Malaysia Super League 2012: Matchweek 5 report

Michael Nicoise and Michael Baird proved to be the toast for PKNS and Sabah respectively as they fought for a draw in a closely contested tie in the Petaling Jaya Stadium. PKNS who took a 2-0 lead, self destructed in the last 20 minutes as they allowed Sabah to peg back into the game. Shahrudin Yakop equalizing goal was the icing on the cake for Sabah as they got a valuable point from Kuala Lumpur.

Francis Forkey Doe continued his goal scoring form as the Liberian scored the only goal to silence the Singaporean crowd. Terengganu who had difficulties adapting to the synthetic pitch certainly had to thank Hariss Harun as his fumbled clearance was exploited by Doe and the striker duly obliged by scoring the winning goal.

After 442 minutes, Kedah scored their first goal of the season but it wasn’t enough as they were humbled by Johor FC. Playing at Alor Setar, goals from Azi Shahril Azmi, skipper, Riduan Ma’on and Khaironnisam Sahabuddin were enough for Johor FC to secure their second win of the season. Khyril Muhymeen scored the consolation goal as Kedah continued their poor streak in the Super League.

The Settlers were made to slog against the Seladangs as they were beaten 2-1 in the Hang Jebat Stadium. Michael Kubala continued his impressive form as the Slovakian scored his 2^nd goal of the season. Farderin Kadir equalized for Felda United but Lazar Popovic had other ideas for Perak. The Serbian seems to have found his confidence as his deflected shot secured the game for Perak.

Kelantan were majestic in front of their home supporters as they beat a poor Kuala Lumpur side, 3-0. Goals from Norhshahrul Idlan Talaha, Badri Radzi and Danny Antwi cheered the home fans but the home team could have added more as Mohammad Ghaddar was guilty of miss guilt edge chances.

Kalle Sone came back with a bang as he scored for Sarawak but his team could only manage a draw against visiting side. Negeri Sembilan. Syakir Ali gave Negeri Sembilan the lead but Kalle Sone scored the equalizer when he buried his penalty past Farizal Marlias. Shukor Adan restored Negeri’s lead but Zamri Morshidi was the hero for Sarawak as he scored the equalizing goal for the Crocs.

Lasly, Selangor ended their jinx against T Team as they beat the home side, 2-1 in the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium. Lebanese defender, Ramez Dayoub scored his first goal for Selangor but Zairo continued his goalscoring form as he equalized for T Team. Safiq Rahim’s inclusion proved to be the masterstroke as help set up Azidan Sarudin’s goal to give Selangor their first win against T Team after 4 games.

The Big Bet Preview: Malaysian Super League(Matchweek 5)

Selangor PKNS VS Sabah

First game for matchweek 5, this is bound to be an interesting clash. Both teams have yet to set the league alight but this match will be a kickstart for them. Sabah who lost to Lions XII in a heated game will want their players to make their chances count. Abdul Rahman Ibrahim will want his side to win this tie after only managing draws and a loss in their campaign so far. Playing at home, expect PKNS to succumb against the Borneo side.

Prediction: PKNS 1 – 2 Sabah

Felda United VS Perak

Felda United, who were involved in a fractious match against Negeri Sembilan will want to beat an in form Perak. E.Elavarasan, who has since made two foreign signings in the form of Carlos Madeo and Santiago Bianchi, will be looking forward to play at their temporary fortress. As for Perak, they would want to continue their winning run and they look poised to beat the ‘Settlers’!

Prediction: Felda United 1 – 3 Perak

Sarawak VS Negeri Sembilan

Negeri Sembilan will be travelling to Sarawak with an aim to continue their impressive start to the season. Winning against Felda in an ill fated match, the Owona led side will surely want to roast the just promoted Borneo side. In the mean time, Sarawak will want to cheer their fans by beating the visiting side but with a blunt attack, things don’t look good for the ‘Ngap Sayot’ side.

Prediction: Sarawak 1- 3 Negeri Sembilan

T Team Terengganu VS Selangor

Selangor have always struggled against T Team and expect them to struggle again against the rejuvenated club side. Though they lost against Terengganu last week, the club side has looked formidable in the league so far. Selangor’s ‘yo-yo’ performance is a cause for concern as they have yet to assert themselves in the league. Irfan Bakti will need to get the best out of his players if they were to beat the Kuala Terengganu based side.

Prediction: T Team 2 – 1 Selangor

Lions XII VS Terengganu

The Lions XII have found their groove in the league as they have won twice in a row. However, facing a resurgent Terengganu will be a tough one for them. With Francis Doe and Ashaari Shamsuddin on form, expect Baihakki Khaizan and Jumaat Jantan to be on their toes for this game. Terengganu will surely be in for a feisty reception but with seasoned players in their ranks, this is one game to watch for Matchweek 5.

Prediction: Lions XII 1 – 2 Terengganu

Kelantan VS Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur managed to get their first point in the league but they will continue to struggle in the league. With the likes of Mohammad Ghaddar,Denny Antwi and Norhsharul Idlan Talaha, Kuala Lumpur will be in  for a rough ride in Kota Bharu. Razip Ismail, who has limited pool in his side, will want his side to come with a draw but Peter Butler will want his side to thrash the ‘City Boys’ in order for them to consolidate the top spot in Super League.

Prediction: Kelantan 4 – 0 Kuala Lumpur

Kedah VS Johor FC

Kedah, who have been abysmal so far, will want to beat Johor FC in Alor Setarr. However, with ongoing rumours stating that former Malaysian league sensation, Christian Bekamenga Bekamengo have signed for Johor FC, Nidzham Adzha will be in for a tough game this Saturday. Johor FC, who has looked formidable but yet to hit top gear under K.Devan will want to beat a demoralized Kedah squad. This might be the time for them as Kedah looks vulnerable for this tie.

Prediction: Kedah 1 – 3 Johor FC

How have the foreign players performed so far?

Perak FA

Lazar Popovic(Serbia) & Michal Kubala(Slovakia)

The East European connection continues with Perak as they have signed Kubala and Popovic for this season's campaign. Having impressed Norizan Bakar with their technical skills, Kubal looks to be the better signing as he has been inspirational for the Kinta Valley side. His combination with skipper, Shahrulnizam Mustapha has looked solid as the Slovakian's passes, close control and vision has helped Perak to start the season in an impressive fashion. Lazar Popovic has contributed for the squad but he has yet to open his account for the team. However, he has assisted twice in this campaign and looks to have a strong partnership with Akmal Rizal Rakhli. His close control, height and ability to create chances out of nowhere are his assets but his languid style of play has yet to endear well with the 'Kejor Yeop Kejor' fans. 

Kubala - Stays

Popovic - Stays

Selangor FA

Ramez Dayoub(Lebanon) & Lelo Mbele(DR Congo)

After 4 games, Selangor have yet to hit top form as their attack has looked blunt for the past 4 games. Lelo Mbele's lack of fitness have hit hard for Selangor as Irfan Bakti could only rely on Amri Yahyah to lead the attack. Mbele, has been released from the team and the team is searching for a reliable foreign striker to complement skipper, Amri. Ramez Dayoub, the 28 year old Lebanese defender has looked solid in defense so far. His ability to read the game, nullify attacks and vision has been vital. His combination with Asraruddin Putra has looked solid so far. Selangor's defense will not be complete without the presence of Dayoub as he has been dubbed as the 'Beckenbauer' of Lebanon and Selangor.

Dayoub - Stays

Mbele - Released

Negeri Sembilan

Emmanuel Effa Owona(Cameroon)

What a signing he has been! The 28 year Cameroonian has been sensational for Negeri Sembilan as he has been terrorising every defenders he has faced this season. Whether it's S.Subramaniam or Nazri Ahmad, his sheer presence and ability to score a goal out of nowhere has helped Negeri Sembilan to become one of the most feared teams this season. Having played for Hatta Club, his close control, pace and ferocious shots have helped the 'Hoben Jang Hoben' side as he has so far scored 6 goals out of 5 games and expect him to continue banging in the goals. His combination with Ahmad Shakir Ali looks to have blossomed as the young striker have thrived from the Cameroonian's contribution.

Owona - Stays

Kelantan FA

Mohammad Ghaddar(Lebanon) & Dennis Agyari Antwi(Ghana)

Expectations have been high on them but both the forwards have yet to impress in their 4 games. Mohammad Ghaddar, known for his composure, skills and finishing, has been ever present for all the games and scored 2 goals for Kelantan. However, he hasn't scored on open play and he has squandered several chances. Norshahrul Idlan Talaha looks stronger than the Lebanese international, but It is hoped that the former Al Jaish forward will get over his communication problems and give his best for the team. Dennis Antwi looks raw as the 18 year old forward has looked rusty in his games. However, he seems to have bounced back after helping Kelantan to beat the Kedah, 3-0. If he gets his act together, then you will see the Ghanaian as a long term asset for the Red Warriors.

Ghaddar - Stays

Antwi - Buck up or face the chop

Kedah FA

Daniel Soares Neves & Danilo Vivaldo(Brazil)

Brazilian used to be a hit in the Malaysian League but in Kedah's case, they have been mediocre and looked below par. Daniel Soares, forward and Danilo Vivaldo, defender have been labelled as flops by the fans. Even Nidzham Adzha have stated that he will use a all local line up if both of them continue their barren form. Both players came in with great credentials but they have been terrible in their 4 games. Though it may seem too early to gauge their performances but if Kedah wants to come out from their rot, they need to bring in reliable foreign players. Maybe bringing in Nelson San Martin back will be a boost for the the Canaries.

Daniel & Danilo - To be shipped out

Sabah FA

Michael Baird & Brendan Gan(Australia)

Justin Ganai has gone Don Under to get his foreign signings and he has made two great signings. Baird and Gan have been pivotal towards the Rhinos progress so far. Baird's workrate and Gan tenacity have endeared well with the fans. Michael Baird have impressed with 1 goal so far whereas Gan has helped shore up the midfield as moves the team's attacks and at the age of 23, he is bound to wonders in the years to come. Touted as a future Malaysian international. Gan is an asset for the Sabah side as he provides the goods for Bobby Gonzales and Baird. Baird workrate and never say die attitude will help Sabah to be the Borneo giants this season.

Baird & Gan - Stays

Sarawak FA

Kalle Sonne & Guy Bwelle(Cameroon)

Roberts Alberts used his extensive scouting coverage by bringing Sonne and Bwelle who have had experiences playing in the Dutch league. Guy Bwelle has played all the games so far whereas Sonne feature in the first two games of the season. Bwelle has looked rock solid in defense as he combination with Yosri Derma Raju has worked wonders. In their last macth, Bwelle looked impressive against Selangor. Sonne showed glimpses of his ability in the first two matches of the season but injury has curtailed his progress. However, when he comes back, he will provide ample ammunition for the likes of Zamri Morshidi and Ashri Chuchu.

Sonne & Bwelle - Stays

Terengganu FA

Francis Forkey Doe(Liberia) & Baiano(Brazil)

They may have came in late but what an impression they have created. Doe has been impressive with three goals out of two games whereas Baiano has helped improved the already talented Terengganu midfield. The teams looks stronger this season with these two players. Doe, who has played for the likes of DC United has formed a potent partnership with Ashaari Shamsuddin and Abdul Manaf Mamat. His finishing, workrate and skills are his best attributes. Baiano certainly has that Brazilian flair in him as he has been impressive in the last 2 games. Shoring up the midfield and creating chances, Mat Zan has found 2 gems for his side.

Doe and Baino - Stays

T Team Terengganu

Zachariah Simukonda(Zambia) & Bojan Petric(Bosnia)

Simukonda may have been revelation last time but age has caught up to him and it is evident through his performances. His aggression, awareness and pace has waned but his finishing is still intact. However, the fast tempo of the Malaysian game have caught up to him and T Team needs to find a younger forward to continue their impressive run. Bojan Petric has added some dimension into the team's defense and he has been impressive so far for the team. The Bosnian has looked impressive as his vision, awareness and tactical brilliance have helped shore up the defense. T Team will need him to be on song all the time as he has what it takes to bring this club side forward.

Petric - Stays

Simukonda - Released

Malaysia Super League Review (Matchweek 3)

Malaysia Super League Review (Matchweek 3)

Felda United 1 - 0 Selangor

Sweltering heat conditions in Melaka proved too hot for Selangor as they were defeated 1-0 by Felda United. Azrul Ahmad, former Malaysian youth international scored the solitary goal of the game as their aggressive tactics proved too strong for Selangor. Though Selangor came back strongly in the second hald, but Felda’s defence led by Nazri Ahmad were rocks solid as they managed to nullify the likes of Amri Yahyah.

Lions XII 2 – 1 Kuala Lumpur

Singapore side, Lions XII notched their first win of the season as the beat relegation battlers, Kuala Lumpur, 2-1. An own goal by Kuala Lumpur’s Alman Syazwan and Shahdan Sulaiman was enough for them to gain the three points. Kuala Lumpur got a consolation through Fauzan Abdullah. Kuala Lumpur continues to struggle as their lack of quality players have hampered their progress in the league

Kelantan 2 – 1 Johor FC

Kelantan notched their 2^nd win of the season as fan favourites, Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha proved to be the toast for The Red Warriors. Kelantan who were struggling to get the 2^nd goal had to thank super sub, Denny Antwi as he caused mayhem for the Johor FC. Johor FC’s skipper , Khairul Ismail sparked a fightback for the clubside by scoring the equalising goal but Indra’s goal killed off the game.

Perak 2 – 1 Negeri Sembilan

Akmal Rizal Rakhli has proved critics wrong as the super sub proved to be the star of the match. 2 brilliant goals from the National striker were enough to sink ‘Hoben Jang Hoben’. Emmanuel Effa Owona continued his great form as he buried a 30 metre free kick to silence the 15,000 odd crowd. However, Akmal’s contribution proved vital for Norizan bakar’s side as they are currently in 3^rd place after three games.

Selangor PKNS 0 – 0 Kedah

Kedah continued their poor perform this season as they were held by club side, Selangor PKNS, 0 – 0. Kedah, who had the likes of Baddrol Bakhtiar, Khyril Muhymeen and Faizal Abu Bakar in the side couldn’t penetrate the stout defence led by Ahmad Azlan Zainal and Mohd Fadhil Hashim. Kedah’s Brazilian forward, Daniel Baroni was a disappointment as the Brazilian has yet to open his account for Kedah and couldn’t adapt with the playing conditions.

Sarawak 0 – 1 Terengganu

Francis Doe proved to be an instant hit as the Liberian scored the only goal of the game in Kuching. Francis Doe and Baiano were given their debuts for Sarawak and they proved to be a hit as they impressed against the Borneo side. However, Sarawak was the stronger side as they were buoyed by their home support. However, they weren’t clinical enough against the experience Terengganu backline.

T Team Terengganu 0 – 0 Sabah

T Team’s winning streak was ended by Sabah as they were held 0-0 in Kuala Terengganu. T Team, who were impressive in the first 2 games were nullified by the strong Sabah defence led by Rethauddin Emran and Maffry Balang. Zairo Anuar Zalani, Zachariah SImukonda and Mohd Faiz Subri created many chances for the club side but they were hasty in front of goal and Syed Adney was in an inspired form for Sabah.

Foreign players registration deadline extended...

The FAM’s local competition committee has decided to extend the registration for foreign players until the 13^th of February after going through the appeals sent by teams who have yet to register their foreign players.

Teams like Johor FC, Selangor PKNS, MP Muar and Terengganu will be delighted with this new as they will be able to search for credible foreign signings and at the same bolster their squad.

Dato Hamidin Bin Haji Mohd Amin made this announcement during a press conference after the committee chaired an emergency meeting.

“Looking at all the appeals sent by the teams, for the importance of national football, the secretariat and competitions committee have decided to extend the foreign players registration till the 13^th of February”

“We came to this decision after consulting with FIFA as we want the teams to have at least 2 credible foreign players in their squad” said the FAM’s Local Competition Committee Chairman.

The guidelines for the foreign players still stand as the validity of the players will be checked by the secretariat before they are registered into the teams.

He has urged teams not to repeat their past mistakes and if any problem arises, he encouraged them to come forward and refer their problems to the competition committee secretariat.

FAM’s General Secretary, YH Lt Jen Dato Azzuddin Ahmad (Retired), hopes that the teams will make the right actions and follow the stipulated by FAM.

“I’m just hoping that these teams will make the right actions when registering their players and they should strictly adhere to the guidelines and the deadline set by the local competition committee”

“We didn’t take this action based on Terengganu’s plight but we looked at all the appeals sent by the teams as it is for the importance of Malaysian football” said Azzudin

Safee to Muangthong United?

Runners up of the Thai FA Cup, Muangthong United is rumoured to be interested to sign Pelita Jaya captain, Safee Sali.

According to Thai Sports news portal, Siam Sport, The 2009 and 2010 Thai League champions are interested to sign him as has been impressive in the Indonesia Super League.

Robbie Fowler, the club’s player – manager is on the prowl for a top forward and he seem to have set his eye on the former Selangor striker.

The Malaysian, who is currently the top scorer for Pelita Jaya is hellbent on staying with his team till his contract ends but if the PSSI issue is not resolved, he has since said that he might look for another club.

The PSSI is currently in the midst of an issue regarding their official league with the Indonesian Super League (ISL) deemed to be unofficial. 

Rumors also suggest that Safee Sali could also move to Belgian side CV Vise or A-League outfit Brisbane Roar. Both clubs are under the ownership of the Bakrie Family, who also run Safee's current club Pelita Jaya.

Matchweek 2: A tale of 2 east coast sides:T Team and Terengganu shines, Kelantan disappoints...

Kelantan couldn’t make their home advantage count as they were held by newly promoted side, Selangor PKNS.  Peter Butler reshuffled his line up and it proved to be the downfall as Faudzan Dzulkifli’s penalty was enough to deny Kelantan a victory in from of their home fans. Kelantan’s skipper, Badri Radzi scored the first goal but an uncharacteristic mistakefrom S.Subramaniam summed up Kelantan’s day. Kelantan had themselves to blame as their defense looked sloppy and they took their opponents lightly in this game.

The Borneo derby saw Sabah beating the regional rivals, Sarawak 2-1 in Kota Kinabalu. Michael Baird opened his account for Sabah to nab the 1^st goal and former Sarawak sensation, Bobby Gonzales scored the winning goal for the Rhinos. Promising forward, K.Ravindran scored the consolation goal for Robert Alberts’s side. The game was a heated affair, as one of the Sarawak players was sent off in the dying minutes of the game.

Safiq Rahim seems to have a knack for scoring goals against Perak as the National team captain scored the only goal of the game in Bukit Jalil. The 24 year old midfielder, scored after receiving a brilliant ball from Amri Yahyah which caught the Perak’s defense off guard. Selangor were the stronger side as they created flurry of chances as Perak were pegged back into their own half and only relied on counter attacks.

Negeri Sembilan continued their good run of form as Syakir Ali proved to be the toast as he scored two goals against home side, Johor FC. All eyes were on Effa Owona but this time the Cameroonian turned provider as he helped youngster, Syakir Ali score his first goals for Negeri Sembilan. Johor dominated the game as they created many chances but G.Mahathevan and Norhafiz Zamani Misbah were rock solid in defense.

 Kedah and Lions XII held out for a goalless draw as both sides collect their first points of the league. The drabby affair saw both sides only mustering 6 chances. Kedah were missing the presence of inspirational playmaker, Baddrol Bakhtiar as the Canaries were looking a shadow of themselves. V.Sundramoorthy would be glad to get a point from this tie as many teams have found it hard to beat Kedah in Alor Setar.

Ashaari Shamsuddin, showed his predatory instincts as the winger scored 2 goals to help Terengganu beat Felda United, 3-0 in Kuala Terengganu. The other goal was scored by midfielder, Ismail Faruqi after the 26 year old unleashed an unstoppable shot to beat Hamsani Ahmad. Terengganu were too strong for Felda as they dominated possession and showed real attacking verve against the club side. E.Elavarasan, known as Malaysia’s ‘Tinkerman’ saw his tinkering backfire as the players looked nervy against the Turtles.

T Team Terengganu are the league leaders with 6 points after thrashing Kuala Lumpur in the Hang Jebat Stadium. T Team who thrashed Kedah on Tuesday was the favorites for this tie and they proved their credentials by beating the struggling city side. Zairo Anuar Zalani is in a sizzling form as he has scored 3 goals in 2 games. Zachariah Simukonda opened his account for T Team as he scored the 2^nd goal of the game. Yunus Alif’s side were just a class above compared to the City Boys as they were well organized and looked promising during attacks.