FA Cup 2nd Round tie Roundup

Guiza stars in Johor dramatic comeback win over Kedah, Azamuddin Akil romped four goals past Tentera Darat in 7-1 victory while Primorac shown T-Team the exit door 

Johor DT should have recorded an easy win against recently relegated Premier League side Kedah FA but made the unusually hard way to progress to the next round. Two early goals in the first half from clinical striker Khyril Muhymeen almost condemned Johor DT to a shock cup exit but were visibly improved in the second half. Dani Guiza is the hero for the Southern Tiger side as he scored two goals in the second half. A controversial free-kick conceded for a questionable handball by Kedah but no trouble for Guiza as he equalised with a sublime finish in the stoppage time and dragged the match into additional extra-time. With either side couldn't find a breakthrough after an extra-time, it seems a penalty shoot-out will be likely to decide the winner. Dani Guiza is the hero once again as he coolly slotted the penalty win after Kedah player Shazuan Ashraf missed the spot-kick earlier.

Pahang pushed complacency issues aside as they trashed FAM League outfit Tentera Darat 7-1 in Darul Makmur Stadium. Four goals from Azamuddin Akil confirmed Pahang place in the Third FA Cup Round.

Penang have no answer for Terengganu despite an encouraging performance as an excellent Ashari Samsudin scored two goals in a 3-0 easy away win which saw them progress to the next round.

Super League outfit T-Team suffered a cup exit after FA Cup 2012 runners-up Sime Darby hold firm 1-0 narrow lead through their in-form striker Karlo Primorac.

Negeri Sembilan recorded an easy 2-0 home victory over unfancied Pos Malaysia after first half goals from Fauzi Nan and Rashid Mahmud sealed the win for Hobin Jang Hobin.

Premier League outfit Sarawak have no trouble progressing to the next round after an easy 2-0 home win over PBAPP at Stadium Negeri, Kuching.

Selangor were the victors against Sabah in the earlier clash which ended 3-0 at Likas.

The only side that is yet to progress are current FA Cup holders Kelantan up against tricky side PKNS, having their match suspended due to a waterlogged pitch. They will only meet on March 25th for a rematch.

BREAKING NEWS: Selangor defender Ramez Dayoub banned for life

Lebanese FA has suspended Selangor FA defender, Ramez Dayoub for life following an alleged match-fixing scandal involving Asian league's games

Secretary General of the West Asia Football Federation, Fadi Zureikat announced in the press conference held at the Lebanese FA headquarters, Selangor defender and current Lebanese international Ramez Dayoub has been suspended from playing football for life, subject to an appeal.

Ramez has been accused for his involvement in an alleged match-fixing scandal in recent Asian league fixtures and international matches. 

Selangor will be under scrutiny following Ramez shock suspension, after performing consistently well in Malaysia Super League. It is now under Selangor' decision either to dismiss Ramez or waiting an appeal. 

It will be a massive blow for Selangor in bid for Super League title challenge if they were to lose their best defender, after putting a good performance so far for The Red Giants, helping Selangor cause currently to a second place in the table this season.

BREAKING NEWS: Fakri joins Kelantan on a 2-year deal

SC Athletico striker, Ahmad Fakri Saarani has officially agreed to sign with Malaysian defending treble, Kelantan FA for a two-year contract.

Copyright Tan Sri Annuar Musa

Ahmad Fakri Saarani has put an end to speculation regarding a move to Malaysia treble-winner Kelantan when he signed on a two-year deal announced by Kelantan favourites Tan Sri Annuar Musa via Facebook platform. 

The move deemed to be significant for Kelantan fans, following a slow start this season, notching up only ten points from eight matches and the defending champions lies seventh in the table. 

Attacking department has been a major problem so far for The Red Warrior, scoring only seven goals this season. Kelantan current striker, Keita Mandjou has met with plenty of criticism from fans, have a tendency of profligacy and squandering a lot of chances in front of goal in which troubled Kelantan from winning since. He has since ended his goalscoring drought, scoring three goals in two games.

With the arrival of new import Dickson Nwaekaeme, who looks most likely to replace Keita Mandjou when April transfer window open, Kelantan defender Obinna Nwaneri might as well shown to the exit door, with Kelantan head coach keen to register both striker Dickson Nwakaeme and Dimitri Petratos as two-quota import for Malaysia Super League fixtures, to improve the attacking side that has been dreadful this season.

Fakri Saarani is a former player for Harimau Muda A, Perak FA, Perlis FA, Negeri Sembilan FA, and Felda United before plying trade with Portuguese Third Division outfit Athletico SC on December last year. He boasted 19 international caps and scored one goal. 

Kelantan held 2-2 by ten men Pahang

Kelantan failed to take their numerical advantage into goals as a penalty from extraordinary striker Fauzi Roslan saves Pahang from three straight defeats

The match were best known for the high intensity and tempo of the game in a breezy and slippery evening.

Kelantan have an early lead through Norfarhan Mohd as he seized an error from Pahang goalkeeper, Nasril Nourdin, who parried poorly a first-time shot from Kelantan captain Piya, in which the ball went straight to Farhan who was totally unmarked and struck a simple header from a close range in the eighth minute. 

Pahang went on to create a series of attacking threat to equalise, but often the chances went wasted. The home side equalised minutes before first half end, through a free-kick that met the head of Fauzi Roslan, which somehow went to the chest off Hafiz Kamal and the ball easily passed Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

Second half drew more attention, as in the 62nd minute, Pahang goalscorer Hafiz Kamal was sent off following an unsportsmanlike conduct towards Kelantan midfielder Zamri Ramli. The decision came after the replay shows that Hafiz Kamal deliberately stamped on the body of Zamri Ramli. Amazingly, Pahang continue to surge forward in search for the winner as they make it hard for the visitor to attack. 

A cross from Daudsu Jamaludin met the head of Kelantan striker Keita Mandjou to make the scoreline 2-1 almost killed the Pahang fans hope of taking anything out of this match. But an error from Kelantan defender Obinna Nwaneri who tackled Fauzi Roslan just inside the penalty box seconds away after their lead proved costly for his side. Fauzi Roslan keep it cool for his spot-kick as he struck straight towards Khairul Fahmi Che Mat who failed to keep the ball out of the net.

Both sides share the spoils means Pahang retained their fifth position while Kelantan moved up to seventh. Pahang will visit ATM at Paroi while Kelantan welcomed Perak at home in Kota Bharu on March 2nd.

Man of the Match: Fauzi Roslan

Ashari bagged a brace as Terengganu defeat ATM 3-2 in thrilling contest

Ashaari's strike in injury-time winner sealed the victory for the East Coast outfit who beat league leaders ATM in thrilling encounter

ATM were expected to extend their lead to three points and open the gap on top of the table, but were left hard done by Terengganu who has been woeful form this season, only picked up five points from seven matches this season.

Terengganu were without four key players going into the match, striker Effa Owona and midfielder Vincent Bikana who were out injured while captain Faizal Mohd and midfielder Ismail Faruqi were suspended due to red card from previous match against Kelantan in which they lost 2-0 at Kota Bharu.

As it is already written in the book just a day after three matches that all of it produced a dire performance which end up in goalless draw, a similar script almost happen when the referee launched the kick-off. But it no longer matter when Khairul Ramadhan gave an early lead to the home side with a simple strike in the 28th minute. ATM were trying all their might to equalise as they are generally dominate in the first half but just couldn't do so.

ATM came back in the second half, looked lively and more likely to score an equaliser and possibly a winner. But a sturdy and discipline defence produced by Terengganu managed to stop ATM from conceding. ATM hard work only rewarded in the 74th minute when a cross produced from a corner met the head of Marlon Alex James to make it 1-1.

It was not too long to wait for the second goal as silent killer Ashari Samsudin scored a magnificent goal from a free-kick in the 80th minute to give the home side the lead to 2-1. It was better late than never for the away side as Christie Jayaseelan managed to grab the equaliser with an easy tap-in in the 89th minute to make it 2-2. But just when ATM feels they already have one point in hand, Ashari Samsudin again terrorise ATM defence with a calm finish in the 90th minute which gave the Turtle fans a joy and much delight for their only second win this season.

A win against table leaders ATM saw Terengganu leapfrog Negeri Sembilan, T-Team and Felda United to stay ninth in the table and push them put of relegation zone, with only one point separate them. ATM unexpected loss however did not affect their position as they stay first in the table but missed chances to widen the gap.

Terengganu will visit PKNS while ATM welcome Pahang on March 2nd.

 Man of the Match: Ashari Samsudin

Friday Match Day 8 MSL 2013 Roundup

ITS A DAY TO FORGET FOLLOWING STALEMATE IN MALAYSIA SUPER LEAGUE AS A SIGN OF FATIGUE SUMMED UP THE WOEFUL RESULTS

Felda United 0-0 Johor DT

Selangor 0-0 PKNS

Negeri Sembilan 0-0 T-Team
No video as yet. The match probably disinterested people so much that they won't even look back.


P.S.: SIX incredible clean-sheets for all six teams, THREE draw, GOALLESS. Did they forget something?

Transfer Talk: Kelantan keen on Fadhli Shas

TRANSFER TALK

Fadhli Shas wanted by Kelantan?

Fadhli Shas on the move?

Goal.com reported that the 22-year-old defender might be one his way to the treble champions Kelantan. There is even suggestion that the deal may have been concluded before the transfer window open in April. Fadhli's arrival strongly suggest that current Kelantan central defender Obinna Nwaneri may as well depart to give away for two import striker to participate and score more goals in Malaysia Super League, something that is lacking for the reigning champions this season.

Fakri set to Kelantan?

FAKRI SAARANI TO KELANTAN?

Will Fakri decides to move back to Malaysia just like Nazmi Faiz?

According to sinarharian.com.my, defending treble Kelantan FA were very much interested in signing Athletico SC forward, Ahmad Fakri Saarani when the transfer window is open on April 8, to bolster the squad strength in attack, due to their team goal drought, having only five goals scored this season. The presence of Fakri's assistant manager Faisal Zakariah and agent Marco Guimaraes strongly suggest that the move is on the line and Fakri himself reportedly interested.

Malaysia Super League Team of the Week Match Day 7

MSL Team of The Week Match Day 7

Kelantan FA dropped in the latest IFFHS ranking

The current Malaysia Super League champions, Kelantan FA has dropped from 139 as of last December of 2012 to 152 as of January 31, 2013 in the latest IFFHS ranking. Kelantan has since ended their winless run after snatching a 2-0 vital in the East Coast derby win over Terengganu, yesterday.

FAM punished KAFA again

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has officially confirmed today that Football Association of Kelantan FA (KAFA) has been fined for RM 62,500 for four offences during the highly-publicized clash between the meeting of Southern Malaysia side, Johor DT and East Coast side, Kelantan FA a month ago in which ended at 1-1. 

It is reported that FAM Disciplinary Meeting has decided to punished KAFA for:

-Throwing firecrackers in the stadium (Fined for RM 20, 000)
-Throwing objects off the pitch (Fined for RM 2, 500)
- Throwing objects to Johor DT fans (Fined for RM 20, 000)
- Failed to take security measures ( Fined for RM 20, 000)

KAFA has been warned by FAM too if any of the incident happen again in the future, Kelantan FA may have to play behind closed doors.

KAFA has suffered several punishments from FAM for the past five season, in which at the same period of time, they have achieved numerous success including the incredible treble in 2012.

Johor DT were held to a 2-2 disappointing draw against Lions XII

Norshahrul Idlan Talaha late equaliser can't hide the fact that Johor DT are still underperformed against the youthful Lions XII

It should be an easy home win for Johor DT, remind that Lions XII lack experienced overall other than Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan for instance, but the home side surprisingly struggled to put their local rivals away. 

Lions XII have an early lead through the 22-year-old midfielder Hariss Harun who received the ball from captain Shahril Ishak and fired the volley to the back of the net in the 4th minute. Lions XII continue to mount the pressure to the home side as Johor struggled to contain the Singaporean side. Johor equalised through a glancing header from Simone Del Nero who found a cross from Nurul Azwan Roya in the 15th minute. Lions XII have a lead again, this time through a set-piece from Shahril Ishak which met the head of Baihakki Khaizan in the 37th minute to make it 2-1 until the end of the first half. 

The Southern Tiger pushed hard since the start of the second half, trying to get the equaliser and possibly a winner in the match. But the home side were irritated by the Lions' stubborn and encouraging defending to deny any possibility for Johor DT. Their patience were rewarded though, as sensational striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha produced a magnificent strike just outside of the box to earn and finish the match with a 2-2 draw. It was a valuable point for the away side as they retained the second placed in the table while the scoreline spare the blushes for the home side as they moved to fourth in the table. Fandi Ahmad himself were not pleased with his players' attitude, pointing that they were not playing as a team and wondered of his side's mentality. Johor DT has improved since the famous defeat at the hands of Pahang in the first match of the 2013 season, in which they are currently unbeaten in six matches in a row. 

Next, Johor DT will face Felda United away at Kelana Jaya Stadium on February 22.

ATM avenged Selangor in a 2-0 victory

After their controversial exit against Selangor in the FA Cup first round, ATM managed to get their revenge in Malaysia Super League match at home with a goal from Bruno Martelotto, and a spot kick from Marlon Alex James saw ATM climb to the top of the table for the first time

Selangor were expected to continue their winning streak but were surprisingly struggled against ATM away at Paroi. Bruno Martelotto give an early lead to the home side when a scintillating run and dribble from Marlon Alex James past the defender found Bruno's feet in which he didn't waste time to fired to the top of the net in the 16th minute. There could be more goals for the home side as Selangor were looking as good as dead in the final third but they were lucky enough to have in-form goalkeeper Norazlan Razali producing a lot of parries and saves from conceding much more goals. Marlon Alex James round off the victory with a penalty kick conceded by Selangor defender late in the game while Raimi sending off didn't help the away side either from finding themselves in the end of defeat. Selangor will meet local rivals PKNS at home on February 22nd, this Friday while the current leaders ATM will travel to East Coast in which they will contested the struggling side Terengganu on February 23rd, this Saturday.

Man of the Match: Marlon Alex James

Selangor 2-0 Kelantan

Double header from Forkey Doe and Ramez Dayoub in the first half  were enough to secure The Red Giants a rare win against their fierce rivals Kelantan 

This match saw Ramzul Zahini Adenan meet his former club for the first time since leaving the club last December while Amri Yahyah is unavailable due to suspension. Kelantan captain Piya is a doubtful for the clash due to an illness but may still feature at any point during the match. 

Irfan Bakti retained the more traditional 4-4-2 formation while Bojan Hodak bizarrely using the unusual 3-5-2 formation.

Selangor perhaps using the height as an advantage as Kelantan struggles to put them away. Forkey Doe put an early lead for the home side with a fine header in 12th minute. Ramez Dayoub doubled the lead with a stunning header in the 26th minute and rounded off their winning display.

Kelantan wanted to turn things around by bringing in Keita Mandjou and Piya in the second half but it was all too late for the visitor as The Red Warriors defence kept losing guard on Selangor attacker while losing possession easily in the midfield and look hapless in terms of attacking ability. 

Selangor only need to continue their impressive form and if things goes their way, there always every possibilities that they might end up at the top of the table when the season ends. Kelantan capped another poor display and getting even worse with a costly error by Bojan Hodak to use unfamiliar tactics against a strong side like Selangor. Bojan may need to realise that they must do something more important than just for waiting their new import to replace Keita Mandjou.     

Man of the Match: Ramez Dayoub