ahmad Shahril scored an own goal in the 85th minute to complete the rout.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Kelantan lose to Selangor but still lead standings in Super League
Super League leader, Kelantan had their unbeaten run broken by Selangor who edged them 2-1 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium Tuesday night.
Despite failing to collect three points in their eighth match, the Red Warriors still remained at the top of the league table with a total of 17 points, two points ahead of nearest challenger, Perak.
Selangor appeared to be putting a more orderly game with Safiq Rahim scoring the first goal with a powerful shot in the 47th minute while Selangor newcomer made it 2-0 in the 75th minute.
However, Kelantan's consolation goal came in the 92nd minute courtesy of S.Subramaniam.
Perak, who are placed second in the league table, also lost 1-2 to Lions XII at the Stadium Perak, Ipoh.
Lions XII goals came from Mohd Sharil Ishak in the 17th minute and Shaiful Esah in the 75th, while Perak's solitary goal was contributed by Michal Kubala in the 54th (penalty).
Meanwhile, T-Team beat Felda United 3-0 at Stadium Hang Jebat, Melaka.
The goals for T-Team were scored by Mohd Faiz Subri in the 31st and 69th minutes, while Zairo Anuar made it 3-0 in the 84th minute.
At the Stadium Likas, Sabah, the homester easily beat the bottom team in the league, Kuala Lumpur 2-0 courtesy of Mohd Rozaimi Abdul Rahman in the 36th and Michael William Bird in the 46th minutes.
Johor FC lost 1-2 to visitors Sarawak at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium, Johor.
However, Johor FC scored first in the 21st minute through Arthur Henrique but Sarawak equalised in the 33rd minute, thanks to Guy Bwele, while Mohd Azizan Baba made it 2-1 for Sarawak in the 74th minute.
Selangor PKNS meanwhile drew 1-1 with homesters Negeri Sembilan at the Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, and Terengganu too drew 1-1 with Kedah at the Stadium Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, Kuala Terengganu.
Despite failing to collect three points in their eighth match, the Red Warriors still remained at the top of the league table with a total of 17 points, two points ahead of nearest challenger, Perak.
Selangor appeared to be putting a more orderly game with Safiq Rahim scoring the first goal with a powerful shot in the 47th minute while Selangor newcomer made it 2-0 in the 75th minute.
However, Kelantan's consolation goal came in the 92nd minute courtesy of S.Subramaniam.
Perak, who are placed second in the league table, also lost 1-2 to Lions XII at the Stadium Perak, Ipoh.
Lions XII goals came from Mohd Sharil Ishak in the 17th minute and Shaiful Esah in the 75th, while Perak's solitary goal was contributed by Michal Kubala in the 54th (penalty).
Meanwhile, T-Team beat Felda United 3-0 at Stadium Hang Jebat, Melaka.
The goals for T-Team were scored by Mohd Faiz Subri in the 31st and 69th minutes, while Zairo Anuar made it 3-0 in the 84th minute.
At the Stadium Likas, Sabah, the homester easily beat the bottom team in the league, Kuala Lumpur 2-0 courtesy of Mohd Rozaimi Abdul Rahman in the 36th and Michael William Bird in the 46th minutes.
Johor FC lost 1-2 to visitors Sarawak at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium, Johor.
However, Johor FC scored first in the 21st minute through Arthur Henrique but Sarawak equalised in the 33rd minute, thanks to Guy Bwele, while Mohd Azizan Baba made it 2-1 for Sarawak in the 74th minute.
Selangor PKNS meanwhile drew 1-1 with homesters Negeri Sembilan at the Stadium Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Paroi, and Terengganu too drew 1-1 with Kedah at the Stadium Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, Kuala Terengganu.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Struggling Selangor lose again as Kelantan lead standings in Super League
Defending champions Kelantan surged to the top of the Super League after they edged bitter rivals Terengganu 2-1 at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru last night.
National striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha fired the Red Warriors ahead in the 37th minute before skipper Mohd Badhri Radzi added a second in the 52nd.
Substitute Abdul Manaf Mamat pulled one back for the Turtles in the 91st minute.
Kelantan lead the standings on 17 points as overnight leaders Perak crashed to a surprise 0-2 defeat to T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
The Seladang slipped to second on 15 points.
Norizan Bakar’s charges conceded two goals in the second-half with T-Team’s Bosnian import Bojan Patrick (56th minute) and Zairo Annuar Zailani (88th, penalty) on target.
In Kelana Jaya, PKNS FC grabbed their first win of the season by beating Selangor 2-0 at the MBPJ Stadium.
Former Selangor striker Rudie Ramli drew first blood for PKNS in the 35th minute before Helmi Remeli blasted home a second goal in the 61st.
It was a double blow for the Red Giants, who were unable to field Croatian striker Bosko Balaban as he has yet to receive his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Even the return of Lebanese central defender, Ramez Dayoub, from a one-match suspension failed to keep Selangor steady.
A defensive lapse allowed Rudie to sneak a goal past Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Razali before Helmi nodded home from Fauzan Dzulkifli’s cross.
Selangor came close to an equaliser in the 43rd minute when Mohd Fitri Shazwan Raduwan’s glancing header hit the crossbar.
Selangor’s insipid display continued in the second half as they failed to stamp any authority on the match. The lack of an out-and-out striker is also another cause of the team’s downfall.
Singapore’s Lions XII skipper Shahril Ishak netted a brace in their 3-1 win over Negri Sembilan at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Shahril got his first from a spot kick in the 31st minute after Negri midfielder Shahurain Abu Samah handled the ball inside the box.
Shahdan Sulaiman fired the Lions’ second in the 50th minute before Shahril sealed the winner in the 59th minute.
Mohd Firdaus Azizul scored Negri’s consolation goal in the 90th minute.
The Singaporeans are now fourth with 11 points, ahead of Negri on goal difference.
In Kuching, Mohd Asri Chuchu struck a las-gasp winner in Sarawak’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Felda United at the Sarawak Stadium.
The Crocodiles fell behind after Felda’s Mohd Asri found the net in the 38th minute.
Croatian striker Vedran Muratovic made it level for the homesters in the 50th minute before the 18-year-old Asri hit the winner from close range in the last minute.
Johor FC defeated Kuala Lumpur 2-0 at the Hang Jebat Stadium with Haris Safwan (7th minute) and substitute Jasazrin Jamaluddin (86th) scoring the goals.
National striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha fired the Red Warriors ahead in the 37th minute before skipper Mohd Badhri Radzi added a second in the 52nd.
Substitute Abdul Manaf Mamat pulled one back for the Turtles in the 91st minute.
Kelantan lead the standings on 17 points as overnight leaders Perak crashed to a surprise 0-2 defeat to T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
The Seladang slipped to second on 15 points.
Norizan Bakar’s charges conceded two goals in the second-half with T-Team’s Bosnian import Bojan Patrick (56th minute) and Zairo Annuar Zailani (88th, penalty) on target.
In Kelana Jaya, PKNS FC grabbed their first win of the season by beating Selangor 2-0 at the MBPJ Stadium.
Former Selangor striker Rudie Ramli drew first blood for PKNS in the 35th minute before Helmi Remeli blasted home a second goal in the 61st.
It was a double blow for the Red Giants, who were unable to field Croatian striker Bosko Balaban as he has yet to receive his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Even the return of Lebanese central defender, Ramez Dayoub, from a one-match suspension failed to keep Selangor steady.
A defensive lapse allowed Rudie to sneak a goal past Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Razali before Helmi nodded home from Fauzan Dzulkifli’s cross.
Selangor came close to an equaliser in the 43rd minute when Mohd Fitri Shazwan Raduwan’s glancing header hit the crossbar.
Selangor’s insipid display continued in the second half as they failed to stamp any authority on the match. The lack of an out-and-out striker is also another cause of the team’s downfall.
Singapore’s Lions XII skipper Shahril Ishak netted a brace in their 3-1 win over Negri Sembilan at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Shahril got his first from a spot kick in the 31st minute after Negri midfielder Shahurain Abu Samah handled the ball inside the box.
Shahdan Sulaiman fired the Lions’ second in the 50th minute before Shahril sealed the winner in the 59th minute.
Mohd Firdaus Azizul scored Negri’s consolation goal in the 90th minute.
The Singaporeans are now fourth with 11 points, ahead of Negri on goal difference.
In Kuching, Mohd Asri Chuchu struck a las-gasp winner in Sarawak’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Felda United at the Sarawak Stadium.
The Crocodiles fell behind after Felda’s Mohd Asri found the net in the 38th minute.
Croatian striker Vedran Muratovic made it level for the homesters in the 50th minute before the 18-year-old Asri hit the winner from close range in the last minute.
Johor FC defeated Kuala Lumpur 2-0 at the Hang Jebat Stadium with Haris Safwan (7th minute) and substitute Jasazrin Jamaluddin (86th) scoring the goals.
Kelantan beat Terengganu to move back into first place in Super League
Kelantan returned to the top of the Super League table again with a 2-1 win over archrivals Terengganu in front of their home crowd at the Sultan Mohamad IV Stadium, Kota Baharu Saturday night.
With the win, the Red Warriors collected 17 points to clip Perak's wings by two points after seven matches.
The home team opened scoring through Norsharul Idlan Talaha in the 37th minute before skipper Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.
Fighting an uphill battle, Terengganu reduced the deficit in the dying minutes of the match through Mohd Ashari Shamsudin.
Perak's hopes of staying at the top of the league fizzled out when they succumbed to a 0-2 defeat to T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu after a scoreless first half.
T-Team went ahead through Bojan Petric in the 56 minute before Zairo Anuar Zailani added another goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.
At the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium, Kelana Jaya, Selangor had to eat a humble pie when they went down 0-2 to Selangor PKNS with one goal in each half from Rudie Ramli (33rd minute) and Helmi Remeli (60th minute).
Elsewhere, Sarawak edged Felda United 2-1 at the state stadium in Kuching while Lions XII beat Negeri Sembilan 3-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore and Kedah were held to a 2-2 draw by Sabah at the Darul Aman Stadium, Alor Setar.
Kuala Lumpur, who are at the wrong end of the table, failed to break the jinx by reeling to a 0-2 defeat to Johor FC at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka.
With the win, the Red Warriors collected 17 points to clip Perak's wings by two points after seven matches.
The home team opened scoring through Norsharul Idlan Talaha in the 37th minute before skipper Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute.
Fighting an uphill battle, Terengganu reduced the deficit in the dying minutes of the match through Mohd Ashari Shamsudin.
Perak's hopes of staying at the top of the league fizzled out when they succumbed to a 0-2 defeat to T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu after a scoreless first half.
T-Team went ahead through Bojan Petric in the 56 minute before Zairo Anuar Zailani added another goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.
At the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium, Kelana Jaya, Selangor had to eat a humble pie when they went down 0-2 to Selangor PKNS with one goal in each half from Rudie Ramli (33rd minute) and Helmi Remeli (60th minute).
Elsewhere, Sarawak edged Felda United 2-1 at the state stadium in Kuching while Lions XII beat Negeri Sembilan 3-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore and Kedah were held to a 2-2 draw by Sabah at the Darul Aman Stadium, Alor Setar.
Kuala Lumpur, who are at the wrong end of the table, failed to break the jinx by reeling to a 0-2 defeat to Johor FC at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Kuala Lumpur relying on new signings to improve results
Kuala Lumpur hope to give debuts to two foreign players when they meet Kedah in a bottom-of-the-table Super League clash at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca on Wednesday.
Currently lying bottom with just one point from five matches, KL have agreed loan agreements with Kelantan for Lebanese forward Zakaria Charara and Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Okine and plan to register the duo with the FA of Malaysia on Wednesday morning, in time for the kick-off against Kedah.
Charara and Okine appeared in two friendly matches for KL last week and coach Razip Ismail is keen to have them on board as soon as possible.
"We desperately need to strengthen the team and I intend to deploy Charara in midfield because we already have a number of strikers. Okine's arrival could not be more timely because we have just lost our centre-back Aslam (Najumudeen) to a hamstring injury.
"They did well in the friendly games but it's now a question of how soon they can get used to their new teammates," said Razip after KL defeated Police 2-1 at the Police Training Centre ground in Jalan Semarak on Saturday for their first win in 17 competitive and friendly matches this season.
Razip believes Charara, 26, can form an effective midfield partnership with Syafiq Johari and the Lebanon international scored a penalty in each of KL's friendly games against Young Tigers B (3-3) and Police.
Okine, at 1.85m, proved a commanding presence in defence although the 20-year-old centre-back will have to adjust quickly to get use to playing alongside KL's vice-captain Ahmad Dashila Tajudin.
"Okine has only played one match against Police. He is a good organiser and commanding at the back. But Dashila found it difficult to play alongside him and we need to get them used to one another," added Razip.
In a further boost for KL, Stanley Bernard is expected to make his first appearance of the season against Kedah after recovering from a groin injury that delayed the start of his second-spell with his hometown team.
The former Sabah, UPB-MyTeam and Sporting Clube de Goa forward emerged unscathed from both warm-up games and is expected to be paired upfront with Afiq Azmi as KL seek their first league win.
Other than Aslam, KL's other injury concerns centre around midfielder Azrul Azmi, who is expected to be out for six weeks due to a groin tear, strikers Fazuan Abdullah (hamstring) and Badrul Hisyam Azmi (ankle), and winger Pritam Singh (hamstring).
Currently lying bottom with just one point from five matches, KL have agreed loan agreements with Kelantan for Lebanese forward Zakaria Charara and Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Okine and plan to register the duo with the FA of Malaysia on Wednesday morning, in time for the kick-off against Kedah.
Charara and Okine appeared in two friendly matches for KL last week and coach Razip Ismail is keen to have them on board as soon as possible.
"We desperately need to strengthen the team and I intend to deploy Charara in midfield because we already have a number of strikers. Okine's arrival could not be more timely because we have just lost our centre-back Aslam (Najumudeen) to a hamstring injury.
"They did well in the friendly games but it's now a question of how soon they can get used to their new teammates," said Razip after KL defeated Police 2-1 at the Police Training Centre ground in Jalan Semarak on Saturday for their first win in 17 competitive and friendly matches this season.
Razip believes Charara, 26, can form an effective midfield partnership with Syafiq Johari and the Lebanon international scored a penalty in each of KL's friendly games against Young Tigers B (3-3) and Police.
Okine, at 1.85m, proved a commanding presence in defence although the 20-year-old centre-back will have to adjust quickly to get use to playing alongside KL's vice-captain Ahmad Dashila Tajudin.
"Okine has only played one match against Police. He is a good organiser and commanding at the back. But Dashila found it difficult to play alongside him and we need to get them used to one another," added Razip.
In a further boost for KL, Stanley Bernard is expected to make his first appearance of the season against Kedah after recovering from a groin injury that delayed the start of his second-spell with his hometown team.
The former Sabah, UPB-MyTeam and Sporting Clube de Goa forward emerged unscathed from both warm-up games and is expected to be paired upfront with Afiq Azmi as KL seek their first league win.
Other than Aslam, KL's other injury concerns centre around midfielder Azrul Azmi, who is expected to be out for six weeks due to a groin tear, strikers Fazuan Abdullah (hamstring) and Badrul Hisyam Azmi (ankle), and winger Pritam Singh (hamstring).
Monday, 30 January 2012
Terengganu and Perak chasing unbeaten Kelantan for Super League title
The Super League title race is fast developing into another East Coast affair but not if Perak have anything to say about it while the situation at the bottom is getting just as heated.
Amidst revolt by their fans, Kedah caretaker coach Nidzam Adzha Yusof quit after just five games in charge in the first coaching casualty of the season, leaving his side second-from-bottom and with just one goal scored all season.
Defending champions Kelantan, however, are serenely leading the standings by a point from Terengganu and Perak, who both claimed precious away wins, after strolling to a 3-0 win over Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Coach Peter Butler did not broach the subject of retaining their title but heaped praise on his side who remain unbeaten after the Charity Shield defeat to Negri Sembilan.
"The players showed good understanding and teamwork and I told them the day before the game that we had to start well and maintain a high tempo and spirit. I'm glad they did that," said Butler after the game.
KL kept Kelantan at bay for the first half in large part due to the heroics of goalkeeper Amirul Abu Seman, who was making his Super League debut, but Kelantan's quality told in the second half as Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Badhri Radzi with a delightful free-kick and Dennis Antwi grabbed the goals.
It left the city team rooted to the bottom of the standings with just one point and relegation after three seasons in the top-flight a real possibility.
"We tried to rise to the occasion but we failed to take our chances. The pressure really begin to tell when conceded the second and third goals, which were mostly due to our own mistakes," said KL coach Razip Ismail, whose side came closest to scoring when an Afiq Azmi effort hit the post before half-time.
Perak had a bit of luck when Khairan Ezuan Razali turned a cross into his own net as Felda United were beaten 2-1 in Malacca while Terengganu kept alive their own title ambitions as Francis Doe scored the winner in a 1-0 triumph over LionsXII in Singapore, leading coach Mat Zan Mat Aris to sing the Liberian's praises.
"That was his fourth goal in three games but this team is not all about Francis. He has made an important contribution with his ball control and ability to beat his opponent and score out of nothing.
"He was heavily marked against Lions but still scored the winner although we do have other players who have contributed as well. It's a team sport and all the players have a role to play not just Francis," said Mat Zan during a brief stopover in Kuala Lumpur en route to Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
Kedah, meanwhile, have put Radhi Mat Din in charge after Nidzam said he wants to return to coaching the President's Cup squad following a 3-1 defeat to Johor FC in Alor Star.
Protests by hundreds of Kedah fans continued after the game calling for the head of team manager Datuk Khazali Din, who again reiterated his refusal to bow to popular demand.
"There's no reason for me to quit, it's up to the management to decide. As long as nothing untoward happens, they can continue to protest," Khazali told RTM on Saturday.
Radhi led a revival of fortunes when he took temporary charge of Kedah last year after Azraai Khor Abdullah was sacked and his first game in command will be a trip to Malacca to face KL in a bottom-of-the-table clash on Feb 8.
Amidst revolt by their fans, Kedah caretaker coach Nidzam Adzha Yusof quit after just five games in charge in the first coaching casualty of the season, leaving his side second-from-bottom and with just one goal scored all season.
Defending champions Kelantan, however, are serenely leading the standings by a point from Terengganu and Perak, who both claimed precious away wins, after strolling to a 3-0 win over Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.
Coach Peter Butler did not broach the subject of retaining their title but heaped praise on his side who remain unbeaten after the Charity Shield defeat to Negri Sembilan.
"The players showed good understanding and teamwork and I told them the day before the game that we had to start well and maintain a high tempo and spirit. I'm glad they did that," said Butler after the game.
KL kept Kelantan at bay for the first half in large part due to the heroics of goalkeeper Amirul Abu Seman, who was making his Super League debut, but Kelantan's quality told in the second half as Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Badhri Radzi with a delightful free-kick and Dennis Antwi grabbed the goals.
It left the city team rooted to the bottom of the standings with just one point and relegation after three seasons in the top-flight a real possibility.
"We tried to rise to the occasion but we failed to take our chances. The pressure really begin to tell when conceded the second and third goals, which were mostly due to our own mistakes," said KL coach Razip Ismail, whose side came closest to scoring when an Afiq Azmi effort hit the post before half-time.
Perak had a bit of luck when Khairan Ezuan Razali turned a cross into his own net as Felda United were beaten 2-1 in Malacca while Terengganu kept alive their own title ambitions as Francis Doe scored the winner in a 1-0 triumph over LionsXII in Singapore, leading coach Mat Zan Mat Aris to sing the Liberian's praises.
"That was his fourth goal in three games but this team is not all about Francis. He has made an important contribution with his ball control and ability to beat his opponent and score out of nothing.
"He was heavily marked against Lions but still scored the winner although we do have other players who have contributed as well. It's a team sport and all the players have a role to play not just Francis," said Mat Zan during a brief stopover in Kuala Lumpur en route to Kuala Terengganu yesterday.
Kedah, meanwhile, have put Radhi Mat Din in charge after Nidzam said he wants to return to coaching the President's Cup squad following a 3-1 defeat to Johor FC in Alor Star.
Protests by hundreds of Kedah fans continued after the game calling for the head of team manager Datuk Khazali Din, who again reiterated his refusal to bow to popular demand.
"There's no reason for me to quit, it's up to the management to decide. As long as nothing untoward happens, they can continue to protest," Khazali told RTM on Saturday.
Radhi led a revival of fortunes when he took temporary charge of Kedah last year after Azraai Khor Abdullah was sacked and his first game in command will be a trip to Malacca to face KL in a bottom-of-the-table clash on Feb 8.
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Kelantan beat Kuala Lumpur to maintain lead in Super League
Kelantan consolidated its position at the top of the Super League table while Terengganu, another east coast side, kept pace with the leader after collecting three points from their respective matches played Saturday night.
Kelantan beat Kuala Lumpur 3-0 at the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium in Kota Baharu for their fourth win in five matches, amassing 13 points while Terengganu who scored a slim 1-0 victory over the Singapore Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore have 12 points.
Perak who beat Felda United at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka have also collected 12 points but trail Terengganu in third place due to an inferior goal difference.
Norshahrul Idlan Talaha opened the score for Kelantan in the 46th minute while Antwi Dennis Agyre made it 2-0 in the 76th minute and Mohd Badri Mohd Radzi completed the convincing win with a 78th minute strike.
In Singapore, Francis Doe Forkey was the hero for Terengganu with his 77th minute goal.
In Alor Setar, Kedah's poor form in the league continued when Johor FC went home with all three points after their 3-1 win at the Darul Aman Stadium.
Klang Valley giants Selangor returned to winning ways by beating T-Team 2-1 at the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu with goals from Ramez Jamal Dayoub (38th min) and Azidan Sarudin (78th min) while Zairol Anuar Zalani (49th min) scored T-Team's only goal of the night.
At the Kuching Stadium, Sarawak came from behind twice to hold Negeri Sembilan to a 2-2 draw for a share of the points.
Ahmad Shakir Md Ali (21st min) and Shukor Adan (81st min) scored for Negeri Sembilan while Sarawak had to thank Guy Bwele (50th min penalty) and Zamri Morshidi (83rd min) for the draw.
Kelantan beat Kuala Lumpur 3-0 at the Sultan Mohamed IV Stadium in Kota Baharu for their fourth win in five matches, amassing 13 points while Terengganu who scored a slim 1-0 victory over the Singapore Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore have 12 points.
Perak who beat Felda United at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka have also collected 12 points but trail Terengganu in third place due to an inferior goal difference.
Norshahrul Idlan Talaha opened the score for Kelantan in the 46th minute while Antwi Dennis Agyre made it 2-0 in the 76th minute and Mohd Badri Mohd Radzi completed the convincing win with a 78th minute strike.
In Singapore, Francis Doe Forkey was the hero for Terengganu with his 77th minute goal.
In Alor Setar, Kedah's poor form in the league continued when Johor FC went home with all three points after their 3-1 win at the Darul Aman Stadium.
Klang Valley giants Selangor returned to winning ways by beating T-Team 2-1 at the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu with goals from Ramez Jamal Dayoub (38th min) and Azidan Sarudin (78th min) while Zairol Anuar Zalani (49th min) scored T-Team's only goal of the night.
At the Kuching Stadium, Sarawak came from behind twice to hold Negeri Sembilan to a 2-2 draw for a share of the points.
Ahmad Shakir Md Ali (21st min) and Shukor Adan (81st min) scored for Negeri Sembilan while Sarawak had to thank Guy Bwele (50th min penalty) and Zamri Morshidi (83rd min) for the draw.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Kuala Lumpur to take on loan unsettled foreign players from Kelantan
In dire need of that extra edge of quality, Kuala Lumpur have reached an agreement to take on loan Kelantan's two unused foreign players in the city side's bid to stave off relegation from the Super League.
After losing 15 players from last season's squad and dropping another three, KL were forced to scrounge around for players unwanted by other teams and the consequence is a three-match losing start to the season which was only halted with a 1-1 draw against PKNS last Saturday.
Realising that they cannot hope to improve without the services of imports, Kuala Lumpur FA president Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz reached an agreement with Kelantan FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa recently for KL to take Lebanese striker Zakaria Charara and Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Okine on loan for the rest of the season.
Kelantan had initially wanted to use the pair for their AFC Cup campaign in addition to their two other imports -- Mohammed Ghaddar and Dennis Antwi -- but are now seeking two other foreign players for the continental tournament instead.
"The two FA presidents have met and agreed to have Charara and Okine join KL on loan for the rest of the season. All that needs to be sorted out is their documentation and registration which should be completed by next week at the latest," said KLFA general secretary Nokman Mustaffa yesterday.
Charara, 26, has scored twice in 13 appearance for Lebanon and won the Lebanese Premier League title with Nejmeh in 2009 while Okine is an imposing and raw 18-year-old defender highly rated by Kelantan coach Peter Butler.
As neither player has played an official game for Kelantan, they are eligible to turn out for bottom-side KL and coach Razip Ismail could have Charara and Okine join his squad by tomorrow though they will not be in the KL squad for Saturday's trip to Kelantan under the terms of the loan deal.
Their Super League debut could come in the home game against Kedah on Feb 8 at the Hang Jebat Stadium with Razip glad to have the extra bodies to call upon given injuries to his main strikers Badrul Hisyam Azmi and Stanley Bernard.
"They were supposed to come today (yesterday) so until I see them first-hand, I'm not sure what to think. But it will be good to have the players if they can help improve our results.
"I already have quite a few strikers, especially when Badrul and Stanley return so I might look to use Charara in an attacking midfield role," said Razip, who hopes to have Ahmad Dashila Tajudin back against Kelantan after the defender missed the PKNS game with a groin complaint.
After losing 15 players from last season's squad and dropping another three, KL were forced to scrounge around for players unwanted by other teams and the consequence is a three-match losing start to the season which was only halted with a 1-1 draw against PKNS last Saturday.
Realising that they cannot hope to improve without the services of imports, Kuala Lumpur FA president Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz reached an agreement with Kelantan FA president Tan Sri Annuar Musa recently for KL to take Lebanese striker Zakaria Charara and Ghanaian defender Emmanuel Okine on loan for the rest of the season.
Kelantan had initially wanted to use the pair for their AFC Cup campaign in addition to their two other imports -- Mohammed Ghaddar and Dennis Antwi -- but are now seeking two other foreign players for the continental tournament instead.
"The two FA presidents have met and agreed to have Charara and Okine join KL on loan for the rest of the season. All that needs to be sorted out is their documentation and registration which should be completed by next week at the latest," said KLFA general secretary Nokman Mustaffa yesterday.
Charara, 26, has scored twice in 13 appearance for Lebanon and won the Lebanese Premier League title with Nejmeh in 2009 while Okine is an imposing and raw 18-year-old defender highly rated by Kelantan coach Peter Butler.
As neither player has played an official game for Kelantan, they are eligible to turn out for bottom-side KL and coach Razip Ismail could have Charara and Okine join his squad by tomorrow though they will not be in the KL squad for Saturday's trip to Kelantan under the terms of the loan deal.
Their Super League debut could come in the home game against Kedah on Feb 8 at the Hang Jebat Stadium with Razip glad to have the extra bodies to call upon given injuries to his main strikers Badrul Hisyam Azmi and Stanley Bernard.
"They were supposed to come today (yesterday) so until I see them first-hand, I'm not sure what to think. But it will be good to have the players if they can help improve our results.
"I already have quite a few strikers, especially when Badrul and Stanley return so I might look to use Charara in an attacking midfield role," said Razip, who hopes to have Ahmad Dashila Tajudin back against Kelantan after the defender missed the PKNS game with a groin complaint.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
T-Team lose as Terengganu and Singapore win in Super League
Liberian striker Francis Doe struck twice to end T-Team's unbeaten start in the Super League as derby rivals Terengganu claimed a 2-1 win in Kuala Terengganu yesterday to close within a point of leaders Kelantan.
T-Team, who had not conceded a goal before last night, took the lead through a Zairo Anuar Zailani penalty in the 12th minute after goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee Ramli brought down Zachariah Simukonda only to concede a penalty within five minutes and have Shahril Faizal Sharifuddin sent off for hauling back Ashaari Samsuddin in the box.
Doe evened the score from the spot before lashing home the winner in the 56th minute to take his personal tally to three goals in two games.
Shahril's sending off was one of five yesterday, interestingly all before half-time, as both LionsXII and Sabah played with 10 men at Likas with Hariss Harun scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win for the visitors.
Hariss headed the winner for LionsXII off Mafry Balang's shoulder in the 20th minute before Mafry and Irwan Shah Arismail were dismissed for having a go at each other 14 minutes later.
Negeri Sembilan's S. Kunanlan and Farid Ramli of Felda United also saw red in Paroi at the stroke of half-time before Shahurain Abu Samah struck in the 57th minute to give Negeri a 1-0 win.
Selangor were held 0-0 by Sarawak in Bukit Jalil with Asraruddin Putra Omar coming closest to breaking the deadlock for the home team when he struck the bar with a 33rd-minute free-kick while Shahrom Kalam's low shot gave Perak a 1-0 win over Johor FC in Pasir Gudang.
Kuala Lumpur earned their first point after Afiq Azmi's 84th minute equaliser cancelled Fauzan Dzulkifli's header 10 minutes earlier for PKNS, parading their new signing Michael Nicoise of Guadeloupe, in a 1-1 draw at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.
T-Team, who had not conceded a goal before last night, took the lead through a Zairo Anuar Zailani penalty in the 12th minute after goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee Ramli brought down Zachariah Simukonda only to concede a penalty within five minutes and have Shahril Faizal Sharifuddin sent off for hauling back Ashaari Samsuddin in the box.
Doe evened the score from the spot before lashing home the winner in the 56th minute to take his personal tally to three goals in two games.
Shahril's sending off was one of five yesterday, interestingly all before half-time, as both LionsXII and Sabah played with 10 men at Likas with Hariss Harun scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win for the visitors.
Hariss headed the winner for LionsXII off Mafry Balang's shoulder in the 20th minute before Mafry and Irwan Shah Arismail were dismissed for having a go at each other 14 minutes later.
Negeri Sembilan's S. Kunanlan and Farid Ramli of Felda United also saw red in Paroi at the stroke of half-time before Shahurain Abu Samah struck in the 57th minute to give Negeri a 1-0 win.
Selangor were held 0-0 by Sarawak in Bukit Jalil with Asraruddin Putra Omar coming closest to breaking the deadlock for the home team when he struck the bar with a 33rd-minute free-kick while Shahrom Kalam's low shot gave Perak a 1-0 win over Johor FC in Pasir Gudang.
Kuala Lumpur earned their first point after Afiq Azmi's 84th minute equaliser cancelled Fauzan Dzulkifli's header 10 minutes earlier for PKNS, parading their new signing Michael Nicoise of Guadeloupe, in a 1-1 draw at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.
Terengganu beat T-Team to move closer to top of Super League
Terengganu and Perak narrowed down the gap with Super League leader Kelantan when they beat their respective opponents in Saturday's matches.
The match between Terengganu and another state club, T-Team, ended the undefeated run of the latter when Terengganu edged T-Team 2-1 at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.
T-Team's Zairo Anuar Zalani opened accounts when he found the Terengganu net in the 12th minute but Terengganu equalised in the 21st minute through their import Francis Doe from Liberia who again scored in the 61st minute to beat the T-Team 2-1.
Perak also collected three full points in their fourth match when they beat homesters Johor FC 1-0 at the Pasir Gudang Stadium.
Perak's solitary goal was contributed by Muhd Shahrom Ab Kalam (77th minute) and placed the team coached by Norizan Bakar in the third spot with nine points while Terengganu, who also had nine points, were in second place based on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan overtook Felda United when they edged the latter 1-0 through Shahurain Abu Samah who scored in the 53rd minute to collect the full three points at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi.
With the win tonight, Negeri Sembilan moved up to the fifth spot with seven points together with the T-Team (fourth placing) and Lions XII (sixth).
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah failed to capitalise on homeground advantage when they were humbled by Lion XII through Hariss Harun who scored the solitary goal in the 19th minute to collect the full three points at the Likas Stadium.
Kuala Lumpur, who were languishing at the bottom of the table, collected their first point when they drew 1-1 with Selangor PKNS at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka.
Selangor PKNS had to work hard to take the lead through Mohd Fauzan Dzulkifli in the 74th minute before homesters Melaka equalised through Muhammad Afiq Azmi in the 86th minute.
Meanwhile, Selangor were tied to a goalless draw with Sarawak at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The match between Terengganu and another state club, T-Team, ended the undefeated run of the latter when Terengganu edged T-Team 2-1 at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu.
T-Team's Zairo Anuar Zalani opened accounts when he found the Terengganu net in the 12th minute but Terengganu equalised in the 21st minute through their import Francis Doe from Liberia who again scored in the 61st minute to beat the T-Team 2-1.
Perak also collected three full points in their fourth match when they beat homesters Johor FC 1-0 at the Pasir Gudang Stadium.
Perak's solitary goal was contributed by Muhd Shahrom Ab Kalam (77th minute) and placed the team coached by Norizan Bakar in the third spot with nine points while Terengganu, who also had nine points, were in second place based on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan overtook Felda United when they edged the latter 1-0 through Shahurain Abu Samah who scored in the 53rd minute to collect the full three points at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi.
With the win tonight, Negeri Sembilan moved up to the fifth spot with seven points together with the T-Team (fourth placing) and Lions XII (sixth).
In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah failed to capitalise on homeground advantage when they were humbled by Lion XII through Hariss Harun who scored the solitary goal in the 19th minute to collect the full three points at the Likas Stadium.
Kuala Lumpur, who were languishing at the bottom of the table, collected their first point when they drew 1-1 with Selangor PKNS at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka.
Selangor PKNS had to work hard to take the lead through Mohd Fauzan Dzulkifli in the 74th minute before homesters Melaka equalised through Muhammad Afiq Azmi in the 86th minute.
Meanwhile, Selangor were tied to a goalless draw with Sarawak at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
T-Team and Kelantan move to top of the Super League table
East Coast sides T-Team and Kelantan showed their prowess by moving up to the top two places of the Super League table after tonight's matches.
T-Team, despite being held to a goalless draw by Sabah at their own Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Stadium in Kuala Terenggau, moved to the top of the table with seven points.
Terengganu who beat Sarawak 1-0 at the Sarawak Stadium with a 36th minute strike from Francis Forkey, took third spot with six points from three matches while Kelantan who edged Johor FC 2-1 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Baharu, took second spot although they too have seven points.
Past and present national strikers Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha were the heroes for Kelantan with goals in the 55th and 72nd minutes respectively while Khairul Ismail scored Johor FC's goal in the 63rd minute.
In Melaka, Selangor lost 0-1 to Felda United at the Hang Jebat Stadium when Azrul Ahmad struck the solitary winner in the 28th minute.
Kuala Lumpur meanwhile, suffered their third successive defeat after going down 1-2 to Singapore's Lions XII at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
In Ipoh, Perak who lost to Selangor over the weekend, pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over defending Malaysia Cup champion Negeri Sembilan at the Perak Stadium with a brace from Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli (38th min, 50th min) although Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona had given his team a flying start in the 4th minute.
Meanwhile, Selangor PKNS played to a goalless draw against Kedah at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya Stadium while T-Team also played out a goalless draw against Sabah at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
T-Team, despite being held to a goalless draw by Sabah at their own Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Stadium in Kuala Terenggau, moved to the top of the table with seven points.
Terengganu who beat Sarawak 1-0 at the Sarawak Stadium with a 36th minute strike from Francis Forkey, took third spot with six points from three matches while Kelantan who edged Johor FC 2-1 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Baharu, took second spot although they too have seven points.
Past and present national strikers Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha were the heroes for Kelantan with goals in the 55th and 72nd minutes respectively while Khairul Ismail scored Johor FC's goal in the 63rd minute.
In Melaka, Selangor lost 0-1 to Felda United at the Hang Jebat Stadium when Azrul Ahmad struck the solitary winner in the 28th minute.
Kuala Lumpur meanwhile, suffered their third successive defeat after going down 1-2 to Singapore's Lions XII at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
In Ipoh, Perak who lost to Selangor over the weekend, pulled off a surprise 2-1 win over defending Malaysia Cup champion Negeri Sembilan at the Perak Stadium with a brace from Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli (38th min, 50th min) although Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona had given his team a flying start in the 4th minute.
Meanwhile, Selangor PKNS played to a goalless draw against Kedah at the Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya Stadium while T-Team also played out a goalless draw against Sabah at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
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