Sunday 29 November 2015

Safuwan Baharudin [GOALS][Malaysia Cup 2015]



Compilation of Safuwan Baharudin ALL 5 Malaysia Cup 2015 Goals.

All 5 come from headers.

Not bad from a recently turn center-back to a center-mid with 5 goals in 8 games.

The former Melbourne City player return back to LionsXII as an improved player from the Melbourne stint.

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Wednesday 12th August 2015 Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore Matches!

Malaysia Super League:

Terengganu FA vs Perak FA
Johor Darul Ta'zim vs LionsXII
Selangor FA vs ATM FA
Sime Darby vs Sarawak FA
Pahang FA vs Kelantan

Thailand FA Cup: 4th Round:

Chiangrai United vs Kamphaengphet
Chainat FC vs Thai Honda
Sisaket FC vs Chonburi
Ratchaburi vs Samut Songk.
Police Utd vs Krabi FC
Muang Thong vs Osotspa FC
Army United vs Port FC
Bangkok Glass vs Buriram United

Singapore Cup Quarterfinal:

Warrios FC vs Home United

*Live Streaming Links will not be provided.

Thursday 16 July 2015

Barclays Asia Trophy: Arsenal drub Singapore Select XI 4-0

An under-strength Arsenal qualify for the final on Saturday, when they will meet Everton. Goals from Chuba Akpom and Jack Wilshere helped the Gunners to a comfortable win over the hosts.

SINGAPORE: An under-strength Arsenal side qualified for the final of the Barclays Asia Trophy on Saturday (Jul 18), beating a gutsy Singapore Select XI 4-0 on Wednesday evening.

A hat-trick from academy striker Chuba Akpom and a goal from the spot by England international Jack Wilshere helped the Gunners on their way to the win. The referee awarded two penalties to Arsenal, with Wilshere and Akpom both converting in front of a crowd of 29,867 at the National Stadium.

However, the match was also notable for the absentees from the match-day squad, with stars such as new keeper Petr Cech, Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott, Santi Cazorla and Laurent Koscielny not used.

On the field, the more established players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jack Wilshere, Mathieu Debuchy and Francis Coquelin all played their part to put the Gunners through the final.


Arsenal's Mathieu Debuchy (left) and Singapore Selext XI's Sirina Camara (right) at the National Stadium. (Photo: Xabryna Kek)


Singapore Select XI's Safuwan Baharudin (left) and Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (right) at the National Stadium. (Photo: Xabryna Kek)

Oxlade-Chamberlain was a constant threat, driving through Singapore Select’s midfield at will sometimes, and he had a shot cleared off the line by Madhu Mohana in the 58th minute.


Arsenal's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain showing concern to Singapore Select XI's Shaiful Esah. (Photo: Xabryna Kek)

Akpom, too, showed that he might be ready for the step-up into the first team with his pace and movement up top a constant worry for the host’s backline. This was particularly evident in the second half as the players in red tired.

The Singapore Select XI did not “park the bus”, as coach V Sundramoorthy promised too, which helped make for a more entertaining spectacle. The side held their own in the first half, with some composed, slick passing, but the visiting side’s better fitness and skills eventually shone through.


Singapore Select XI's Khairul Amri takes a free kick. (Photo: Xabryna Kek)

Ultimately, local Gunners fans were treated to a glimpse of the future when most of the academy youngsters were substituted in for the last half hour. The likes of Hector Bellerin, who had a breakthrough 2014/15 season, Gedion Zelalem and Jon Toral, who won the second penalty, all played a part in the comfortable victory.

"Singapore played really well, actually. Better than expected," said Nana Afiq, 16. "I thought they would be trashed 6-0, especially the second half. "I've been a fan of Arsenal since I was 8, so it's a huge achievement for me to get autographs and a picture with them as well. I'm really proud of you guys!"




"This is the first time we're watching an Arsenal match live," said Suyash, 28, and Vishesh, 30. "We've been fans for 11 years since 2004. We were so happy when they got the penalty kick. A great performance, keep winning, we are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!"



SINGAPORE SIDE 'ELECTRIFYING'

During the post-match press conference, Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger acknowledged that he left out nine players from the match-day squad with an eye on Saturday. “The players only came back on Friday, and I wanted them to have at least a week of training before they play,” he said.

As to whether the nine, including Cech, Cazorla and Ozil, will feature in the final against Everton on Saturday, Arsene said he has “not decided yet but we will see then, of course”.

He also took time to praise the Singapore Select XI, saying they were “very electrifying” in the first half, with the starting 11 all catching the eye. "I don’t know what they had for lunch,” Arsene said. “They didn’t create much, but it was difficult to get the ball off them."

Singapore Select XI coach V Sundramoorthy, too, said his side played well and “were unlucky with the two penalties”, otherwise the final score would be “more respectable”.

On the drop in performance in the second half, Sundram said: “For us, the games were played on fasting month unfortunately. Most of the boys were fasting. I wish that these games were played after the fasting month, and then we could have played the same way as we did in the first half.”

However, for midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman, the match was a “big eye opener”. “It was a really good footballing lesson,” he said, particularly the way they played through his team’s midfield.

"It was very enjoyable," Oxlade-Chamberlain said. "I think there were up to 30,000 fans, most of which had Arsenal shirts and were cheering for us so that's always very nice, especially when you're so far away from home."

Friday 10 July 2015

Safuwan to A-League Clubs: Come and get me!

Singapore defender says local players should aim to play abroad to further hone their skills

Safuwan Baharudin (in white), making his debut for Melbourne City against Melbourne Victory, did well in his stint in the A-League. In six appearances for the club in a variety of positions, he impressed fans by scoring twice and also bagging a Man-of-the-Match award. PHOTO COURTESY OF MELBOURNE CITY FC

By Sanjay Nair(ST)

Safuwan Baharudin wants a second shot at the A-League and has urged more of his compatriots to test themselves further afield.

The defender made regional headlines in January by being the first Singaporean to play in Australia's top league, joining Melbourne City on a three-month loan. However, he returned prematurely in April after suffering a back injury.

"I have unfinished business there, I would love to return to Melbourne if they want me," the 23-year-old told The Straits Times. "If another A-League club comes calling, I would consider it too, even if it's a short-term contract."

Yesterday, Safuwan - who was also the first Asean player to play in the A-League since Thai forward Sutee Suksomkit in 2009 - received some encouraging news from Down Under.

In an interview with ESPN FC, Melbourne City captain Patrick Kisnorbo said the Singaporean was "too good to not be playing overseas", referring to him as "a great player who can play in the A-League with any club".

The former Australia international praised his versatility and desire to learn - traits which made Safuwan a quick fan favourite at the sister club of former English champions Manchester City.

In six A-League appearances in a variety of positions, he scored twice and earned a Man-of-the- Match award, helping Melbourne City achieve their highest-ever finish of fifth.

Safuwan was all set to feature in their play-off run alongside team-mates such as former Chelsea star Damien Duff until he injured his spine against Wellington Phoenix on April 12.

The Singapore international was ruled out of the rest of the A-League season, and was subsequently released from his contract.

Yet, he returned to LionsXII duty in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) within two weeks, sparking rumours of personal issues or his inability to settle in Melbourne.

Safuwan denied the claims, noting how his wife Alia Qistina had given up her air stewardess job to stay at their furnished two-bedroom apartment in the Docklands.

"I had - and still have - the goal of living in Melbourne for a long time," said the former Singapore Sports School student, whose contract with the LionsXII expires at the end of the season.

"Australia has one of the best leagues in Asia and I want to test myself away from home.

"We need more Singaporeans playing around the world to boost our profile and improve our skills."

It is perhaps a different mindset from Singapore midfielder Hariss Harun, who reportedly turned down a move to Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2013, in favour of a more lucrative deal with MSL champions Johor Darul Takzim.

LionsXII goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud - also a Johor target - faces a similar choice after being offered a trial at J-League club Matsumoto Yamaga following his stellar display in the Lions' 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw against Japan earlier this month.

Safuwan's own prospects look promising ahead of the new A-League season, which will kick off in October.

Just two of the 10 teams have filled their quota of five foreign players so far. Melbourne City, coached by Dutchman John van't Schip, have two available slots.

Safuwan had earned his first stint after impressing in the club's mid-season training camp that was held in Abu Dhabi.

He said: "I don't think I need another trial. I hope my time there has proven my ability to mix it with the best in Australia.

"My message to them is, 'Come and get me, I'm listening'."

Source: Straits Times

Thursday 2 July 2015

Safuwan should leave LionsXII to go overseas says former City captain

BY JASON DASEY(ESPN)

'You're too good to not be playing overseas.' That's the message to Singapore international Safuwan Baharudin from his former Melbourne City captain Patrick Kisnorbo, the ex-Leicester City and Leeds United defender.

Safuwan spent three months with the A-League side earlier this year, playing six competitive games as part of a loan deal from LionsXII. He scored two goals and helped the sister club of English giants, Manchester City, secure a play-off spot.

Apart from Safuwan's debut against Melbourne Victory on Feb. 7 when he was used as a midfielder, the 23-year-old played as a left or right fullback alongside central defender Kisnorbo in the Melbourne City back four. And the City skipper was impressed by what he saw

"Safuwan is a great player who can play in the A-League with any club," Kisnorbo told ESPN FC. "He is versatile and can fit into any team environment. He is a winner and someone that has a tremendous desire to learn.

"His best attributes were working in our team environment where he was able to adapt very quickly. He was very trustworthy which is very important in playing in defence."

Safuwan has scored for both club and country side returning from his Melbourne City stint. Picture credit: FAS

Safuwan cut short his A-League stay at the end of April citing a back injury, yet returned to LionsXII duty in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) within two weeks. He's continued his goal-scoring form with LionsXII -- he was on the scoresheet in the 2-1 defeat at PDRM last Saturday while grabbing a brace in the Singapore national team's 4-0 victory in Cambodia last month -- and was part of the successful Malaysia FA Cup winning team on May 23.

Kisnorbo, who has earned 18 international caps for Australia and played alongside captain Lucas Neill at the 2007 AFC Asian Cup in Thailand, was sorry to see Safuwan go.

"Safuwan should test himself to go to the best level he can," he said. "He should play wherever he will improve.


"He is a player that I'm happy to say was great around the dressing room and helped the team a lot in pressure games which shows the kind of character that he has."

Kisnorbo, 34, who also played in the Scottish Premier League with Edinburgh club Hearts, recently signed a one-year contract extension with Melbourne City, a club he joined in 2013.

Safuwan Baharudin and former Leicester City captain Patrick Kisnorbo played together in defence for Melbourne City last season.

His career highlights include being named Leeds United Player of the Year in 2009-10, being part of a Leeds side that knocked out Manchester United from the FA Cup that same season, and scoring his first international goal in 2009 as Australia faced South Korea in Seoul.

He added that he would be open to a move to Asia at the completion of his Melbourne City contract. "I've never played Asian club football so this might be a good experience for me in the future," he said.

"But for now, I'm focusing on the upcoming A-League season with Melbourne City."

Safuwan's next assignment is a MSL home match against Kelantan at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday in what is a rematch of May's FA Cup final.

Saturday 20 June 2015

Malaysian Super League 2015 | LionsXII vs ATM [3-1] Match Highlights



Malaysian Super League Full Time:

LionsXII 3-1 ATM

39' Fazly Alias(OG)
51' Safuwan Baharudin
84' Shahdan Sulaiman


Safuwan played in three different position today, as a center back, central midfielder and also center forward! Scored one, and assist one.

Shahdan scores on his first touch after coming in from the bench!

Youtube Link

Thursday 18 June 2015

Japan looking ahead to gaining revenge on Singapore in the return fixture.

Japan striker Keisuke Honda gestures after missing a shot during the second half of Tuesday night’s 2016 World Cup Asian qualifying match against Singapore at Saitama Stadium.

By Sean Carroll / Special to The Japan News

SAITAMA — Being booed off the pitch under a steady downpour wasn’t how Japan’s World Cup qualifying campaign was supposed to start.

The Samurai Blue had been ruthless in Vahid Halilhodzic’s first three friendly games in charge, and was expected to saunter through its second-round Asian qualifying group for the 2018 competition in Russia.

Reality hit home with a thud at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday, though, as lowly Singapore held on for a historic 0-0 draw to leave the hosts shellshocked.

“After that kind of result it can’t be helped,” Keisuke Honda said of the team’s unfavorable reception as it trudged off. “It’s only to be expected.”

Maya Yoshida agreed.

“It is what it is,” the ashen-faced Southampton defender replied when asked about the jeering. “If you don’t win at home against a team that’s considered to be of a lower rank, then that’s bound to happen.”

“Of course it’s a shock, but we can turn things around,” Honda added. “We’ve only just started and this shows just how difficult the qualifiers for the World Cup are.

“These kind of things happen. Individually we had to convert our chances. We weren’t just taking easy shots, though, and they also defended well.”

That was especially true of Singapore goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, who had a sensational 90 minutes between the posts, repelling strike after strike with a series of stunning saves.

“They were coming for 45 minutes, that was all I could see,” a beaming Mahbud told reporters of the second-half siege Japan laid on his goal. “I just tried my best to save every ball. I think it was my day.”

Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was impressed with his counterpart’s display, but suggested that the Samurai Blue need to address the age-old issue of profligacy in front of goal.

“I don’t think we can talk about luck,” the 32-year-old said. “We have to come to terms with the fact that while we were making plenty of chances, we weren’t able to score on any of them.

“We had a similar game aiming for the 2014 World Cup here against North Korea, where the ball just wouldn’t go in until Maya [Yoshida] finally scored right at the end. I want for us to be able to overcome those kind of games.”

Hiroki Sakai conceded that Japan’s end product left something to be desired, but insisted that the side doesn’t need to adjust the way it plays against compact teams that sit back and aim to soak up pressure.

“It’s not a case of just committing players forward,” the Hannover 96 defender said. “If we can change the final quality then things will be different. The important thing is to keep going and have that belief.”

Keeping the faith is not always easy when slip-ups prompt boos, and Tomoaki Makino — who hit the post with one of Japan’s clearest chances — admitted that the players are affected by the expectations heaped upon them.

“Of course we felt it,” the Urawa Reds defender said. “The game was a sellout and the atmosphere when we came out onto the pitch was incredible.

“We wanted to take three points from this game, to play the football the coach is aiming for with fast, direct passes. I think that was on display on the pitch, but the accuracy of the final shots wasn’t quite there.”

The self-proclaimed “mood-maker” was adamant, like Sakai, that the team was not despondent and still dedicated to playing its traditional style of patient, passing football when the next qualifier comes around on Sept. 3 against Cambodia — and already looking ahead to gaining revenge on Singapore in the return fixture.

“After the game the words flying around among the coach and players were that we have to carry this on into the next game and make sure that when we play Singapore away we bring back the three points,” he said.

“It’s not finished. We didn’t lose. Our heads aren’t down.”

Tuesday 16 June 2015

Japan ranked 52nd held to scoreless draw by 154th-ranked Singapore


Singapore's Muhammad Zulfahmi Bin Mohd Arifin (left) and Japan's Shinji Okazaki vie for the ball during Tuesday's 2018 World Cup qualifier at Saitama Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. | AP

BY ANDREW MCKIRDY(JT)

JUN 16, 2015

SAITAMA – Japan got its 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign off to an embarrassing start after being held to a 0-0 home draw by Singapore on Tuesday.

A crowd of 57,533 arrived at Saitama Stadium expecting to see Japan, which is bidding to claim a place at a sixth straight World Cup, breeze past Singapore, which is ranked 154th in the world and has never qualified for the world’s top tournament.

But an inspired performance by Singapore goalkeeper Mohamad Izwan and some wasteful finishing by Japan meant that the game finished scoreless, giving the home side a reality check after winning its first three games under new manager Vahid Halilhodzic.

“I’ve never seen a situation like this before in my career,” said Halilhodzic. “We kept creating chances and the players gave everything to get the win. The only thing that was missing was a goal.

“If we had been able to get a goal, then it would have turned out to be a different game. It’s difficult to accept but there is no need to be despondent.”

Japan, which is ranked 52nd, has also been grouped with Afghanistan, Cambodia and Syria in its opening qualifying round, but Singapore now holds the early upper hand after beating Cambodia 4-0 in its first match.

“At home, in front of great support like this, we have to win,” said captain Makoto Hasebe. “When you play against a team that is well organized like tonight, you have to play faster than we did. We’ve only just started and we need to take the frustration from tonight and use it to our advantage.”

Japan began the match with only one change from the lineup that beat Iraq 4-0 in a friendly last Thursday, with FC Tokyo’s Kosuke Ota replacing the injured Yuto Nagatomo at left back.

Shinji Kagawa forced a flying save out of Izwan in the 12th minute as Japan quickly settled into an attacking rhythm, before Shinji Okazaki shot wide after a surge forward from Hasebe.

Kagawa tried again in the 23rd minute before Okazaki failed to finish off a flowing passing move soon after, and Tomoaki Makino headed a corner wide as Japan began to approach halftime with the game still scoreless.

Kagawa almost threaded the ball into the net despite close attention from the Singapore defense as the second half got underway, but Japan still could not find the target as Takashi Usami wasted a series of chances to break the deadlock.

The home side’s task was made even more difficult by Izwan’s heroics in the Singapore goal, and the ‘keeper pulled off a fantastic save to claw Okazaki’s header off the line in the 55th minute.

Halilhodzic threw on another striker when he replaced Kagawa with Yuya Osako six minutes later, but Izwan again denied Japan with another brilliant save from a Keisuke Honda header.

Photo: Japan Times

Honda then hit the crossbar from a free kick before the ‘keeper smothered Usami’s rebound shot, and although Japan proceeded to throw everything at the visitors in a grandstand finish, Singapore held firm to claim a point that few saw coming at the start of the evening.

“If you don’t take your chances, then this is the kind of result that you get,” said Okazaki. “We defended well but we just couldn’t put the ball in the net.”

Group E Standings:

Photo: FIFA


Source: Japan Times

World Cup Qualifiers & AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers | Japan vs Singapore LIVE STREAMING

Photo: Straits Times
Irfan Fandi scores again Japan U22


Japan vs Singapore LIVE STREAMING -
Links will be updated nearer to the time of the match.

Link 1 Link 2 Link 3




Saturday 13 June 2015

28th SEA Games 2015 | Thailand U23 vs Indonesia U23 LIVE STREAMING




13th June 2015, Saturday

Semifinal 2:

Thailand  vs  Indonesia

Kick Off: 8.30PM(Singapore Time, +8GMT)

Venue:

National Stadium, Kallang


FINAL:
Myanmar U23 vs Thailand U23[0-3]

3rd/4th Play Off:
Vietnam U23 vs Indonesia U23[5-0]

Friday 12 June 2015

Safuwan brace drives Singapore to opening AFC WC Qualifiers win

By ESPN Staff

Safuwan Baharudin's brace helped Singapore to a 4-0 away win against Cambodia in their opening Group E World Cup qualifier. Photo credit: Melbourne City

Utility player Safuwan Baharudin scored two first half goals to inspire Singapore to a thumping 4-0 away victory over Cambodia in their AFC second round 2018 World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh.

It was the opening match of Group E, which also contains 2011 Asian champions Japan, Syria and Afghanistan.

After striker Khairul Amri had given the Lions a 1-0 lead in the first 10 minutes, Safuwan struck in the 21st and 35th minutes to put Bernd Stange's side in firm control before half time.

The LionsXII enforcer -- who became his nation's first import to the A-League after a successful spell with Melbourne City earlier this year -- followed his goals with a yellow card as Singapore went into half time with a 3-0 lead. Earlier in the half, he had been stretchered off the pitch after receiving a knock.

The visitors extended their advantage when Warriors FC forward Fazrul Nawaz turned in a chest-down from midfielder Hariss Harun to put Singapore ahead 4-0 in the 54th minute.

They almost made it 5-0 in the 65th minute when a free kick from Shaiful Esah cannoned off the bar.

Veteran forward Shahril Ishak came on for Khairul Amri in the 79th minute, earning his 124th cap making him the most capped international in Singapore history.

At 154th in the FIFA rankings, Singapore are 24 places above Cambodia, who had lost 4-2 to the island nation in a pre-AFF Suzuki Cup friendly last November.

In their next World Cup qualifiers on June 16, Singapore will play Japan in Saitama while Cambodia host Afghanistan.

Singapore starting lineup: Izwan Mahbud (GK), Shaiful Esah, Madhu Mohana, Hafiz Sujad, Safuwan Baharudin, Zulfahmi Arifin, Nazrul Nazari, Hariss Harun (C), Izzdin Yacob, Fazrul Nawaz, Khairul Amri

Catch the Cambodia vs Singapore all four goals here! -> http://hilmiofficial.blogspot.sg/2015/06/2018-fifa-world-cup-qualifiers-cambodia.html?m=1

Source: ESPN

Sunday 7 June 2015

SEA Games 2015 | Singapore U23 vs Cambodia U23 LIVE STREAMING




28th SEA Games Singapore 2015:

Singapore U23 vs Cambodia U23

8 JUNE 2015, Monday
8:30PM(Singapore Time, +8GMT)

Photo: FAS

Probable Singapore U23 Line Up:

Syazwan Buhari (GK);
Al-Qaasimy Rahman (C), Sheikh Abdul Hadi, M Anumanthan, Shakir Hamzah; 
Adam Swandi, Safirul Sulaiman, Pravin Guanasagaran, Faris Ramli;
Sahil Suhaimi;
Irfan Fandi

Saturday 30 May 2015

Football Vietnam vs Malaysia 2 Jun (Bishan Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING



Football Vietnam vs Malaysia 2 Jun (Bishan Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING
2nd June 2015, Tuesday
8.30pm, Local Time(+8GMT)

Football 2 Jun Myanmar vs Indonesia (Jalan Besar Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING



Football 2 Jun Myanmar vs Indonesia (Jalan Besar Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING

2nd June 2015, Tuesday
8.30PM Local Time(+8GMT)

Football Philippines vs Singapore 1 June (Jalan Besar Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING



Football Philippines vs Singapore 1 June (Jalan Besar Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING

1 June 2015, Monday
8.30PM Local Time(+8GMT)

28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 | Football Thailand vs Timor-Leste 1 June (Bishan Stadium) LIVE STEAMING



28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 | Football Thailand vs Timor-Leste 1 June (Bishan Stadium) LIVE STEAMING

1st June 2015, Monday
8.30PM Local Time(+8GMT)

Football Brunei vs Laos 31 May (Bishan Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING



Football Brunei vs Laos 31 May (Bishan Stadium) | 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 LIVE STREAMING

31st May 2015, Sunday
8.30PM Local Time(+8GMT)

28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 | Football Malaysia vs Timor-Leste 30 May (Bishan Stadium) LIVE STREAMING



Football Malaysia vs Timor-Leste 30 May Preliminary round of 28th SEA Games Singapore 2015 (30 May 2015)
30th May 2015, SATURDAY
8.30PM LOCAL TIME(+8 GMT)

Sunday 24 May 2015

Malaysian FA Cup FINAL: Kelantan FA 1-3 LionsXII FULL Match Highlights!

Photo: Football Association of Singapore

FULL TIME:

LionsXII are the Malaysian FA Cup Champions!!!


LionsXII 3-1 Kelantan FA
6' Faris Ramli
83' Sahil Suhaimi
90+2' Sahil Suhaimi(pen)

All 3 goals comes from Singapore SEA GAMES PLAYERS!

‪#‎LionsXII‬ ‪#‎PialaFA2015‬ ‪#‎SGfootball‬




Match Report:


Malaysian FA Cup Final | Kelantan 1-3 LionsXII | Singaporeans snatch first ever FA Cup

By Mark Dawson(Goal.com)

Photo: asiana.my

Despite being under pressure for much of the game, Lions XII struck two late goals to snatch their first ever FA Cup

The Singaporean team shocked the large pro-Kelantan crowd with a goal out of nowhere on seven minutes. There seemed little danger when Izzdin Shafiq picked up the ball within his own half, but he put a piercing ball behind the Kelantan right-back and centre-half which Faris Ramli scampered onto in a flash. Khairul Fahmi was forced to leave his line and try and close down Ramli, who in turn rounded the keeper and slotted home cooly.

However this goal was not a sign of things to come, as for the remainder of the first half it was a tide of red as Kelantan pressed hard to get back into the game. Five minutes after the equaliser and Wan Zack Haikul who got behind the Lions defence, but his firm shot across goal was well saved by Izwan Mahbud.

The Red Warriors foreign strikeforce of Erwin Carillo and Gilmar were beginning to make their mark on the game, and Carillo had a fine chance to level on the 25 minute mark. While the striker may have been guilty of pushing Nazul Nazari in the build-up, after this he skillfully sidestepped defender Madhu Mohana to find himself one on one with Mahbud who saved brilliantly with his legs.

With Kelantan firmly on top and Lions unable to keep the ball, it was again Wan Zack and Carillo who again linked up on the half hour mark, with the winger getting to the byline and cutting back for the Columbian whose shot was desperately blocked on the line by Nazul Nazari. Five minutes after this it was the turn of Gilmar to come close, as he missed from eight yards after Lions made a mess of clearing a bouncing ball in their area.

Although Lions XII were able to see out the last ten minutes of the first half with little fuss, as soon as the second half got underway they again found their backs against the ball. Mahbud had to be quick of his line on 50 minutes to foil Carillo, who had been played in by Gilmar, while ten minutes after this Nazul Nazari was again the man between Carillo and the goal when he intercepted Gilmar’s dangerous ball across goal.

But the Singaporean team could not hold out forever, and on 62 minutes the richly deserved equaliser came. Gilmar was given far too much time and space to bring a ball down on his chest and turn, and his through ball was met by the tireless Wan Zack who poked home ahead of Mahbud. Soon after the equaliser, Carillo came close to the goal he deserved with a blistering shot from 25 yards, which despite having good power, was straight at Mahbud who parried over.

Even though Lions somewhat rebounded after the goal, having more of the ball than in the previous hour, it was still Kelantan who looked to be heading to victory, especially with the powerful Iwuji Amachi being introduced from the bench and many Singaporean players dropping due to cramp and injury.

However on 81 minutes the stadium was stunned as Lions again took the lead, this time through substitute Sahil Suhaimi. The goal came from a poor mistake from Nik Shahrul, who under no pressure executed a sloppy pass giving the ball straight to Suhaimi ,who drove forward past Amirizwan Taj before firing low past a flailing Khairul Fahmi.

Depsite Gilmar again going close with a curling effort on 89 minutes, it was Lions who amazingly wrapped up the game in stoppage time after Amirizwan clumsily felled Sahil Suhaimi as the two chased a long ball into the Kelantan area. Suhaimi dusted himself off to send Fahmi the wrong way and secure Lions first ever Malaysia FA Cup title.

Saturday 23 May 2015

Super sub Sahil Suhaimi inspires LionsXII to win first Malaysia FA Cup

By Kelvin Leong(ESPN)

Substitute forward Sahil Suhaimi's second half brace proved decisive for LionsXII. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

LionsXII forward Sahil Suhaimi came off the bench to score a late brace in a 3-1 victory over Kelantan FA to help the Singapore side win the Malaysia FA Cup for the first time at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday night.

Suhaimi edged LionsXII ahead 2-1 in the 80th minute before putting the game beyond reach when he converted a penalty in added time.

Like most Cup finals, both teams started the game in cagey fashion but it did not take long for LionsXII to bulge goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat's net.

Right-back Nik Shahrul Azim was caught out by Izzdin Shafiq's majestic through ball in the seventh minute to find Faris Ramli, who rounded Fahmi before slotting into an empty net.

Five minutes later, Kelantan almost drew level when Wan Zack Haikal beat the offside trap but Izwan Mahbud stuck out a leg to push it out for a corner.

It was all Kelantan at that point with Gilmar da Silva and Erwin Carrillo calling the shots in attack.

The giant Brazilian hitman found space in the 17th minute but could only rifle his shot into the Kelantan crowd behind the goal.

Azraai Khor's team had two magnificent opportunities in the 25th and 26th minutes to level the game, but Izwan and right-back Nazrul Nazari stood tall to deny them.

Gilmar combined with Carrillo but after doing the hard work to get past Madhu Mohana, the latter was up in arms as Izwan stuck out a leg to push the ball away.

Barely a minute later, Wan Zack's cut-back found Carrillo whose shot was brilliantly blocked by Nazrul to maintain LionsXII's one-nil advantage.

The visitors finally carved out another opportunity in the 34th minute when some fine work from Faris allowed Khairul Amri to angle his shot just wide off the left post.

Pressure was back on Izwan's goal from the restart when Carrillo's knock-down left Gilmar all the time in the world, only to see the forward drill his effort narrowly wide.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Kelantan dominating possession, and Wan Zack beginning to influence the game more.

Midfielder Wan Zack Haikal raised Kelantan hopes by scoring the equaliser in the second half. Photo credit: Asiana.my

It was Carrillo and Gilmar who carried the greatest threat with the Colombian breaking free in the 52nd minute. But man-of-the-match Izwan came up with another save to halt him in his tracks. Gilmar skied the subsequent corner as the momentum continued to go the way of the Red Warriors.

Kelantan's efforts finally paid off in the 63rd minute when a Gilmar through ball found Wan Zack who poked it past a charging Izwan to level the scores at 1-1 and send the sea of red into a mad frenzy.

Sensing a turning of the tide, the Red Warriors went for broke and almost fashioned a second goal two minutes later when Carrillo's 20-yard rocket was tipped over by a leaping Izwan.

Azraai Khor made a bold move by bringing on another attacker in Farhan Mohamad on 71 minutes for holding midfielder Norhafiz Zamani. The substitute made an instant impact when he rattled the post with a scorcher two minutes later.

Just when the game looked to be heading into extra-time, Sahil Suhaimi -- who came on in the 58th minute for Khairul Nizam -- went on a mazy run in the 82nd minute after stealing the ball from Nik Shahrul. He cut in and fired a peach of a shot past a stranded Fahmi Che Mat to give the LionsXII a shock 2-1 lead.

Midfielder Faris Ramli opened the scoring in the first half for LionsXII in their 3-1 win against Kelantan in the Malaysia FA Cup final. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

Try as they might but Kelantan could not come up with a second equaliser.

It was Sahil who made it 3-1 from the penalty spot in the first minute of extra-time after being brought down by Amirizwan Taj Tajuddin.

Referee Zanzaudu Katimin took little time to blow the final whistle to give LionsXII their first ever Malaysia FA Cup title. This is the Singapore outfit's second piece of silverware, to go with their 2013 Malaysian Super League title.

Kelantan:
Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Zairul Fitree Ishak, Jon McKain, Amirizdwan Taj Tajuddin, Noor Hazrul, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (Farhan Mohamad 71'), Badhri Radzi (C), Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria, Wan Zack Haikal (Austin Amutu 74'), Erwin Carrillo, Gilmar Da Silva

LionsXII: Izwan Mahbud (GK) (C), Hafiz Sujad, Madhu Mohana, Zulfahmi Arifin, Nazrul Nazari, Izzdin Shafiq, Safuwan Baharudin, Gabriel Quak (Christopher Van Huizen 88'), Faris Ramli, Khairul Amri (Firdaus Kasman 80'), Khairul Nizam (Sahil Suhaimi 58')

Why Safuwan Baharudin can hit the big time at Bukit Jalil Stadium

By Neil Humreys(Four Four Two)


Neil Humphreys believes the Malaysia FA Cup final represents a chance for returning LionsXII player Safuwan Baharudin to crossover and become a real mainstream star...

Safuwan Baharudin has already dipped a toe in the water. Now he’s ready to swim in the mainstream. Saturday’s date at the Bukit Jalil Stadium represents a real opportunity to break out from the back pages and make a dash for the front.

The Malaysia FA Cup final is his crossover moment. No successful performer can sustain a healthy career without one.

As it stands, in musical terms, Safuwan is a respected indie artist, with three notable highpoints already on his resume – the Suzuki Cup, the Malaysian Super League and a solid stint in the A-League with Melbourne City.



The last one was pivotal, leaving him on the brink. When he scored against Adelaide United in February, he became more than Singapore’s first footballer to score Down Under. He became the nation’s first social media footballer.

Melbourne’s big brother - Manchester City - sent out a congratulatory tweet praising his goal. Almost overnight, Safuwan’s name was briefly familiar to millions, tweeted and shared by the pale blue multitudes.

He reached more global followers than any sporting Singaporean in social media’s short history.

But it wasn’t quite enough at home. Through no fault of his own, Safuwan remained on the periphery, an unlucky footballer handicapped by bad timing. He’s hitting a peak when his profession is stuck in a trough.

The 23-year-old remains the biggest fish in an ever-shrinking pond, the main man in a sport followed by a dwindling minority. Beyond the smallish bubble of the LionsXII and the senior national side, Safuwan’s name probably isn’t on the tip of the average Singaporean’s tongue.

He’s still waiting for his crossover moment.

Whether it’s David Beckham’s looping effort from the halfway line against Wimbledon, Wayne Rooney’s thumping strike against Arsenal or Fandi Ahmad’s finish against Inter Milan, there is usually a turning point, a clear transition from vague awareness to nationwide brand, from base camp to summit.

And Singapore football could certainly use a household name. With a bit of luck, they may pop up like proverbial buses. After waiting in vain, two could come along at once in Safuwan at the Malaysian FA Cup Final and then Irfan Fandi at the upcoming SEA Games.

Their timing could not be more propitious.


Passing on the baton

The S.League continues to trumpet its development plans to drown out the faint death knell that ominously chimes in the background. The senior squads chalked up some woeful results and the LionsXII’s unexpected run to Saturday’s final helped to draw a veil over several poor league performances.

Singapore’s winter of discontent may slowly dissipate if Safuwan maintains that spring in his step. He’s a new hope after so much despair. And it only takes one.

Every generation needs at least one to collect the baton from a predecessor and pass it forward. But there hasn’t really been anyone since Alexandar Duric retired, no footballer who has quite stretched beyond the game’s cocoon and into the national consciousness.

That’s the true litmus test for a crossover footballer in Singapore. If his name filters through the social funnel and spills across school playgrounds, coffee shops and even Raffles Place smoothie bars, then he’s extended his sphere of influence. He’s taken the local game beyond its traditional borders.

After a training session this week, the Lions XII received pep talks from several stars of the 1994 Dream Team. The symbolism was obvious. The Dream Team were Singapore’s last crossover side, where almost every member was a household name.

They didn’t just make the mainstream. They owned the mainstream.

In the current climate, that’s probably too much too ask for. Besides, one is enough for now. Just as every Grammy Awards requires a breakthrough artist, Singapore football needs a Safuwan Baharudin.

And he stands ready, baton in hand.

The 23-year-old returned from Australia a different footballer, a harder footballer. He acclimatised to the cauldrons of Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide and now plays at white heat. His colossal contribution in his first game back – the 2-1 first-leg win over Terengganu – left Fandi showering him in superlatives.


Wise beyond his years, Safuwan is a quick study in possession, reading the play like a quarterback, comfortable on the ball, always unhurried. His midfield partnership with Izzdin Shafiq mirrors his defensive relationship with Baihakki Khaizan when they won the 2013 Malaysia Super League: coherent, coordinated and rarely flustered.

Safuwan proves that “utility” isn’t necessarily a dirty word. He changes positions because he excels in most positions, not because he’s a master of none.

Fandi knows what Safuwan brings to the LionsXII. So do his team-mates, their supporters, the Football Association of Singapore and even Melbourne City.

He’s primed now for the next step. A rare sporting talent is potentially just a game away from becoming a national icon.

As the familiar faces of the Dream Team demonstrate, Singaporean cup success in Malaysia offers a direct window into the mainstream.

At Bukit Jalil, Safuwan can break on through to the other side.

Source: http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/features/why-safuwan-can-hit-big-time-bukit-jalil#w0Wv8OpSPhch3tGj.99

Safuwan warns mates to be mentally prepared in Cup final

BY JOASH EE DE SILVA(The Star)

Safuwan (left) in one of the experienced hands in Lions XII set-up in the FA Cup final against Kelantan on Saturday. Photo: Melbourne City

PETALING JAYA: Don’t be overcome by stage fright.

Singapore Lions XII’s seasoned campaigner Safuwan Baharudin wants his team-mates to be mentally prepared to deal with the bumper 100,000-capacity crowd expected for the FA Cup final against Kelantan at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.

“We must not let the crowd get to us,” warned Safuwan upon the team’s arrival at a leading hotel in Seri Kembangan on Thursday.

The 23-year-old Safuwan, with more than 50 caps for Singapore, said that the players should be prepared for the electrifying atmosphere.


“It’s a big occasion for the young players and they must learn to stay calm. The important thing is not to be intimidated by the fans. Once you lose focus, it will lead to mistakes and it will affect your game,” said Safuwan.

The defensive midfielder returned from a three-month loan at A-League side Melbourne City in April after scoring two goals in six appearances for the club. He was forced to cut short the stint due to injury last month.

Safuwan made his debut for Lions XII in the hotly-disputed FA Cup semi-final return-leg clash against Terengganu at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak last Saturday. Terengganu won 3-2 for a 4-4 aggregate but Lions XII advanced on the away goals rule.

Lions XII coach Fandi Ahmad will take advantage of Safuwan’s vast experience to put the shackles on Kelantan’s attacking trio of Austin Amutu of Nigeria, Erwin Carrillo of Colombia and national striker Mohd Norfarhan Mohd.

Safuwan expects the final to be a close affair.

“I’ve played against Kelantan for the last four years ... I know their strengths and weaknesses. It’ll be 50-50 ... it depends on who wants it more,” he said.

Malaysia FA Cup final: Fandi vows to surprise Cup specialists Kelantan

By Kelvin Leong(ESPN)

Head coach Fandi Ahmad is ready to spring a surprise by going on the attack when LionsXII take on Kelantan in the 2015 Malaysia FA Cup final at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Saturday night.

Kelantan's new forwards, comprising of Nigerian Austin Amutu and Brazilian import Gilmar Jose da Silva Filho, have been a revelation since they joined the Red Warriors during the April transfer window, replacing Isaac Pupo and Emmanuel Kenmogne.

In less than a month, they have scored five times between them, while helping Colombian striker Erwin Carrillo to an impressive five goal tally since their arrival.

While fans are expecting LionsXII to continue their renowned counter attacking game away from home, head coach Fandi stunned the pre-match media conference when he hinted at a change of tactics to outsmart Kelantan with an offensive style of football.

He said: "The (Kelantan) attackers are dangerous and the wingers are good like Wan [Zahrulnizam] Zakaria, [Wan Hack] Haikal and their three foreign players. The danger for us is if we give them too much space and time. Thus, we will try to stop it from happening before we start.

"Best form of defence is attack first. We will do something different. Hopefully, we can surprise everyone and come (out) as victors."

LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad said his team would attack Kelantan in the Malaysia FA Cup final on Saturday night. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

The Singapore legend was also quick to underline his team's status as outsiders and is hoping the match will be settled in normal time, without the much dreaded penalty shoot-out.

"We feel proud that we managed to enter the final," he said.

"I hope we can hype up the atmosphere, and we will play hard. We know that many feel that we are the underdogs because the Kelantan team have more experience than us. They have entered the FA Cup final a couple of times. However, we have to keep striving till the last minute. Hopefully, there will not be any penalty kicks."

One player who agrees with his coach's philosophy of giving their all until the very last minute is defensive rock Madhu Mohana.

He said: "I'll just give 100 percent like every other game and stick to the game plan. As defenders, keeping a clean sheet is like scoring a goal. We will do our best to protect our goal although we know its going to be very tough against Kelantan's top strike force."

The presence of Amutu and Gilmar alongside Carrillo, could spell trouble for Madhu and his defensive partner Zulfahmi Arifin. But the Singapore international believes that his teammates are used to handling top imports on a weekly basis.

LionsXII defender Madhu Mohana said his team are not perturbed by the presence of Kelantan's foreign import strikers. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore.

He said: "I think every other Malaysian team has good foreign strikers and we have been going up against them every week. We shouldn't be nervous or afraid at all. The key is to help each other out, double team the foreigners like we have been doing and I hope we can bring the same mentality to this match."

This is the LionsXII's first ever Malaysia FA Cup final in their four year history. Kelantan have made the final on four occasions in the last six years, winning it in back to back in 2012 and 2013.

Coupled with the LionsXII's unavailability to participate in AFC competitions and by virtue of being finalists in the FA Cup, Kelantan are guaranteed a spot in the 2016 AFC Cup qualifying playoff.

Malaysia FA Cup final: Seasoned Red Warriors ready for LionsXII rookies

By Dez Corkhill(ESPN)

The first major trophy of the Malaysian football season is up for grabs on Saturday as LionsXII from Singapore and Kelantan meet at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Both clubs upset the form book in dramatic fashion in the semifinals to book their places in the showpiece. For Kelantan, it will be their eighth big Kuala Lumpur final since 2009, compared to the Singapore team's first ever FA Cup final appearance.

Here are three thoughts on the 26th Malaysia FA Cup final:

1. Amazing Austin

Kelantan's Nigerian striker Iwuji Augustine Amamchi -- better known as Austin Amutu -- almost single-handedly propelled Kelantan past defending champions, Pahang, in last weekend's semifinal second leg.

Kelantan beat Pahang in the semifinal to seal a place in the showpiece event this weekend against LionsXII. Photo credit: Asiana.my

Introduced to the game as an impact substitute, 22-year-old Amutu couldn't have made a bigger impression. Brought on as a replacement for Badri Radzi, the 6-foot-1 striker scored twice in the last 15 minutes to send Kota Bahru into a frenzy. His first goal was all about raw power and a venomous shot with his right foot whilst his second -- in injury time -- was a mazy dribble followed by a calculated left-footed finish.

Amutu is the latest in a succession of power forward imports at Kelantan. Used to the free-scoring exploits of Mohammed Ghaddar, Dickson Nwakaeme and Francis Forkey Doe, Red Warriors fans have been critical of the signings -- and lack of goals -- from Prince Tagoe and Emmanuel Kenmongne. That means that Amutu is under more scrutiny than usual. His debut goal against Johor Darul Ta'zim and the late double in the semifinal already have him marked down as a Kelantan hero-in-waiting.

2. LionsXII's Mr Versatile

Zulfahmi Arifin is the reluctant centre-back who has made such a good job of his temporary role that he has become one of the first players picked by Fandi Ahmad.

Better known as a cultured left-footed midfielder, 23-year-old Zulfahmi was often criticised for not making more of his ability in the centre of the park. When LionsXII faced a defensive crisis with an injury to regular centre back Afiq Yunos -- and Safuwan Baharuddin's loan to Melbourne City in the A-League -- Zul earned the role in the heart of the LionsXII defence ahead of Wahyudi Wahid because of his height (he's 5-foot-10).

Zulfahmi Arifin has proved to be a good partner for defender Madhu Mohana in the LionsXII defence. Photo credit: LionsXII

Now, even though Safuwan is back from his loan spell, Zul has retained his place at centre-back, with Safuwan moving to central midfield. His positional sense and tackling ability have helped create a reliable partnership with Madhu Mohanna. And his ability to play from the back and pick out accurate 60-yard diagonal passes have been pivotal in LionsXII improved form over the past two months.

He remains adamant that his best position is in central midfield. But for Saturday's final, how Zul and Madhu cope with Kelantan's powerful forward line may well decide the destination of the Cup.

3. Scrutiny on security

Following the trouble that followed last weekend's semifinal in Kuala Terengganu after the home side had a late goal disallowed against LionsXII, there will be an enhanced police and security presence for the final. Kelantan are expected to have in excess of 60,000 fans at the stadium and they are certain to be at the venue early, having made the long trip down from the distant northeastern state.

About 30 buses of Singapore fans are expected to make the trip up to Kuala Lumpur for the final.

Bukit Jalil has suffered from security issues in the past, so the FAM and security forces will be extra keen to ensure that the match passes without incident.

Some 30 buses are also expected to make the journey from Singapore, and their fans will be segregated away from the expected Kelantan exodus. The day after the final has been declared a Kelantan state holiday, which will take some of the stress out of the return journey for the majority of supporters.

Even with the increased security measures, Kelantan fans are known to be almost fanatical in their support on the big occasion. Despite those coming up the North-South highway in numbers from Singapore, it will still feel like a Red Warriors home match as Kelantan try to win the FA Cup for the third time in four years.

With 25 years media experience, Asian commentator Dez Corkhill is a former VP of Astro Arena in Malaysia, and head of Sports Centred Media Services.

Malaysia FA Cup final: Singapore's Izwan returns to where it all started

By Kelvin Leong(ESPN)

Izwan Mahbud returns to Bukit Jalil where he launched his international career. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

Taking a deep breath and with slowed steps, we made our way down the tunnel, to the vibration of 90,000 stomping Malaysian fans throbbing above our heads.

It was July 2011 and the much anticipated return leg of the World Cup qualifying round in Kuala Lumpur, with Singapore holding a 5-3 advantage from the first match on home soil.

Earlier, when we boarded the team bus, the tension was culpable. As police escorts ushered our vehicle down the highway, fans decked in yellow and black were waving flags and scarves, giving us the thumbs down. A certain Aleksandar Duric lent forward to a young Izwan Mahbud and said: "No need to look outside. Focus. We are together."

Izwan nodded and stared straight ahead, replaying the tactical details that coach Radojko Avramovic and Lee Bee Seng had drilled into him during training.

Izwan Mahbud won the 2012 Suzuki Cup and 2013 MSL titles. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

Once at the stadium, he suited up but during the pre-match pitch inspection, he was walking slower than usual.

The sound was electrifying, banners were unfurled with Malaysian motifs and it was game on.

Izwan was chosen ahead of first choice goalkeeper Lionel Lewis and the young starlet put in a man-of-the-match performance, despite having laser flashlights shone into his eyes from the crowd.

"It was scary at first," Izwan told ESPN FC. "But I knew this was my time to shine. Lionel was not 100% fit and coach Raddy put faith in me to start, even though I only had two international caps before that. It was an atmosphere I never experienced before in my young playing career. But once the game started, all I thought about was to make sure not to let anything get past me. No time to think about anything else."

Since that fateful night at Bukit Jalil where it ended 1-1 -- 6-4 to Singapore on aggregate -- Izwan has matured beyond his years. He was part of the subsequent World Cup qualifying campaign before lifting the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup. He also won the 2013 Malaysian Super League (MSL) title with LionsXII.

At the age of 24, he has already earned 27 caps for Singapore and was made vice-captain of LionsXII for this season.

"Everything happened very quickly." Izwan said. "After that game at Bukit Jalil, my football career just took off. And since I'm part of LionsXII, there hasn't been much downtime to look back and think. At my age, I'm just happy to play as many games as I can and continue to develop by learning from Hassan [Sunny] and my coaches like Fandi, Bee Seng and Nazri [Nasir].

"I have become a much better player in the past three seasons. Having to face big crowds in the different Malaysian states also makes me realise how important it is to keep yourself calm and not let the fans affect or distract you. Once you let the atmosphere get into your head, you lose focus and as the last line of defence, I cannot afford that."

On Saturday night, Izwan returns to the hallowed ground of Bukit Jalil as part of the LionsXII contingent for the 2015 Malaysia FA Cup final against Kelantan.

At the age of 24, Izwan Mahbud is already a veteran of the national team. Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

At the other end of the pitch, Malaysia's national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat will be between the sticks for the Red Warriors so this could turn out to be a battle to see which custodian can produce the goods to lead his team to victory.

Izwan added: "Fahmi is Malaysia's top goalkeeper. He has a lot of experience and is a big game player. I've always liked his goalkeeping style and in this game. Both of us will have to deal with a lot of factors which makes it hard for a keeper.

"The noise level in the stadium makes it almost impossible for defenders to hear your commands. Knowing the Kelantan fans, it will be loud, very loud. Together with our traveling Singapore fans, communication with Madhu [Mohana] and the rest of the defenders will have to depend on hand signals. But we have played together as a team for a long time now, so we know each other's game and we can use that to our advantage."

In what will be the LionsXII's first Cup final since rejoining Malaysian domestic football in 2012, the sense of excitement has been building up on both sides of the Causeway, with more than 90,000 spectators expected to pack into Malaysia's National Stadium.

This could prove to be a daunting task for visiting Singaporeans.

"Coach Fandi asked us to go out there and enjoy the game, something I agree with," said Izwan as he removed his gloves after his final training session at Bukit Jalil.

"The pressure is there but we must also remember why we play the game. Our passion and love for football can be a motivational factor and that is a good starting point when we make our way out. Defence needs to be tight in what will be a cagey affair and our attackers must take their chances when they come. [Khairul] Amri and [Khairul] Nizam are in good form and our midfielders like Izzdin [Shafiq] and Faris [Ramli] have the ability to pick them out."

Having emerged from the 2011 encounter with his head held high, Izwan will be hoping for a euphoric return as LionsXII look to get past Azraai Khor's Red Warriors, at the same iconic venue that effectively launched his career.

"This is a Cup final, two good teams will come out trying to win," Izwan said. "Football is a funny game, you never know what is going to happen. So let's go out there, be ourselves and not worry about the crowd."

Kelvin Leong, a Singapore-based Editor for ESPN FC, is former media officer for the Singapore national team and ex-regional editor of ESPNSTAR.com.

Coaches fire first salvo before Cup final


LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad (second from left) and Kelantan coach Azraai Khor Abdullah (second from right) TNP PHOTO: JONATHAN CHOO

BY DAVID LEE(TNP)

One thing's for sure for the Malaysian FA Cup final - both Kelantan and the LionsXII are up for the intense battle that will unfold at theBukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (May 23).

At the pre-match press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Friday (May 22) afternoon, both coaches were confident of winning.

"Now that we are the last Malaysian team standing, and we are taking on a Singaporean side, a lot of pride is at stake," said Kelantan coach Azraai Khor Abdullah.

"In a way, we are representing every Malaysian team, so we want to keep the FA Cup in Malaysia."

Despite his team's rather dismal record of just one win and six losses in seven previous encounters against Kelantan, LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad is optimistic of his team's chances.

He said: "So what if our past record is not good? We will overcome that tomorrow. We will make it happen."

Source: http://www.tnp.sg/sports/singapore-football/coaches-fire-first-salvo-cup-final#sthash.lusQdkRA.dpuf

Mum's behind you, Fandi

Semiah Ismail will be cheering son Fandi in tonight's final, just like in 1994 when he won the Malaysia Cup
BY HAIQAL SARI(TNP)

In 1994, she watched on from the stands of the Shah Alam Stadium as her son scored the fourth goal in a 4-0 rout of Pahang to win the Malaysia Cup.

Tonight, 21 years on, Semiah Ismail. 72, will once again witness her son in action in a cup final.

This time, though, Fandi Ahmad won't be tearing up the pitch as a player.

He will be patrolling the touchline as coach of the LionsXII who will meet Kelantan in the Malaysian FA Cup final at the Bukit Jalil Stadium tonight.

Semiah said: "My son has gone to plenty of places for football, be it as a player or a coach, but this is one of my proudest moments.

"My heart is already racing. I remember all those years in the past, cheering him on with thousands of other Singaporeans.

"Now he's playing the part of a coach and, although it is not the Malaysia Cup, it's still a cup final after all.

"God willing, everything goes well. He's a hard worker and, as a mother, I just want to see my son happy."

This final is also an especially poignant one for Fandi and her.

On Nov 29 last year, Ahmad Wartam, Fandi's father, passed away due to heart and lung problems.

Fandi, 52, has always credited his father as his inspiration, and Semiah said: "His father always supported him. Fandi's first pair of football boots was bought by his father. That's how much influence Ahmad had on Fandi's career.

"And now he's gone one better, to be a coach. If he wins tonight, I will have no words to express my happiness."

Semiah is part of a second batch of fans who will be ferried up north by tour operator Akbar Hashim to Kuala Lumpur for tonight's match. The first group left last night.

For many of the LionsXII fans, the team's mere presence in the final is already worth a celebration.

UNEXPECTED

"They are a team of young players, so never in my wildest dreams did I think we'd make it here," said Syed Faris, referring to his 200-strong group of fans who call themselves ExcluSinga.

"By the end of the match, the result won't matter to us. Our boys have already done us proud. What more can we ask for?"

While Akbar himself shares that sentiment, the veteran tour operator wants a win to make things all the more sweeter.

He said: "Everybody has to relay this simple message to Fandi, that a win is more than enough for Singapore in its jubilee year.

"I think we can nick it 2-1. Kelantan have a strong team, but I think the LionsXII have immeasurable hunger.

"Nobody displays that more than Khairul Amri.

"From all my years of watching the Malaysia Cup, I can tell you that it's a rarity to see a Singaporean striker score twice on an away ground.

DEMAND

"These are local boys, they're one of our own. They have their critics, but the demand for tickets has been huge.

"Why else do you think I'm bringing 30 buses up?"

As always, safety and security will be of paramount importance, especially after the violent scenes played out after last Saturday's away leg of the LionsXII's semi-final against Terengganu.

Terengganu won 3-2 on the night, but lost out on away goals as the tie ended 4-4 on aggregate.

The fans went berserk at the officials, hurled plastic chairs onto the pitch, broke glass doors in the stadium and even went as far as to torch an ambulance.

These are scenes which Akbar hopes he won't see tonight.

He said: "At the end of the day, we have to be mindful of our own actions as well."

"God willing, everything goes well. He’s a hard worker and, as a mother, I just want to see my son happy."

- Semiah Ismail, Fandi Ahmad’s mother

Things to note for travelling fans


Arrangements have been made by the local authorities in Kuala Lumpur to ensure that Singapore fans heading to the Bukit Jalil Stadium for tonight's Malaysian FA Cup final will have a safe experience.

Tour buses are to enter the stadium via the Kompleks Sukan Negara, Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia entrance.

They are to park at Car Parks D and E, from which police officers will escort the LionsXII fans into the stadium. Buses that are parked will not be allowed to leave the venue during the match.

Likewise, fans are not allowed to leave the stadium after entry, until after the game.

The police has also advised the LionsXII fans to enter the stadium using the blue turnstiles.

A section of the stadium will be reserved for LionsXII fans.

Source: http://www.tnp.sg/sports/singapore-football/mums-behind-you-fandi#sthash.oa0jjy4m.dpuf

Friday 22 May 2015

Faris and Sahil back with the LionsXII for FA Cup Final


HISTORIC: Sahil Suhaimi (above) and Faris Ramli will be playing in their first final. PHOTO: COURTESY OF SNOC

Faris and Sahil make timely return to boost LionsXII's attack

BY HAIQAL SARI(TNP)

For Faris Ramli and Sahil Suhaimi, the South-east Asia (SEA) Games can wait.

A more urgent task awaits them - beating Kelantan in the Malaysian FA Cup final at the Bukit Jalil Stadium tomorrow.

The duo, together with Christopher van Huizen and Faris Azienuddin, re-joined the LionsXII after going on a training trip to Japan last week, as part of the national Under-23 side's preparations for next month's SEA Games.

Much is at stake for Faris and Sahil as they prepare for the biggest night of their football careers.

The LionsXII are the first Singaporean team since coach Fandi Ahmad led the Dream Team of 1994 to victory in the Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Victory over Kelantan in Kuala Lumpur will also see Faris and Sahil pick up their first senior competitive titles.

Sahil, 22, said: "Wow, I'm still trying to digest the fact that we're making history.

"It's a funny feeling, actually. I'm scared, nervous and happy all at the same time.

"There's a lot at stake at Bukit Jalil, so we just have to make sure we don't crumble under the weight of our own history.

"This will be the first Cup final for Faris and me. We get through 90 minutes, and we'll have something on our shelves at home."

Faris, though, cautioned against looking too far ahead lest it becomes a distraction.

A win, he said, will go some way towards placating the detractors.

Said the 22-year-old: "It's great to know that we can make history, but honestly, I prefer not to look at it that way.

"It can only weigh us down if we keep obsessing over it. But we know this is a huge step, a final step.

"We want to make things right. We have our critics, and people who just don't want us to succeed.

"So, when we step out on the pitch, there's going to be only one thing on our minds: Do it for the fans. God willing, everything else will fall into place."

The pair scored a combined total of three goals in the Cup, but they missed the dramatic second leg of the semi-finals against Terengganu last week as they were in Japan.

WANTED MEN

In fact, the tug-of-war between Fandi Ahmad's LionsXII and Aide Iskandar's Young Lions for their services has been going on all season.

But Faris, who is expected to start the final, believes that the situation works to their benefit.

"I wouldn't say that I wasn't a little annoyed when I first had to deal with the changing of teams during the season," he said.

"But that's how life is. It's all about making sacrifices. All the coaches and former players who have spoken to me have told me to just give in, and after a while I realised that you just have to be there for whichever team that need you the most.

"Fatigue has been a huge issue of course. But we're technically in pre-season for the SEA Games, and it's a boost for Sahil and I because we have been actually playing competitively at high levels.

"We've spent the past few months giving our all on both sides, and it's aiding our development and making us better players.

"This is brilliant for us."

Source: http://www.tnp.sg/sports/team-singapore/faris-and-sahil-back-lionsxii-fa-cup-final#sthash.RX7JWp9z.dpuf

Malaysia FA Cup final: LionsXII aren't practising penalties, says Fandi Ahmad

BY ESPN STAFF(ESPN)

LionsXII haven't been practising penalty kicks ahead of Saturday's Malaysia FA Cup final, according to head coach Fandi Ahmad.

The Singapore outfit will be underdogs at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium when they face two-time winners Kelantan, who are appearing in their fifth FA Cup final in just seven years. It's the first time LionsXII have made the FA Cup decider.

Extra time and a penalty shoot out will be played if regular time ends in a stalemate. But Fandi says he is treating the match like any other big game. He predicts that the game will be won or lost within regulation time, in front of a crowd of more than 90,000 in Kuala Lumpur.

The last major final -- last November's Malaysia Cup decider between Pahang and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) -- went to penalty kicks after it was 2-2 at the end of extra time. Pahang, who were knocked out by Kelantan in the semfinals of this year's Malaysia FA Cup last week, prevailed 5-3 in the shoot out.

"They are fighters and they will fight for 95 minutes (or longer)," Fandi told The Straits Times. "No, we haven't practised penalties because the games will be over in 95 minutes."

Head coach Fandi Ahmad won five Malaysia Cups with three different sides during his storied playing career. Photo credit: FAS

52-year-old Fandi, who won five Malaysia Cups with three different sides including two with Singapore, added that the match was his most important in charge of LionsXII.

"This game is definitely the biggest for us so far," he said. "It's a big thing for us, especially the players. They have to show a lot of composure and show that they can take the pressure."

LionsXII utility player Safuwan Bahaurdin, who returned earlier this month from a three month loan spell with A-League club Melbourne City, said he couldn't wait for kickoff.

"The Suzuki Cup final and my Melbourne debut (against Melbourne Victory in front of 40,000 fans) are moments that I will always remember. But this is a final and another chance to win a trophy."

LionsXII are 2013 Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions but have never played in a major Cup final. Kelantan last won the Malaysia FA Cup in 2013 under Croatian Bojan Hodak.

But the Singapore side sit above Kelantan on the MSL table. Kelantan are 10th, just one point above the relegation zone, while LionsXII are three points above them in eighth spot.

Source: http://www.espnfc.com.ng/blog/football-asia/153/post/2461186/malaysia-fa-cup-final-lionsxii-arent-practising-penalties,