Scorers (assists)
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Yellow card:
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Wilson (GK)
Mubarak - Calvin - Azmi - Firdaus
Kelvin - Azman - Rahman - Imran - Helmi
Huang
Subs:
Andrew
Fazli
Omar
Ken
Akim
Rafeeq
After a two weeks' absence, we are at it again and will be playing in our 3rd league season with D2D. I myself feel rejuvenated and in this only pre-season friendly, there is, as ever, room for improvement.
We welcomed back Azmi to the fold, who recently finished his national service and Fazli, who returned from injury. When Andrew made his debut as well, we could say we have made two signings in central defence. If Fazli can also stay fit, we will all be much the better team for the new season too.
Firul has announced his retirement from the game because of an aggravated ankle injury while Muhammad, the best player in KFC's history, the stats speak for themselves, has rejoined his former team.
This heavy defeat again exposed our defensive frailties with Wilson unable to do much to keep out all 4 goals. We conceded an easy goal from a corner which Muhammad was able to turn into the net from close range.
Another set piece, from a throw-in this time, could and should have been cleared convincingly at the first instance. However, Muhammad was able to pounce with a brilliant feint to deceive his marker and drove home a fierce shot past Wilson off the post. Already, we look to have missed Muhammad already.
Rahman conjured up the highlight of the match with a brilliant dribble as he took on three men and found himself through towards our opponent's goal. Unfortunately, he was unceremoniously hacked just outside the penalty box and Ken's freekick could only struck the wall.
We were not able to impose ourselves and at 0-2 down going into the half-time break, we certainly made it more difficult for ourselves to put up a stronger fight. However, there was a marked improvement in our aggression and willingness to attack our opponents in the second half.
Our opponents were looking very sharp in attack and were clearly the better team. Numerous chances went begging as the wingers had our full-backs in twists and knots. Our attack was quite toothless and we miserably failed to test the GK. There was some invention at times, Helmi in particular looking to fill the void Muhammad left us, but our opponents were defending quite resolutely.
They finally made their pressure count with yet another goal from a set-piece. The cross was floated towards the far post and despite man-marking our two opponents there, one of them was still able to head in the cross past our custodian.
Our opponents then rounded off the match with a well-worked 4th goal. The play started from their left and a sudden switch in play to the right found our left-back isolated with two opponents. The shot across goal was a fantastic finish indeed.
We were still smiling after the game, glad to have some match fitness back at least after at least two weeks of absence. It was a disappointing result definitely, so we will hope to kick off the new season with a good performance to spur us to greater heights.
Akim