Johor Malaysia Super League Watch

Can Johor win the Malaysia Super League 2013 title?

When JCorp decided to allow Tunku Ismail Ibrahim to take the reins of the very top seat in football, that is the moment that will change Johor's fate forever. Once the 2012 season ends, the Crown Prince of Johor immediately signify the changes by spending heavily during transfer window in the off-season including two proven imports of European heavyweight, Euro 2008 winner Dani Guiza and Lazio legend Simone Del Nero. They later added a long list of Malaysia international star, Kelantan star Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Nurul Azwan Roya, Selangor star Safiq Rahim alongside ATM trio Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha and Azmi Muslim. They even went as far as trying to have a loan deal with Malaysia star striker Safee Sali while AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 tournament is in commence as if it wasn't enough for the Southern Tiger. Ludicrous it may seems, given that Johor FC only finished 9th in the Super League last season, a fair assessment to a very average performance throughout the season. They didn't just signed several players, but to the point that they revamp the whole Johor FC and Johor FA squad to make it under one management. Later, they assign Fandi Ahmad as their new head coach ,they change the emblem and even the name to Darul Takzim FC and Johor United. This may displeased the majority of non-Johor fans due to their financial and royal advantage but the prince get the support he wanted from the fans. While he may largely neglected one of the most important part of football which is local derby inside his own state, his ambition to succeed were applauded by many. It is remain to be seen whether such a short-term plan will end with glorious towards the end, but 2013 season will expected to be more interesting than ever before.

Key Player: Dani Guiza, Simone Del Nero, Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safiq Rahim, Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha, Azmi Muslim

Young Talented Player: Zamir Selamat, Muslim Ahmad        

Malaysia Super League 2012: finished 9th

Team Chance Status: Title candidate

Felda United Malaysia Super League Watch

Felda United to be relegated this season ?

It is unthinkable to assess that how such an unambitious, uninterested and unimpressive club managed to stave off from relegation last season when the likes of Kedah, Sabah and Sarawak failed to keep from slumping to the Premier League given that they signed ineffective imports and beaten heavily by several top opponents but couples of important draws and even the most unlikely win against Kelantan last season gives them the edge to avoid the deadly relegation play-off they will surely turned their fortune away. This season will be a very different season though, as their head coach E. Elavarasan left them to joined Terengganu and the likes of Fakri Saarani and Yong Kuong Yong who left for Portuguease second division side Athletico SC and fellow Super League rival Perak respectively will be sorely missed for next season. They are not too disillusioned by that though, as they made several important signing to keep away from relegation including the surprise signing of controversial and phenomenal striker Muhammad Ghaddar from treble-winner Kelantan and Kedah trio Helmi Eliza Elias, Amar Rohidan and Azmizi Azmi from recently-relegated Kedah. The signing of former Selangor and Johor head coach K. Devan will also provides a stern test to the bigger side given his unquestionable knowledge and experience in Super League. They will certainly need the performance of Ghaddar and Amar to gear up their team chances to avoid the drop. To avoid the relegation will be a realistic target for them.

Key Player: Mohammad Ghaddar, Amar Rohidan, Helmi Eliza Elias

Young Talented Player: None

Team Chance Status: Relegation candidate

ATM Malaysia Super League Watch

ATM to struggle in Malaysia Super League 2013?

ATM 

Promoted to the top-flight for the first time since Super League inception in 2004, ATM will be looking to challenge for the title against likes of Kelantan and Lion XII after winning Premier League last season and impressive run in Malaysia Cup as they against the odd by qualifying to the final before losing to the eventual winner Kelantan. But the losses of several key players including the twins Aidil and Zaquan and Azmi Muslim may affect their title ambition after spending heavily last season. They will now have to content with the player that still remain in the club to continue their desire to become one of the top club in Malaysia. If Marlon Alex James and Hairuddin Omar continue to replicate their form last season and with the addition of Shukor Adan, they will certainly have a chance to win the title or at least competing in the top 3 in Malaysia Super League.

Key Player: Marlon Alex James, Hairuddin Omar and Bruno Martelotto

Young Talented Player: Amirizwan Taj, K. Reuben and Venice Elphi

Team Chance Status: Title candidate

The Omar Sports Young Player of The Year

Wan Zack Haikal

Wan Zack Haikal, a promising youngster

This year has been a revelation for Wan Zack Haikal. His talent were never went unrecognised as he was chosen to become one of Harimau Muda player at the age of 18 and has since improved dramatically under Ong Kim Swee. He have skills to past his opponent, run over and through the defence but most importantly, he has the ability to be a finisher. All of this has been proved in his performance during Olympic Qualifying Round, S-League, and most recently in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 as he played a major role in becoming a constant threat to the opposition, scoring and create loads of assist, he is arguably the best performer for Malaysia. His only weakness is injury proneness that may hindered his progress as he have injured for a number of times in the past and particularly in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, as he is out injured before semi final and could not help his side from progressing through as they were beaten by Thailand. Nonetheless, he still have a big future lie ahead of him as he is only 21 years old and certainly have a plenty of time to become one of the best Malaysian player they have ever had. 

The Omar Sports Malaysia Player of The Year

Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi

Piya, Kelantan's Captain Marvel

Better known as Piya, the 30 year-old midfielder captained his local team Kelantan to win their first ever treble, Malaysia Super League 2012 title, FA Cup 2012 and Malaysia Cup. He scored eight goals in the league and remarkably assisting three goals in Malaysia Cup 2012 final. A big surprised for most fans though, as he was overlooked by Malaysia national head coach, K. Rajagobal.

Singapore won the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

The Lions were fortunate to beat Thailand 3-2 on aggregate after losing to a narrow 1-0 lost in the second leg of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 final

Singapore on the verge of winning the fourth title of AFF Suzuki Cup after convincing 3-1 win in the final first leg. Thailand will need to score two goals without conceding to overturn the deficit and win the title.

Thailand begin to attack as soon as referee blows the whistle to start the match as they try to force an early lead. Singapore meanwhile are trying to hold their two-goal advantage as they prevent any attacking moves and clear cut chances from the home side. Thailand creates numerous chances but unable to turn it into goals as Singapore keep it tight at defence. But as the first half end were looming, a cross from the corner somehow met the head of striker Kirati Keawsombut to score a powerful header inside the penalty area in the 45th minute. It was a much-needed goal for the War Elephants as they look to build their lead further.

While Thailand may continue the way they played from the first half, Avramovic may need to aware and warn his side to keep focus and avoid from making too many mistakes, as they might be punished by the home side once and for all.

Thailand were largely dominant in the second half as they trying to pushed for a goal that they have been waiting for since the beginning of the match. Chance by chance were not taken by the home side as their profligacy in front of goal prevent them from scoring more and were left frustrated by the away side. A sturdy defence and rearguard display saw Singapore managed to hold a thin one-goal advantage until the final whistle to clinch what would be a record-breaking of a fourth title in the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament, a new record for the Lions.

Singapore will go down in history as the most successful side in the South East Asian region, having won the AFF Suzuki Cup titles for four times in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012, the most title won in the history of competition. The newly-crowned champions were also marked a glorious departure from their most successful coach, Radojko Avramovic; who runs out his contract with the Lions at the end of the year and experienced striker Aleksandar Duric; who will retire from international scene at the end of the tournament today.

Teerasil Dangda receives the Golden Boot Award after scoring five goals in the tournament.

Co-host Malaysia receives a Fair Play Award after a series of good showing in fair play in the tournament.

Shahril Ishak receives the Most Valuable Player after strings of delightful performances during the tournament.

Man of the Match: Izwan Mahbud

Avramovic set to leave the Lions

The 63 year-old confirmed he will looking to leave Singapore national post despite on the verge of winning the fourth AFF Suzuki Cup title

Singapore head coach Radojko Avramovic has officially confirmed he will not extend his contract after the end of the AFF Suzuki Cup tournament in the pre-match conference for the second leg final AFF Suzuki Cup 2012, yesterday.

The former Yugoslavia goalkeeper insisted he won't change his mind over leaving the Lions at the end of the second leg final tomorrow as his contract run out at the end of this year but reiterated that he only focus for the game at the moment. While he has confirmed the departure, the Singapore FA are yet to comment or release an official statement regarding the matter. 

Nonetheless, Avramovic will stands as the most successful national coach in Singapore history, guiding the Lions to two AFF Suzuki Cup titles in 2004 and 2007 edition, before qualifying for the first time to progress in the group stage of Asian Zone of World Cup Qualifier in 2011. He might added another title tomorrow at Supachalasai Stadium for Singapore, perhaps his final contribution for the Lions.

Singapore on one hand to the fourth title

 Singapore 3-1 Thailand

Singapore bagged two-goal advantage for the second leg in Saturday as Thailand are brushed aside 

It is a nice and pleasant weather to play football as the two South-East Asian giants contested at Jalan Besar Stadium for the first leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Final, yesterday. The two successful sides in the competition have met once in the final of 2007 edition which ended victorious to the Lions.

Singapore didn't have to wait too long as they took an early lead in the 9th minute after Aleksandar Duric was fouled by Piyaphon Buntao in the penalty area. Mustafic Fahrudin have to retake after his first spot-kick was ruled out by the match officials but have no troubled scoring for the second time to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The two sides counter-attacking relentlessly as Thailand are in search of equaliser while Singapore trying to double their lead further but both left frustrated after held by a cautious play as the first half ended.

Thailand started strong in the second half as they pushed for the equaliser. They finally levelled in the 59th minute through a lapse of defending from the Lions as a cross from Teerasil Dangda met Adul Lahsoh's feet to fired the ball past Izwan Mahbud to make it 1-1. But Singapore spoiled Thailand's celebration as they went ahead again just two minutes later through excellent individual skills from Khairul Amri as he smashed the ball past Kawin in the 61st minute to make it 2-1. Thailand have to work hard to find for another equaliser as they look helpless to contain Singapore's domination in midfield. But Thailand was caught on the break as a poor defending from the away side which the ball landed in front of the Singapore defender Baihakki Khaizan as he put the ball easily to the roof of the net to rounded off the victory for the home side.

Singapore will meet Thailand in 22nd December 2012 at Supachalasai Stadium for the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 Final to determined the tournament eventual winner and the new champion for the South East Asian region.  

Man of the Match: Khairul Amri 

Thailand knock 10-men Malaysia out of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012

Game Over. Dream Over. But in football, there is no such thing as over.

It was all but over for the cup holders Malaysia as they were crashed out of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 and failed to retain the 2010 edition title after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of stubborn Thailand.  

A sodden and slippery surface marked a poor pitch condition in such a bad weather today. Malaysia are hoping to beat Thailand away from home and progress to the final in bid of retaining the title for the second time. Thailand will be looking to take a full home advantage at Supachalasai Stadium after claiming precious 1-1 draw at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. 

Both Thailand and Malaysia named an unchanged side that played out a 1-1 draw at Kuala Lumpur as Thailand head coach Winfried Schafer will served a one-match banned from touchline.

Thailand went as early as the first minute of the game attacking and dominating possession, trying to build an early lead. Malaysia meanwhile struggled to pose a real threat to the home side as their performance are shocking given that they played out an aggressive style coupled with nervous defending that earned a yellow card to both Mahalli Jasuli and Fadhli Shas inside the fifth minute of the game. 

Such an aggressive style of play may look good as they hold on to weather the storm of Thailand. But it soon backfire the defending champion as Fadhli Shas was sent off just before half time for a second bookable offences coupled with a questionable decision from the match officials.

It was a cagey first half performance from both side as the home side might have wonder how they could not be in front after first 45 minute. Malaysia will faced an uphill task to reach the final.

Malaysia have not made any change despite down to ten men for the second half.

Thailand continue their style of play just like they did in the first half, while Malaysia trying to absorb the pressure from the home side. Thailand finally broke the deadlock in 61st minute through impressive Teerasil Dangda when Panupong Wongsa seized a mistakeen  from Amar Rohidan to put the striker through on goal and slotted the ball easily past Farizal Marlias to make a 1-0 lead. Thailand doubled their lead and presumably rounded off their team's display in the 65th minute when Farizal Marlias parries the ball away weakly after a free kick from Jakkapan Pornsai allowing Theerathon Bunmathan to pounce on the rebound and slammed the ball home, making it a further 2-0 lead.

Malaysia did make a change in the second half, with Safee Sali, Kyril Muhymeen and Faizal Muhammad coming on to steer up the team to project the miracle and make it harder for the the home side but things just could not going in their way as they are run out of luck coming to the final whistle.

Thailand will have a chance to end their trophy drought for 10 years, having won the competition back in 2002 edition, when they beat Indonesia 4-2 in the penalty shoot-out after 2-2 draw in the normal time and claiming the third title while coming closed to the title back in 2008 edition when they lost 3-2 on aggregate against Vietnam. Thailand will set a new record in the first leg of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 final on 19 December, by appearing in the final for the sixth times, more than any other team in the competition. They will face head to head against title rival Singapore, with both teams sharing a total of three titles each of them, the highest amount of title to win by a single team to date. Only one team will set a new record of winning the title for four times, more than any other team before.

A new champion will set to prevail. Will it be the Lions? Or the War Elephants? Only one team deserve to win.

Man of the Match : Teerasil Dangda

Singapore through to the final despite an unconvincing win

      
    Khairul Amri solitary goal was enough for The Lions to reach the AFF Suzuki Cup final 2012

Photo Courtesy affsuzukicup.com

It was a nice and pleasant weather to play football today, as three-time champion Singapore faced surprise package Philippines at Jalan Besar Stadium to put an end to the result which ended goalless in the first leg at Manila.

Singapore head coach, Radojko Avramovic named an unchanged side that played a 0-0 draw at Manila while Philippines have made only one change through Jerry Lucena for Jason De Jong.

Both side went strong in the first half, trying to make an early mark in the game. Singapore finally went ahead in 19th minute through Khairul Amri unstoppable strike just outside of the penalty area. It proved to be the match-winner goal for the game as both sides are struggled to make chances turn into goals. Singapore make countless chances but could not add more goals due to their enthusiastic opponent.

Profligacy in front of goal is the reason why Singapore could not make a comfortable lead as much as they would have liked.

Singapore are now levelled on record with Indonesia, having reach the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup for the fourth time in the competition. They hold the record for reaching the final for three times and winning all of them without failed. They are now on course to win the AFF Suzuki Cup for the fourth time should they beat their opponent that they will waiting for, between defending champion Malaysia and three-time champion Thailand in Bangkok tomorrow.

Man of the Match: Khairul Amri

Teerasil Dangda denied Malaysia a win

Malaysia fans in good spirit in Sunday evening despite heavy downpour hours before the match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. Malaysia will eyeing for a win to make it a comfortable lead for the second leg in Bangkok.

Malaysia made five changes in starting line-up from a side that beat Indonesia last week due to injury.

The match started intensely in the first half, with both side keen to take an early lead but could not capitalise any of their chances including a glaring miss from Azamuddin Akil.

Malaysia finally took a lead in 48th minute through a diving header from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha met a crossing from young fullback Mahalli Jasuli.

With Thailand staring to their first defeat of the tournament, they somehow fine an edge to equalise in 78th minute through a fine header from Teerasil Dangda to level the scoreline.

There is controversial circumstances, when Thailand's head coach Winfried Schafer was banned from the touchline by the officials after over-protesting constantly during the match.

The home side have numerous clear cut chances but failed to turn it into goals, while Thailand were lucky to get a draw from some sloppy defending but good enough for their final encounter in second leg of semi-final. Its a tough ask for Malaysia, having failed to retain their lead despite substitution and changing tactics. They need a catalyst and perhaps miracle to beat Thailand in their own home soil to make it to the final. Player performance and selection should be taken as a serious consideration given that Thailand will not giving any favours to the Malayan Tiger to defend the title. Thailand will take on Malaysia for the second leg of semi-final AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 on Thursday, 13 December 2012 at Supachalasai Stadium, Bangkok. Both side will do anything to ensure the victory for the path to the final.

Man of the Match: Mahalli Jasuli

Phillippines hold Singapore for a 0-0 draw

Man of the Match: Angel Guirado

Wan Zack and Shakir will miss the clash against Thailand

Doubtful in a clash against Thailand

Wan Zack Haikal

Safee Sali

S. Kunanlan

Shakir Shaari

Malaysia head coach, K. Rajagobal has confirmed that both Wan Zack Haikal and Shakir Shaari are ruled out of contention to play in first leg semi-final against Thailand. He said Wan Zack has suffered a thigh muscle tear and may not available until the end of the tournament. Kelantan midfielder Shakir Shaari will miss the game due to ankle injury but will most likely to join the team back for the second leg in Bangkok. There are doubts to other key players too, with S. Kunanlan, Kyril Muhymeen and Safee Sali carrying a knock sustained before and during 2-0 victory over arch-rival Indonesia. Only Kunanlan has shake off his injury and will be available for selection against Thailand. Rajagobal said he is not too concern with injury blow and hopes that the other squad player should step up their performance and take advantage with the current situation when selected to be in the first eleven.

Wan Zack Haikal and Shakir Shaari have been performing above expectation, playing extremely well in two previous matches in a row but will be sidelined for tomorrow clash against Thailand. Wan Zack Haikal is one of the Malaysia's brightest young talent ever produced, playing debut season with Felda United in 2007 before spending his whole career with Harimau Muda A, winning his first major honour with them, the 2009 Malaysia Premier League title. He is part of Harimau Muda A who trained at Slovakia in 2010 and have a short term loan deal with Slovakian club, FC Vion but failed to make a single appearance due to injury. He return to Malaysia with Harimau Muda A in 2012, following the exchange deal with Lion XII who will play in Malaysia Super League, while Harimau Muda A will featuring in S-League. During this time, Wan Zack, along with his teammate Wan Zaharulnizam were attending a trial with Japanese club, FC Ryukyu for two weeks. He is one of the young Malaysian talent who is expected to shine in few years time but could not do so as he have missed a lot of important matches and tournaments due to his awful injury record. If he is in injury-free, he will certainly playing at his best, as what he did currently in AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 tournament that earned Malaysia a deserved place in the semi-final, for the quest of retaining the title for the second time.

Kelantan and Selangor AFC Cup 2013 draw

AFC Cup 2013 Group Stage draw has been made today at AFC House in Kuala Lumpur. 32 teams are contested from various Asian region, each one of the team represents for AFC Cup as league winner or equivalent winner, eligible to play in the competition. The current champions is Kuwait SC from Kuwait, after thumping Arbil FC from Iraq 4-0 in AFC Cup 2012 final. AFC 2012 quarter-finalist Kelantan qualify in the AFC Cup 2013 group stage after winning Malaysia Super League for the second consecutive times. Selangor qualify for the AFC Cup 2013 group stage after finishing third in Malaysia Super League, AFC handed the AFC Cup place to Selangor as Lion XII who finished second, are not eligible to compete as they were a guest team in the league.

Treble-winner Kelantan, were drawn in Group G alongside Vietnam club, SHB Da Nang, Maldives club, Maziah Sports & Recreation Club, and once again with Myanmar club, Ayeyawady United. It was thought that Kelantan were handed a relatively straight forward group, with Ayeyawady United the only team expected to challenge Kelantan for the top spot in Group G.

The sleeping giant Selangor, were drawn in Group H together with Indian club, Kingfisher East Bengal, Vietnam club, Saigon Xuan Thanh, and Singaporean club, 2012 S-League winner Tampines Rovers.

The first match of the group stage will begin at 5 and 6 March 2013.

Kelantan will compete in AFC Cup for the second season in a row, after performing above expectation by progressing as far as quarter-final in AFC Cup 2012.

Selangor will return in AFC Cup for the third time after last appeared in 2010 AFC Cup edition, as they were eliminated as early as in the group stage of the tournament.

BREAKING NEWS: Safee Sali joins Johor revolution

Safee Sali joins the Southern Tiger
(Photo Courtesy www.murkiester.com) 

Johor has finalised the signing of Malaysian international striker, Safee Sali, for a one-season loan deal, yesterday.

The 28 year-old have previously dismissed any transfer movement and his linked to big-spenders Johor. He said he is fully committed and focus solely on first leg semi-final AFF Suzuki Cup against neighbours Thailand and does not looking to move elsewhere at the moment. But rumours begin to emerge suggesting he will meet Johor's representative in a ceremony yesterday night to finalise the deal, a rumours that he strongly denied. Both Malaysia national head coach, K. Rajagobal and FAM are furious with Johor's approach, citing that it may cause disruptive over player's attention during the tournament season. Nonetheless, Johor finally concludes the deal at Wisma FAM with his parent club's permission, Arema Indonesia, until the end of the next season. Safee will join the long list of star players in the Southern Tiger side, with the likes of national team-mate Shahrul Idlan Talaha, Safiq Rahim and Aidil Zafuan, as well as two European stars, Dani Guiza and Simone Del Nero. 

Safee Sali is best known in Malaysia and South East Asia region, when he won the Golden Boot Award during AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 victory, scoring 5 goals. He started his career with Kuala Lumpur in 2003, making 31 appearances and scored 20 goals with another 4 loan appearances for Melaka TMFC. He signed for the Borneo side, Sarawak, in 2005, making 26 appearances and scored 10 goals. He return to Malaysia Peninsular in 2006, signing with one of the top Malaysian club, Selangor, making a total of 105 appearances and scoring 36 goals. In 2011 season, he made the headlines when he became the first Malaysian player to play outside of Malaysia, signing with Indonesian Super League side, Pelita Jaya, making 42 appearances and scored 27 goals. He joined Arema Indonesia in 2012 after the owner of Pelita Jaya emerged both of the club during a long dispute of Indonesian FA over the Indonesian Super League as an illegal league with high possibility of FIFA suspension, before signing a loan deal with the Southern Malaysia side, Johor.

Caleb Folan joins T-Team

Photo Courtesy soundoffcolumn.com

Former Hull City striker, Caleb Folan has joined Terengganu club-based T-Team on one year deal. The 30 year-old was a free agent for a while since his contract with Npower Championship side, Birmingham City expired in the summer. He will complete the two-player import quota for Malaysian Super League having previously signed midfielder Geroge Boateng.

He begins his youth career at Leeds United in 2001, but failed to make any appearance for the club. During his time with Leeds, he making seven appearances on loan to Rush & Diamonds and Hull City. He signed Chesterfield in 2003-2004 season, making in a total of 102 appearances and scoring 15 goals. He joined Wigan Athletic during January transfer window of 2006-2007 season, making 15 appearances and scoring two goals. He rejoined Hull City during the summer transfer window of  2007-2008 season, making a further 55 appearances and scored 11 goals for the club. During his time with Hull, he spent 3 months on-loan to Middlesbrough, making only one appearance. He plying his trade to Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids in March 2011, making 26 appearances and scored 6 goals for the club. He returned to English football, signing a short-term deal with Championship side Birmingham City on a free transfer in February 2012 following a released from Colorado Rapids, making 3 appearances and scoring none for the club.

Caleb Folan with T-Team head coach, Peter Butler.

Now, he plying his trade again, this time to Malaysia in which he joined his latest club, T-Team, and will team up with the likes of Marzuki Yusof, Mazlizam Mohamad, and G. Mahathevan.  

BREAKING NEWS: Ghaddar will not renewed his contract with Kelantan -Tan Sri Annuar Musa

Photo Courtesy www.under-voice.com

     Tan Sri Annuar Musa has confirmed that Lebanese international, Mohammad Ghaddar will not extend his contract with the treble-winner Kelantan for the 2013 season. Annuar announced in his Facebook page, writing that, " We have to forget Ghaddar who demanded a 100 per cent pay rise wages. We could not afford to pay it, besides his performance is inconsistent." Kelantan is the most successful football team this year, having won all football competition available in Malaysia, in which successfully retaining Malaysia Super League title for the second time, winning FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup for the second time in three years. Annuar again stated that Ghaddar will be replaced by a new import who he said is playing in under-23 for his national side and playing with one of the AFC Champions League team. He will be tested by Kelantan for six month. The player, including another import, new signing Zairo Anuar Zailani and Faiz Subri and another local signing will be presented to the media tomorrow 4pm at Cafe TRW. It is not revealed whether Ghaddar has sign with a new club, but rumours strongly suggests that numerous Middle East clubs are keen to get his services as well as Super League outfit, Negri Sembilan. The 28 year-old striker is part of Kelantan winning-treble in 2012, scored 9 goals in Malaysia Super League to win the title for the second consecutive times, scored a decisive penalty-goal that resulted Kelantan clinched the FA Cup for the first time, and contributed his final goal and appearance for Kelantan in scoring a cheeky-selfish goal during 2-0 semi-final Malaysia Cup win over Selangor to qualify to the final as he was suspended for receiving more than two yellow cards but nonetheless Kelantan snatched the Malaysia Cup title by beating big-spenders ATM 3-2 in extra time. He was comically dubbed as the Malaysian Neymar for his outrageous skills during FA Cup win over Sime Darby and infamously involved in countless incidents and controversies during the course of the season. However, he has undoubtedly made an instant impact to the Malaysian football and his contribution for Kelantan will always be remembered.    

Singapore came out on top over Laos in the 4-3 comeback thriller

Photo Courtesy www.channelnewsasia.com

In the similar time when Malaysia gain valuable win against rival Indonesia, Singapore face tournament's minnows, Laos at Shah Alam Stadium and only need a point to secure a spot to semi-final. However, Laos did not make things easier to the three-time champions. A lapse of defending from Singapore gave Khampheng Sayavutthi a chance to score with a weak shot from a close range in the 21st minute to make it a shock 1-0 lead to Laos. Keoviengphet Liththideth made it harder for Singapore when he unleashed a beautiful curling shot past Izwan Mahbud to the top right corner of the net in the 40th minute to make it a comfortable 2-0 lead for the Thim Xad. Singapore however did manage to pull one back through captain Shahril Ishak with a simple shot from close range in 47th minute just before half-time.

Singapore did not waste any time when the second half started as they pushed forward in search for equaliser. Singapore finally found an equaliser through Shahril Ishak once again in 53rd minute when he dribbled easily in the penalty box and fired to the bottom left corner of the net to make it 2-2. Laos looking struggle to contain Singapore's attack as there are number of times their defence looking as vulnerable as ever. The Lions meanwhile are more confident in performance as they create a lot of chances and are close to score more goals. Ten minutes later, Khairul Amri put Singapore in front in the 63th minute when he took an unstoppable free-kick which easily past Laos goalkeeper to make it 3-2. Fazrul Nawaz rounded off Singapore's comeback when he fired the ball past Laos goalkeeper with a diving header in 65th minute to make it 4-2 lead. It was two goals in two minutes from Singapore. Khampheng Sayavutthi put a seemingly dead Laos in a glimmer of hope when they were awarded a penalty in 81st minute and slotted the ball easily past Izwan Mahbud to make it 4-3 but it was all too late for the Thim Xad as Singapore are victorious nonetheless coming to the final whistle as the Lions deserved to claim one of the greatest comeback win in the football history.

Singapore finished the Group B with six points and top of the group after three matches, with two wins against Malaysia and Laos and one lose against Indonesia. As a group winner, Singapore will travel to Manila for the first leg of semi-final, where they will meet tournament's surprise package, Philippines, who finished as a runners-up of Group A in December 8 and a return leg in December 12 at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Singapore have an excellent chance to go to the final for the fourth time in the history of competition if they beat Philippines in the semi-final. Singapore is one of the most successful side in the history of AFF Suzuki Cup competition, having previously won the title three times in 1998, 2005 and 2007 edition.

Man of the Match: Shahril Ishak

Malaysia secured 2-0 win over Indonesia

Photo Courtesy from www.bumiyang.blogspot.com

It was all drizzling and drenched at Bukit Jalil National Stadium today as it contested one of the biggest match in the country, certainly with the fierce rival, Indonesia, having already met in the previous AFF Suzuki Cup 2010 edition, with Malaysia triumph all the way to clinch the title. Indonesia in the pole position to qualify for the next round, having already pick up four points from two matches, after 2-2 draw with Laos and narrow 1-0 victory over Singapore. In the final match of Group B, Indonesia only need to draw against Malaysia to qualify through to semi-final but have to wary of Malaysia's revival. After losing a heavy 3-0 defeat to rival Singapore in the first match, Malaysia hopes to defend the title came back alive with a convincing 4-1 win over Laos to level point with Singapore in the Group B. Now Malaysia have no other option but to beat Indonesia in order to qualify comfortably in the tournament. It was a much-needed win for the Malayan Tiger to boost their chances for the semi-final of AFF Suzuki Cup 2012.

As soon as the match started, Indonesia begin to attack and dominate in the early minute of the match, with chances created were almost converted to goals by Irfan Bachdim and Oktovianus Maniani. Malaysia trying to break the opposition attack, coupled with few chances but only some woeful passes and finishing. Yet, when Indonesia attacking severely, it was Malaysia who managed to get an early lead through crossing from Mahalli Jasuli which almost met Safee Sali's head but instead finding Azamuddin Akil with a powerful strike in the 26th minute, in which the ball past through Indonesian goalkeeper Wahyu Tri Nugroho straight to the bottom right corner of the net. Malaysia did not have to wait longer for the second goal, after dazzling run from a young winger Wan Zack Haikal that resulted a delightful pass to put full-back Mahalli Jasuli through on goal, to which he strikes to the top left corner of the net in the 29th minute to give Malaysia a comfortable lead. It was the goal that rounded off the whole match, after such a hot-heated match that produced more than five yellow cards and a poor showing in the second half from both side, from a series of needless foul and wasting time to poor finishing and understanding when launching an attack. It was a good match nonetheless, albeit from a low quality when it comes to passes and finishing.

A deserved 2-0 win over Indonesia meaning that Malaysia finished Group B as a runner-up and qualify through to the semi-final where they will meet against Group A winner Thailand, the only team in the tournament to qualify to the semi-final without losing a single match. It is said that Malaysia will meet a tougher opposition than ever before, and somewhat need miracles to defeat the side that have previously beat Malaysia 2-0 in a friendly match weeks before the tournament started. But Malaysia will do all they can to keep their hopes of defending the title and gaining the victory in the process.

Man of the Match: Wan Zack Haikal    

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