Malaysian football weekly Roundup + Preview

This week oversaw two top Malaysian side JDT and Pahang in action for AFC Cup Quarter-Final First Leg.

MSL champions, JDT disappointingly draw 1-1 against South China and it will be tough playing away at Mongkok. A mission impossible.

Meanwhile, the league runners-up Pahang were hammered 4-0 by FC Istiklol away at Dushanbe in which they played without the presence of Dickson Nwakaeme. Pahang do have a history of making a comeback even if it seems impossible, but despite that, to score more than 4 would be a little too much. Highly unlikely.

Over to the youth, President Cup 2015 final on Friday oversaw Kelantan beat Penang 2-1 at Bandaraya Stadium. Goals from Fakrul Zaman and Azwan Aripin led to the victory for The Red Warrior. The triumph means that Kelantan have won President Cup for a record of 6 times, more than any other team.

Special mention for the national youth side, Malaysia U19 or Harimau Muda C who have been impressive so far, beating Singapore U19 or Young Lions by 4-0 scoreline. They also managed to draw against Vietnam in 0-0 goalless draw in Vientiane.

On Saturday, Malaysia national team will face Bangladesh in Shah Alam Stadium in preparation for the World Cup Qualifying Round against UAE.

Also on the same day and time, FAM League final will be play between the recently promoted FAM League side, Malacca and Perlis at Hang Jebat Stadium, Malacca.

Not to mention, Malaysia U19 facing Myanmar U19 in Vientiane.

AFC Cup, Malaysia Cup play-off and AFF U19

After the end of MSL and MPL season, fans are pretty much turning their attention to AFC Cup Quarter Final with both JDT and Pahang involved. There is also Malaysia Cup play-off to determine the final two team for the competition. In the youth scene, Harimau Muda C currently compete in the AFF U19, with high expectation after months of preparation in Slovakia.

Mario Gomez will be facing his former team tonight, as JDT are looking for a strong lead in the first leg. After their recent success in the league, they are seeking for more on the more prestige tournament. The return of Marcos Antonio at the heart of defence will be huge boost for the home side.

NS Matrix will be a much fancied team to be in Malaysia Cup since they have larger fan base and has been around much longer than ATM. NS also recorded a better form compare to the relegated ATM. A win for the away side would be a likely result.

Sime Darby should be winning this despite their recent slump in the league. No one would fancy to see two JDTs in the same competition. This is the time to prove that they are worthy opponent in Malaysia Cup.

Malaysia v Singapore would be a mouth-watering clash if it's senior side due to the strong rivalry between the two sides. But on the youth level, this should be an easy one for the Harimau Muda C since there is such a clear distinction in the team's ability.  


Tonight

AFC Cup 2015 Quarter Final 1st Leg

JDT v South China

Malaysia Cup 2015 play-off

ATM v NS Matrix
Sime Darby v JDTII

AFF Cup U-19

Malaysia v Singapore

Selangor held by enthusiastic Tampines Rovers

A brace from Forkey Doe followed by an amazing strike from Amri Yahyah could not bring their side to the first ever win in AFC Cup this season as they were pegged by Singaporean champions who narrowly managed to avoid defeat 

Kelantan Malaysia Super League Watch

Can Kelantan repeat the 2012 success?

What a year for Kelantan. Winning Super League title, FA Cup title, and Malaysia Cup in one season is a terrific achievement. They are way far better than any other team this season and showed to the whole nation that they are now should be considered one of Malaysian giants. The team that consisting mostly from local talent, Kelantan started dreadfully this season, losing 2-1 narrow defeat in the hands of Negeri Sembilan in a Charity Shield and marked a slow start in the league under the English head coach Peter Butler. Couple of draws and surprise defeat put Kelantan title bid in jeopardy. Ghaddar's unimpressive start alongside Nwoha's dire performance did little to raise the team up in the table. But until the point when Peter Butler suddenly went AWOL and both him and Kelantan decided to part ways in the middle of the season, the appointment of Bojan Hodak marked a significant impact to Kelantan season, try to overturn Kelantan's fate in the process  When they brought in tough defender Obinna Nwaneri and rejuvenate Ghaddar's form, everything begin to turn in favour of them. First, they beat Sime Darby to win their very first FA Cup albeit from a Ghaddar's penalty goal. Second, they keep pushing to win as many league matches as possible to overtake Lions XII first place position who sit first in most of the season. They did so finally, even beating Lions XII ruthlessly to earn the first spot in the league table and thus defended the title they win in previous season. In Malaysia Cup, they showed a scintillating form in front of the crowd, having no real trouble to qualify in the final while defeating fierce rival Selangor in semi-final round. Three wonderful assist from Piya and a great performance from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha rounded off Kelantan domination in Malaysian football. The new season will be much tougher than before, as one of their valuable striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha decides to transfer to Johor alongside Nurul Azwan Roya, S. Chanturu join Perak, Ramzul Zahini and Afiq Azmi went to rivals Selangor, as well as Ghaddar's over-the-top demand makes it harder for Kelantan in the future. They managed to sign on-loan a 20 year-old Dimitri Petratos from Hyundai A-League outfit, Sydney FC though Bojan decides to use the experience Keita Mandjou to Kelantan's attack. Unlike any other team in the Super League, Kelantan does not have to rely heavily with one certain player to score goals, as Piya, Farhan and Indra combination are proved to be a deadly attacking trio. The whole Kelantan team deserves to play at the highest level given their magnificent ability in football, but went largely uncredited from Malaysia national coach, K. Rajagobal who were overlook the majority of Kelantan player before losing expectedly to neighbours Thailand. Despite the loss of key players, Kelantan remains favourites to win 2013 Super League title although they have to be wary with the challenge of Johor, ATM, Lions XII, Selangor and possibly Perak in the upcoming season.

Key Player: Indra Putra Mahyuddin, Nor Farhan Mohammad, Badhri Radzi, Daudsu Jamaluddin, Shakir Shaari

Young Talented Player: Nik Shahrul Azim, Aris Zaidi, Izuan Salahuddin

2012 season: Finished 1st in Malaysia Super League

Team Chance Status: Title candidate 

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.