Malaysia 4-1 Laos Group B Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Man of the Match: Wan Zack Haikal

Indonesia 1-0 Singapore Group B Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Man of the Match: Andik Vermansyah

Thailand 4-0 Myanmar Group A Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup

Philippines stunned Vietnam

Vietnam 0-1 Philippines Group A Match 2 AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 

Philipphines shocked tournament's favourites Vietnam to keep their chances of qualifying for the semi-final alive. A late goal from substitute Emilio Caligdong sealed a victory for the Azkals. Philippines were left on trail after humbled down by tournament co-host, Thailand in a 2-1 defeat even though with a very tight match. Vietnam, again, dominated through the whole match but unable to break opposition defence. Philippines took a full advantage on Vietnam lapse of concentration in defence when Angel Guirado managed to lay the ball Emilio Caligdong before unleashed the ball to the back of the net in the 85th minute. Better late than never for Philippines, Caligdong's goal has delighted the fans alike with the late impact in the game.

Man of the Match: Emilio Caligdong

Group B AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Roundup

Photo Courtesy from bola.kompas.com

Today it was soaking and drizzling at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, with spectators witness a series of attacking football in Group B, with both matches end up with 7 goals altogether, while each one of the team has conceded three goals, two goals and concedes none. Group B has also produced two red cards as early as the first match of the tournament, which between Indonesia and Laos. Perhaps the worst part of football to witness today was a glaring error from Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in Malaysia 3-0 heavy defeat against rival Singapore.

Group A AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Roundup

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It's all wet evening at Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok,yesterday, with spectators witness a fair share of careful football, both matches having scored 5 goals altogether and conceding one goal each of the team. Perhaps the best part of football in Bangkok, is to witness Anucha's fantastic goal in a deserved 2-1 Thailand victory over Philippines.

Malaysia 0-3 Singapore - Group B AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

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Defending AFF Suzuki Cup, Malaysia slump to a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of fierce rival Singapore. A brace from Lions skipper, Shahril Ishak, were the highlight of the match.

Singapore finally took the lead through captain Shahril Ishak in 31st minute with a sublime finish at the edge of the penalty box. An error from Malaysia defender Fadhli Shas were capitalise by Shahril Ishak in 37th minute, who added his second goal of the game with a simple header. Malaysia did an early change for Khyril Muhymeen to Wan Zack Haikal, but could not counter Singapore's attacking threat until the half time.

Malaysia starts strongly in the second half, trying to find a goal to narrow the gap. But Singapore took an advantage from Malaysia defender lapse of concentration when substitute 42 year-old Alexander Duric rounded off the match as he scored with a fine header from close range in the 74th minute to make it 3-0 to the visitor.

With this win, Singapore is top of the group B with three points, while Malaysia's defeat put them bottom of the group B with no point. Singapore next match will be against spirited Indonesia, while Malaysia will looking to bounce back from defeat when they meet Laos, in 28th November 2012, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Man of the Match: Shahril Ishak (Singapore)    

Indonesia 2-2 Laos-Group B AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

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Indonesia scored last gasp equaliser to earn a point in 2-2 draw to the only-one underdog of the tournament, Laos. Indonesia was in good spirit in the early minute of the match, with delightful run from 'Indonesian Messi', Andik Vermansyah and several clear-cut chances from Irfan Bachdim in which should have made Indonesia up two or three goals, with Laos goalkeeper's nervous performances went unpunished. But the Indonesia's favour was soon against them in the 30th minute after Indonesian goalkeeper, Endra Prasetya was sent off after made a horrendous tackle to the Laos player in the penalty area which subsequently have to go off because of injury and earn a penalty that is well-taken by Khampeng Sayavutthi. With down to 10 men, Indonesia were expected to struggle in the whole match, but was fortunate enough after a seemingly questionable calls from match officials after Laos player, Sopha Saysana were sent off in 34th minute, though the midfielder were deemed to be an unintentional foul over Andik Vermansyah. Indonesia's hard work were paid off eventually after Maitimo headed high towards Laos goal, to make the match even at 1-1 just before half time. The script for second half were almost the same, with Indonesia unable to turn chances into goals, it was Laos that capitalise Indonesia's profligacy to take the lead once again, this time through Keoviengphet Liththideth in the 80th minute. When it was almost certain that Laos will take all three precious point, Vendry Mofu scored a much-needed equaliser to avoid from suffering first defeat in the tournament. Indonesia will be the happier side to earn a point while Laos will be wondering how they could concede a last minute goal, when they have a chance to win the match. Both Indonesia and Laos though, will meet tougher opponent, Indonesia will meet the three-time champions Singapore while Laos is up against the defending champion Malaysia, Wednesday, 28 November 2012, at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

Thailand 2-1 Philippines - Group A AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Vietnam 1-1 Myanmar- Group A AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Myanmar is so close to upset tournament's favourites Vietnam as they were held to 1-1 draw at Rajamangala Stadium, Thailand, yesterday. With the pitch all wet as early as before the kick-off, Vietnam took an early lead in the 34th minute through a fine header from midfielder Le Tan Tai and looking to hold their commanding lead before half time. In the second half though, Myanmar somehow managed to find the equaliser through 20 year-old Kyi Lin in the 53th minute, after the midfielder is foul in the penalty area by Vietnam defender Ngyuyen Minh Duc. Both sides have similar chances to take all three points to go top of the group, but could only held to a draw. Vietnam will be disappointed as they were dominant in most of the game, but could not find the winner. Myanmar meanwhile will be delighted with a draw against the heavy favourites of the tournament, and may look forward to cement second place in the group A to qualify for the next round of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Preview

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Fakri Saarani going abroad

Photo Coutesy from sokernet.com.my

Ahmad Fakri Saarani is set to become Malaysia's third player that will plying trade outside of Malaysia, after being approached by Marco Guimaraes, a football agent who is the one who arranged Nazmi Faiz move successfully to SC Beira Mar, to play for Atletico Sport Clube in Teircera Liga, a second division league in Portugal, for a six-month contract. He also receives several offers from Malaysia Super League clubs, as well as other Portuguese clubs in higher division, but worried he may not get a first team chances as much as he would have hope. The club head coach, Paulo Simao, is said to be impressed with Fakri after watching him playing in the video. The 23 yeor-old will join the club as soon as the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 competition is over. Fakri, who is considered as a former Malaysian wonderkid, scored a hat-trick at the age of 18, when he played for Perak in Malaysia Super League match against Negri Sembilan, and later went on to play for Perlis, which he plays in his best form and became a highlight of his career. He is also part of Harimau Muda who won 2008 Malaysia Premier League title, Gold medal in 2009 SEA Games and 2011 SEA Games. He is also successful in club level, winning 2011 Malaysia Cup title by beating Terengganu with Negri Sembilan. He suffered a long-term injury when he is still playing for Perlis and on the verge of signing for Negri Sembilan and subsequently ruled out to play for 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. He recovered from his injury since then but could not regain his form and performances, after he struggled both in club level and international level, and even after move to Felda United earlier this year, he could not live up to the expectation, as he is tipped to become one of the brightest young talent that Malaysia have after years of drought in producing young talent. This move may as well rejuvenated his form back to his best and to be a regular starter in the first eleven for the national setup once again.  

Simone Del Nero is the latest signing for Johor

Photo Courtesy from kosmo.com.my

Johor has pulled another major transfer coup , after the capture of Dani Guiza, by landing former Lazio player, Simone Del Nero for a one year deal. The 31 year-old has been a free agent after his contract with Lazio ended in July 2012. Del Nero claimed that numerous offers has been made to him by a lot of bigger club, notably Serie A clubs, but he turn down all the offer to accept Johor bid for his signature. He stated that he is highly impressed with the Johor's plan to make the team as one of top footballing side in Malaysia, as well as winning titles and trophies. Johor concedes that Del Nero will make Johor's midfield more formidable and hope Del Nero could make an instant impact for a new season. Del Nero is part of Italy that won Olympic Bronze medal in Olympic Athens 2004 and is part of Lazio who is the winner of 2008-2009 Coppa Italia as well as 2009 Supercopa Italia.

Johor completed the signing of Dani Guiza on-loan from Getafe

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Johor has sealed the signing of Getafe striker, Dani Guiza, on-loan for a year deal, with the option to buy on permanent deal. After days of speculation, with bigger club such as Real Zaragoza and Real Malaga keen to sign the 32 year-old striker, but surprisingly opted to sign for optimistic-but-unproven Malaysia side, Johor. He said he is moved by how the Prince of Johor badly wanted him to play for Johor, and make him feel valuable. Though this season he failed to make a single appearance for Getafe,with only four goals tally to his name last season, he is keen to play in the new atmosphere and possibly find back his best form. He is best considered as a late bloomer like Didier Drogba, being on top of his form at the age of 27, and was part of Spain squad during Euro 2008, which witnessed Spain crown as a champion beating Germany in the process. But a year after his move to Fenerbahce during summer of 2008, he was overlooked heavily by Spain head coach, Vicente Del Bosque, as he never receive a call-up for international match, since winning Euro 2008. His form has dipped later on, with Del Bosque heavily favours a younger player and the preference of using 4-3-3 formation, with the option of using false number nine. For Malaysian fans, this is probably the biggest signing so far in 2012, after Johor making a move for Safiq Rahim, Aidil and Zaquan Adha. If things stay for now, Guiza may have a chance to become the most expensive signing in Malaysia, and will certainly excite the fans with the prospect of watching one of world class player playing in Malaysia Super League.

  

T-Team sealed the signing of George Boateng

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T-Team has announced the signing of the Dutch-born Ghanaian midfielder George Boateng from free transfer. The 37 year old who left Nottingham Forest in June with only made five appearances for Forest, said he was delighted to signed for the club based Terengganu and excited with the prospect of working together with the club new manager, Peter Butler, who have just sealed the contract with the club few days ago, from parent club Terengganu FA.

Boateng begin his professional career in 1994 with the Dutch side Excelsior, making 9 appearances before turn up for Feyenoord a season later for 68 appearances. He later spent his majority of a career in England from 1999 onwards , playing with the likes of Coventry City, Middlebrough, Aston Villa and Hull City until 2010. He then played for Greek club, Skoda Xanthi for a season and another season in England for Nottingham Forest before plying trade to Malaysia.    

Safiq Rahim signed for Johor

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Safiq Rahim has decided to move to mega-rich Johor, for a one-year contract. He who previously playing for Selangor for a lengthy of his career have grown frustration over Selangor's failure to win a single cup this season, having failed to challenge in the Super League title and mission 33 of Malaysia Cup and decided it is about time change atmosphere and moving to another club is what he need. Despite announcing that he received numerous offers from other South East Asian club, notably from Myanmar and Indonesian’s Arema Malang; he made a decision to join the over-ambitious southern Malaysia side. This signing marked how Johor determinedly want to push for a title in the next season, competing with the likes of Kelantan and Singapore Lion XII, having already signed ATM's Aidil Zafuan and Zaquan Adha and Azmi Muslim.