Google
 

Sunday, May 31, 2009

 

Chonburi v Muang Thong United 2-5

A thoroughly deserved victory for the visitors. I thought they played some great football at times. Even when we went two up I didn't feel comfortable.

I posted on the Thaifootball Forum last season that they were one of the best teams I've seen in the Thai Leagues and they underlined that today. Can they maintain it? Well if this reult doesn't give them the confidence that they need to launch a serious bid for the title I don't know what will.

I felt our, normally solid, defence looked a little shaky today and our marking at set pieces was non existent. No excuses though the better team won and, if I'm being honest, the final score didn't flatter them.

I hope that this doesn't sound like sour grapes but up until MTUFC went in front neither physio had been on the pitch. However, as soon as they took the lead, the Utd players were going down easier and more often than some of the local working girls. Why? They were easily the better side on the day and didn't need to do this. It took a bit of the gloss off for me.

A shame really but well done, Muang Thong.Credit too to the visiting fans. About 3/400 (less than I was expecting but still a good turnout) get up a barrage of noise from start to finish. Even when their team were behind they kept singing. I've always been slightly suspicious of orchestrated chanting accompanied by choreographed moves, especially when everyone is dressed exactly the same, but it was an impressive sight.

At least other results went our way so it hasn't done too much damage. I fully expect us to get 9 points from our next three games. And I don't envy Jula Utd. They'll certainly feel the full force of the backlash on Saturday!

One final thing. As I was leaving the ground in the dark, via the muddy car park cold, wet and disappointed I experienced a strange, warm glow. I'd suddenly been transported back to a time when I would trudge away from Boundary Park with similar feelings on a regular basis. I was reminded what it's like to be a football fan : )

Stretcher count : (before MT took the lead) Chonburi 0 Muang Thong 0
(after MT took the lead) Chonburi 0 Muang Thong 4 + 6 visits from the trainer
Ref watch : I thought he had a good game. One of the better refs I've seen.

Thanks to Sri Racha Shark for this match report

 

TPL and MSL round up

Malaysian Super League

Kedah v Perlis 0-0

Thai Premier League

BEC Tero v Sri Racha 3-2
Navy v Osotsapa 2-1
PEA v Port 2-2
Chonburi v Muang Thong 2-5

Can't wait to see what SRS has to say about the Chonburi

 

Missing SLeague scores

Tampines v Balestier Khalsa 1-0
Albirex Niigata v Gombak United 3-3 (match review; match action)
Woodlands Wellington v Super Reds 1-0 (Daniel Hammond)

I was at this yawn fest but out of respect for the A4 stuck at the entrance gate I took no pictures. Didn't miss much any way. Super Reds started well but despite their chances couldn't score and if you don't do that you're never gonna win. Their coach had a good whinge about the ref after the game which was to be expected. His strikers failed to score, blame the chap with the whistle. He could have and should have had the game won by half time.

Woodlands? They weren't happy with the ref first half which probably means he had a good game as everyone came away loathing him. The more I watched the game the more I wondered not only how could they have beaten SAF but how could they have scored three goals in the process.

Home United v SAF 2-1


1 - Gombak United 15 9 4 2 30-13 31
2 - Singapore Armed Forces 14 10 0 4 39-16 30
3 - Brunei DPMM 14 7 5 2 16-12 26

4 - Tampines Rovers 14 6 7 1 20-11 25

 

Recent Indonesian results

Indonesia Super League

Persijap v Persib 2-3 (Pablo Frances, Evaldo Silva; Gonzales 2, Hilton Moreira) 14,612
Persija v Deltras 1-0 (Ismed Sofyan) 1,000
Persib v Deltras 6-1 (Gonzales 3, Atep, Gilang, Bastos; Dede Hugo)
PSM v Persik 2-0 (Claudio Pronetto 2) 20,000
Persija v PSMS 1-1 (Greg Nwokolo; )

Christian Gonzales is on a mission. Not just to help Persib clinch that second spot that may help them into Asian club comptition, no guarantee there, but he wants to be top scorer. Again. As for Persija? Interesting story has Persija and Persib playing their final league game in Samarinda on the island of Kalimantan! Not confirmed mind

Copa Indonesia Quarter Final 1st leg ties

Sriwijaya v Persibo 5-0 (Anoure Obiora 2, Charis Yulianto, Zah Rahan, Keith Kayamba) 15,000
Persitara v Persijap 1-0

Play Offs

Persisam v Persema 1-0 (Aldo Baretto) 35,000
PSPS v Persebaya 5-1 (Ade Chandra, Iman Faisal, April Hadi, Dani, Herman; Jairon) 32,000

Persisam are Premier League champions and could be joined in the ISL next season by Persema and PSPS if they come up to standard in a number of areas. Persebaya must play the side who finish 4th bottom in the ISL to see whether they can rejoin the big boys next season.

International Friendly

Iran U23 v Indonesia U23 2-1 (Jajang Mulyana)

Friday, May 29, 2009

 

Albirex Niigata v Gombak United 3-3

Billed as the Jurong derby, like Jurong reaches up to Japan, this game was a right old cracker. Fair Play to Albirex who have a small stall selling club souvenirs even though 25 SGD for a scarf is, in classic English understatement, a bit steep. The equivelant would be going to Arsenal, paying 45 quid for a match ticket then paying 180 for a scarf...duh hello!

Don't really have time for a full match report but will point out that they sell beer at the Jurong West Stadium which means I would probably return again, and again except it really is out in the boonies.

Wonderful game of football, Gombak were two up in 18 minutes thanks to Obatola and Kingsley. Akira Takasae pulled one back on 23 beating the keeper at the near post before Casmir made it 3-1 .

Second half Matsumoto and Kenji made it 3-3 and what a goal the 3rd was leaving Gombak rattled as they held on for a draw. A couple of defenders had to be seperated by team mates as they bickered...


Great game, certainly better than the 05 and the 07 FA Cup finals, it certainly deserved more than the pissy 1500 who turned up

Thursday, May 28, 2009

 

Decisions, decisions...

Tonight sees Albirex Niigata host challengers Gombak United way out west while, closer to home, Geylang United entertain serial strugglers Sengkang Punggol.

Well, which gme would you go and see?

Last night Tampines beat Balesiter Khalsa 1-0 with a goal from Noh Alam Shah

 

Persib keep the pressure on

Thanks to Oki for this...

Persib VS Persijap -> 3 : 2

Persib :Hilton Moreira '18El Loco Gonzales '60, '86(pen)Persijap :Pablo Frances '4Evaldo '60

Details can be found at http://go-persib.com/2009/05/27/persijap-vs-persib-200/

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

 

Iran v Indonesia Under 23

Written by Martin Reza Babry
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
PFDC - TEHRAN, Team Melli thrashed Indonesia 5-0 in a test match in Azadi stadium, who due to their league schedule had sent their Olympic squad to Iran's capital.

Ferydoon Zandi scored a brace, while Khalatbari and Borhani each scored one and assisted another. Iran had taken the lead thanks to an owngoal.

The Lineup

Afshin Ghotbi had to do without the four legionnaires from Germany and Spain, the Persepolis Tehran players who will play in the AFC Champions League and also decided not to use any of the UAE leagionnaires, who had just joined Team Melli's training camp two days ago.

The coach opted for a 4-2-3-1 and a mixture of old and new ideas.Unsuprisingly Mehdi Rahmati started in goal, while, like under Ali Daei, Jalal Hosseini and Hadi Aghili built the central defense of the fourback. However, the two centerhalves switched position compared to Daei's spell, Hosseini playing as left and Aghili as right centerback.

Hossein Kaebi, Iran's captain today, played in his usual rightback position, however, in absence of Sattar Zare and the injured Hassan Ashjari, decidided to put leftwinger Ehsan Hajsafi as leftback.

The 19-year-old Sepahan Esfahan man interpreted the position extremely offensively, often looking more like a side midfielder than like a defender. Since two possible leftback options, Pejman Nouri and Alireza Mohammad were unavaible for this game due to their club duties, it will be interesting to see if this was just an experiment or if Hajsafi will be used in this position again in future.

Mes Kerman's Farzad Ashoubi filled the most defensive central position in midfield, while Hossein Kazemi played slightly ahead of him to his right. Khosro Heydari and Ferydoon Zandi were the twio wingers and Andranik Teymourian found himself in an unusual central offensive midfield role.

IPL topscorer Arash Borhani started as lone forward.At the beginning of second half Mohammad Reza Khalatbari came on for Kazemi. While Teymourian filled Kazemi's more defensive midfield spot from then on, Khalatbari overtook Zandi's leftwing position and the Alik Larnaca man now played in central offensive midfield.

Also at halftime, Vahid Talebloo and debutant Farshid Talebi replaced Rahmati and Hosseini while Mohsen Bengar came on as final sub for Aghili in minute 70.

The Game

Iran dominated from the start, but lacked creativity upfront in first half. Ghotbi's men mostly relied on crosses and passes from the left and the stronger right side, where Kaebi and Heydari combined well.

Team Melli took the lead after such a scene thanks to an owngoal, when a defender headed the ball over the own goalkeeper and into the net, after Heydari had crossed the ball towards Borhani from the right side after 20 minutes.

Apart from some half-chances after such crosses, the homside also created danger by a few shots from outside the box, which could be stopped by the goalkeeper or went narrowly wide. Especially Zandi's efforts (38' / 39') looked dangerous and were only inches wide.

Striker Arash Borhani had two good opportunities to add his name to the scoresheet in first half as well. After 14 minutes he failed to unleash a good shot after a great serving from Hajsafi. The goalkeeper couldn't hold on to the ball, but Teymourian's shot also could be denied. Two minutes before halftime, Borhani found himself alone in front of the goalkeeper, but hesitated to take a shot and therefore wasted the chance.

A great Teymourian pass found substitute winger Khalatbari in the box just four minutes into second half, and the Zob Ahan man was unlucky when his great leftfooted shot beat the keeper, but not the crossbar.

Another four minutes later Borhani should have scored when Teymourian's shot from outside became the perfect serving for Borhani, who, also seemingly surprised not to be offside, failed to get his shot from close range on target.

But just a minute afterwards, Iran doubled the lead, thanks to Zandi, who, after a good quick combination over Khalatbari and Borhani, dribbled past a defender and scored with a good rightfooted shot.

Finally Borhani got his goal when he beat the offside and got to the end of a chipped pass from Khalatbari in minute 67, and finished off with a well placed shot.

A few minutes later it was Khalatbari's turn to increase the lead, when he vollied a Heydari cross into the net.The sizzling Zob Ahan man indeed improved Iran's offensive display in second half.

Ten minutes from time Borhani might have scored his second of the day, but his header to a Kaebi cross flew over the bar.Teymourian wasn't more fortunate eight minutes later, when his header could be saved, but Zandi managed to score his second goal of the day thanks to two blunders by Indonesia just moments later.

The goalkeeper failed to catch Zandi's all but hard shot after a bad clearance had set him up in promising shooting distance.Borhani wasted a final chance, when his embarassingly mishit shot from near the penalty spot was way off target.

Iran - Indonesia U23 5-0 (1-0)Friendly match, Tehran, Azadi stadium
Goals:1-0 Owngoal, 2-0 Ferydoon Zandi (54' / Assist by Arash Borhani), 3-0 Arash Borhani (67' / Mohammad Reza Khalatbari), 4-0 Mohammad Reza Khalatbari (72' / Khosro Heydari), 5-0 Ferydoon Zandi (89')

Iran: Rahmati (46' Talebloo) - Kaebi, Aghili (70' Bengar), Hosseini (46' Talebi), Hajsafi - Kazemi (46' Khalatbari), Ashoubi - Heydari, Teymourian, Zandi - Borhani

COMMENT - of course this article comes from a Persian Football website. I haven't found anything by the Indonesians yet!

 

Persijap v Persib

Tonight sees Persib Bandung continue their fight for second spot in the ISL and a place in Asian competition next season. But they are up against a Persijap side who are not only notoriously difficult to play against at their Gelora Bumi Kartini Stadium but have the hex over Persib recently being unbeaten in their last five meetings. Mind you there have been four draws!

Christian Gonzales and Hilton Moreira have been devasting as a patnership since they teamed up after Gonzales loan move from Persik and the Uruguayan has a point of his own to prove. He considers the Golden Boot to be his own personal property having been the leading scorer in the Indonesian league over the last few seasons but now finds himself chasing the pack.

One local report has Persijap considering putting Thai import Phaitoon Thaibma up front

 

PSIS doomed

Things have been quiet on the Semarang Dave front for a while. My one time PSIS correspondant used to bombard me with text messages and e mails when his heroes were doing well but things have been quiet of late.

Mathematically they're not down. They're guaranteed a bottom four finish which means they could end up in a play off spot against the 4th best team from the IPL. But they won't.

Persita could also escape. They have two more games and winning both could see them climb out of the bottom four depending on other results. But they won't.

The other two places are being scrapped over by Deltras, PSMS and Persitara. Deltras have three games left including the next two against Persija and Persib. PSMS impressed first half last night against felow scrappers Persitara and the North Sumatra side have games in hand on their rivals. But, like their rivals, they have other commitments with Copa Indonesia and of course an AFC Cup run. Will it be all too much for the Medan giants?

PKT sit 13th on 31 points and have two games at home to end the season. They should be safe...

14 - Persitara 31 7 9 15 32-45 30
15 - PSMS 30 5 12 13 37-46 27
16 - Deltras 31 6 8 17 24-45 26
17 - Persita 32 6 7 19 24-58 25
18 - PSIS 4 8 19 17-54 20

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

 

Super Reds v DPMM 0-0

Two wins in their last six for DPMM, just one away win all season, it looks like the DPMM bubble has burst but it was fun while it lasted.

Talking Singapore I'm off there tomorrow for a couple of days medical stuff. I won't be taking the lap top but hopefully will get to a game or two so check out Asian Football Pictures for updates...

Oh and for any Liverpool fans out there I wish you a Happy It's Up For Grabs Now Day!

 

Persitara v PSMS 0-3

A real relegation six pointer this one and what a thriller they produced. It's as if defence is a dirty word in Indonesian football as the visitors from Medan set about their mission with a flair and a purpose that would have done any title challenger proud.

With Zada, Elie Aiboy and Oktavianus on fire PSMS were rampant and had it not been for a linesman's eagerness to wave his little flag on a little stick they would have been out of sight at half time.

Costas got the first reacting after Esteban's drive had been tipped on to the upright from Rony Tri in the Persitara goal. If that was old school centre forward poaching then his second brought back memories of Alan Clarke and John Radford, diving in where the challenges were to steer Eiie Aiboy's cross across the keeper.

Aiboy was at the heart of the third, his mazy run bamboozling the defence and his pull back was coolly side footed home by the impressive Zada. What a shame inept editing meant we didn't see Aiboy's run again.

Quality performance from PSMS, it is difficult to believe they had only won four games all season before this. And as for Persitara? They had recently taken four points from Persipura and Persiwa.

Are you ready Chonburi?

 

What happened Persija?

They were title challengers coming in to the second half of the season. Victories at home to Persela (1-0) and Persiwa (6-1) showed the Kamayoran Tigers meant business as they sought their first domestic title since 2001. And then? And then it went tits up.

Three weeks after the Persiwa game they traveled to Kalimantan for a couple of games. First up was a 2-2 draw against a struggling PKT followed by a 2-0 reverse against an improving Persiba. Their first defeat in eight games and perhaps the day the wheels came off Persija's title campaign.

That was on 7 March. Thanks to the political campaigning that brought football to a standstill they didn't play again until the end of April. A 2-2 draw at Arema in Malang was an away game. A 2-2 draw against PSM at the same stadium was an away game as the powers that be decreed Jakarta should be football free for the rest of the season. Home was now where ever they could find a stadium as Persija buckled under the lack of games and the lack of support.

Away games at Pelita Jaya and Persik ended in defeats. Narrow defeats but still defeats and Persija who had been riding high early February now were in May and in freefall.

Another 'home' game in Malang and this time Sriwijaya triumphed, 4-3 despite Persija taking the lead. Four days later a rare triumph amid the gloom as Persija travelled to bottom club PSIS and emerged triumphant with three points and a 1-0 butthey had to look to Abanda for the goal as their previously prolific strike force of Bambang, Greg Nwokolo and Aliyudin had dried up. But a hollow victory for a side that had seen its hopes of 2nd placed dashed by the recent run.

Next up was Persipura who defeated them 3-1 in another home game and coach Danurwindo must have been in a state of shock. Factors off the field had surely cost Persija on it and he was in damage control as he sought an emphatic performance from his beleaguered troops.

Persijap away ended 1-1 with Greg Nwokolo scoring for Persija. Another away game, this time against Persita, ended 1-1.

Their season ends with four home games. In Malang. Deltras, PSMS and Persitara are mired in a relegation dogfight while Persib have their eyes set on second place and a stab at Aian football next season. A spot Persija had once so desperately strived for.

Persija still have the opa Indonesia to play for. But there is scant consolation to be found there. Should they beat Deltras in the quarter finals they come up against bogey side Persipura in the semis.

 

SLeague Results

Geylang United v SAF 0-3 (Mustaqim Manzur, Aleksander Duric 2) 2,202
Young Lions v Gombak United 0-4 (Gabriel Obatola 2, Agu Casmir, Kingsley Njoku) 1,366

This season is going from bad to worse for the Young Lions with another heavy home defeat following on from thumpings by Super Reds (0-5) and their Malaysian counterparts (0-3). Just one win in their last games is hardly the ideal preparation for the SEA Games in December. If there is a glimmer of light it is the return to action of the highly rated Hariss Harun.

Top scorers

13 - Gabriel Obatola (Gombak United)
11 - Aleksandar Duric (SAF)
7 - Agu Casmir (Gombak United), Indra Sahdan Daud (Sengkang Punggol), John Wilkinson (SAF)

1 - Singapore Armed Forces 13 10 0 3 38-14 30
2 - Gombak United 14 9 3 2 27-10 30

3 - Brunei DPMM 13 7 4 2 16-12 25
4 - Tampines Rovers 13 5 7 1 19-11 22

Monday, May 25, 2009

 

Play offs

Persisam v Persebaya 0-0
Mitra Kukar v Persigo 2-2

Persiba v Persikabo 2-1
Persema v PSPS 1-1

Semi final draw

Persisam v PSPS
Persema v Persebaya

Mitra Kukar are fuming but they failed to make it through to the semi finals 'cos they only won one play off game. East Java derby sees Persebaya and Persema go head to head in what promises to be a feisty affair in Samarinda while Persisam can count on home support when they take on PSPS from distant Pekanbaru.

 

PSIS v Persik 1-2

Like many people I feared for Persik once financial conditions forced quality like Budi Sudarsono, Danilo Fernando and Christian Gonzales to move on. But they've hung on in there and this result, a rare away win, was inspired by the Batak Boys. Former PSMS trio, Saktiwan Sinaga, Legimin Raharjo and Mahyadi Panggabean were at the heart of this well earned victory against a woeful PSIS side.

Saktiwan was everywhere, causing problems all along the line as all good centre forwards do and with Indonesia fring blanks on the international stage, nil in five games, perhaps a timely reminder of his abilities for national team coach Benny Dollo.

Saktiwan gave Persik the lead , Feri equalised moments later before Legiman secured the three points for Persik.

As for PSIS... not much really. 17 goals in 31 games and 20 points tells its own story. They had one effort, a speculative cross that loked like it may have crossed the line disallowed. Replays were inconclusive. They also missed a penalty.

 

TPL Sunday Results

Samut Songkram v Muang Thong United 0-1
Bangkok Glass v Port 1-1
TOT v Navy 2-1
Chonburi v Nakorn Pathom 3-0


1 - Bangkok Glass 11 7 4 0 16-8 25
2 - Chonburi 10 7 2 1 17-7 23

3 - Osotsapa 11 7 2 2 14-8 23
4 - Muang Thong 11 6 4 1 13-6 22

 

ISL Weekend

Persitara v Persiwa 1-0 ( John Tarkpor)

The lights went out at Persitara's adopted Lamongan home on Saturday night forcing the game to be finished the following day but have Persiwa's hopes of 2nd place also faded. Despite their final two games being at home where thet have yet to drop a point Persib have three games in hand. For Persitara satisfaction from taking four points from the Papuan giants in their last two home games and they sit in 14th position, four points clear of Deltras who occupy the play off place.

Pelita Jaya v Arema 0-0

Fandi Ahmad's men failed to make it seven straight wins but hey, remained unbeaten in their run of home games and substantially climbed the table. I didn't go as I had planned to and for that I blame that Dutch guy 'Hiene' Ken.

Persita v Persija 1-1 (Made Adi Wirahadi; Fabio Lopes) 500

Poor Persija seem to be in free fall at th moment despite taking a 2nd minute lead at Siliwamgi Stadium. Wirahadi, recalled to the Persita side after being benched at home to Persela, pulled one back and so it ended. A poor result for both sides but especially Persita who probably saw their hopes of ISL football end. They are 16th now, five points from safety but just two games left.

Persijap v Persela 3-1 8,300

Deltras v PKT 1-1 (Sergio Junior; Satria Feri) 4,515

Deltras still have an outside chance of saving themselves from relegation but they will be rueing Feri's late winner. PKT are probably safe with two home games remaining

Sunday, May 24, 2009

 

Thai goal fest

Chula United v Sri Racha 1-0
BEC Tero v Bangkok United 0-0
Osotsapa v Pattaya United 1-0
PEA Ayuthya v TTM Samut Sakorn 0-0

 

Perlis lose, Selangor top

Kuala Muda v Perak 3-1 (Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Faderin Kadir, Anuar Jusoh; Sufi Saadi)
Selangor v Kedah 3-1 (Amri Yahyah, Rudie Ramli, Amirulhadi Zainal; Fauzi Shaari)
Negeri Sembilan v Penang 5-1
Johor v Pahang 4-0 (Saifuddin Riduan , Eddy Helmi Abdul Manan , Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, Nor Azlan Roya )
Perlis v Terengganu 0-2 (Ashaari Samsudin, Abd Manaf Mamat)
KL Plus v Kelantan 2-0 (S.Sumindran, Fadzli Saari)
My Team v PDRM 0-0

Selangor were forced to come from behind against a Kedah side that perhaps were still celebrating their AFC Cup success. The three points for Red Giants puts them top of the MSL after Perlis, leaders when everyone woke up on Saturday morning, surprisingly lost at home to Terengganu. More bad news for Kelantan as yet another defeat saw the one time title challengers drop to seventh place, 15 points behind leaders Selangor. More bad news when the FA ruled they must continue playing their home games outside of their own state. And talk about good timing. My Team were held 0-0 by cellar dweller PDRM so thank god I went last to and saw a seven goal thriler though I imagine coach Bojak will have been happier with a point.


1.Selangor 17 13 1 2 38-15 40
2.Perlis 17 12 2 3 25-14 38
3.Negeri Sembilan 17 10 3 4 33-13 33
4.Kedah 15 10 1 4 26-16 31

Saturday, May 23, 2009

 

ISL team news

Today sees PSMS take on champions Persipura in the Copa Indonesia at their own stadium in Medan. With their side still active on three fronts, fighting relegation from the ISL, the Copa and the AFC Cup, expect PSMS fans to see some changes as they juggle their commitments. Undoubtedly ISL survival is priority but this is a rare chance to perform in front of their home support so PSMS will be keen to put on a show.

Persitara are at full strength as they take on Persiwa in Lamongan. The Papuans have ambitions of a second place finish that will see them take part in Asian club football next season but Persitara, on their day, are a match for anyone as their recent 3-3 draw against persipura proved. Persiwa, 2-0 losers against Persib last time out, will be without Tarik Chaouri.

Deltras have their own relegation battle ahead of them and they entertain PKT knowing a victory is a must. To do so they will be without the services of suspended Firdaus Ramadhan. Pelita Jaya look back on six successive wins, all at home, and tomorrow they are at full strength against Arema Malang. Arema's problems are clear. Emile Mbamba, who left last September, is still their second top scorer with four goals while Traore has five. New signings Patricio Morales and Udo Fortune have yet to convince though of course partnerships take time to forge. Against Pelita Jaya they will be without seasoned defender Alex Pulalo.

Persela's victory at Persita on Thursday has cost them with Jimmy Suparno and Ilham Zulkarnaen both suspended though leading scoring Marcio Souza should return after missing Persita away. Opponents Persijap are at full strength with Ilham Hasan in fine scoring form at the moment.

Persita take on Persija at Siliwangi Stadium on Sunday which may or may not be a good idea. One contact described it as the Battle of Siliwangi and certainly it has all the makings of a disaster off the field if Persija fans travel. Them Bandung boys are none to keen on their brash rivals from up the jalan toll. On the field Persita miss Agus Salim and Bruno Casmir while Persija will be without defender Leo Saputra. Persija's form has been woeful recently with coach Danurwindo describing his team as being like a 'rock band' always on the road.

Way out east PSM Makassar host Persiba Balikpapan and they will be at full strength, buoyed by their recent victory over PKT Persiba however will be without Australian Robbie Gaspar and Achmad Taufiq.

 

Big clash at Shah Alam tonight

All eyes in Malaysia will be on the clash between Selangor and Kedah tonight at the Shah Alam Stadium. It's 2nd against 3rd with Kedah, champions for the last two seasons having a game in hand on Selangor, the most successful side in Malaysian history.

It's been an exciting week of course for Kedah having qualified for the knock out stage of the AFC Cup

Leaders Perlis host Terengganu while 4th placed Negeri Sembilan are up against Penang. My Plus look for their 4th win in five games when they take on bottom side PDRM, just two draws to their name all season while Kelantan, in free fall since their FA Cup final defeat, hope to take something from their trip to Cheras where they are hosted by KL Plus.


1-Perlis 16 12 2 2 25-12 38
2-Selangor 16 12 1 3 35-14 37
3- Kedah 15 10 1 4 26-16 31
4- Negri Sembilan 16 9 3 4 28-12 30

 

Persita v Persela

Action from Thursday's ISL clash between Persita and Persela are finally up and can be found here ...Tomorrow I'm off to see Pelita Jaya play Arema. Check this space for images!

Friday, May 22, 2009

 

AFC Cup Knock Out Round Draw

South China (Hong Kong) v Home United FC (Singapore)
Chonburi Football Club (Thailand) v PSMS Medan (Indonesia)
Becamex Binh Duong FC (Vietnam) v Kedah (Malaysia)

Games to be played 23 June

 

Bambang to Birmingham?

Just seen this story on some website. It has Birmingham City supposedly interested in Persija striker Bambang Pamungkas.

How true it is remains to be seen. The article is lacking in things like quotes...lots of use of the passive voice...

Indonesian international footballer, Bambang Pamungkas, is reportedly a target for Birmingham City, newly promoted to the Premiership. It is understood that City boss, Alex McLeish, is willing to take a gamble on the striker's talent.

Pamungkas was linked with a sensational move to Derby County over a year and a half ago, but a deal failed to materialise after Derby County were relegated to the Championship.

Now it appears that Birmingham City are interested in the 28 year old. City have always been renowned for taking a gamble on players, and the Persija Jakarta frontman is now being lined up for a shock move.

It is believed that a deal will initially be on loan, much like the deal that took Mauro Zarate on loan last year.

 

That's why they're Champions! ISL leading scorers

25 : Boaz Salossa (Persipura)
22 : Beto Goncalves (Persipura), Cristian Gonzales (Persib)
21 : Ngon A Djam (Sriwijaya FC)
18 : Bambang Pamungkas (Persija)
16 : Marcio Souza (Persela)
15 : Cristiano Lopes (Pelita), Ernest Jeremiah (Persipura)
14 : Greg Nwokolo (Persija)
13 : T.A. Musafry (Persiba)
12 : Gaston Castano (Persiba), Julio Lopez (PSM), Keith Kayamba (Sriwijaya FC)
11 : Rafael Bastos (Persib), Hilton Moreira (Persib)
10 : Rahmad Rivai (Persitara)

 

Results 21/5

Indonesia Super League

Persijap v Persija 1-1 (Ilham Hasan; Greg Nwokolo) 7,000
PSM v PKT 2-1 (Julio Lopez 2; Josiah Setton) 10,00
Pelita Jaya v Persik 2-2 (Cristian Lopes, Rudi Wibowo, James KOko Lomel; M Roby, Saktiawan Sinaga) 100
PSIS v Arema 1-1 (Nnengue; Rony Firmansyah) 1,030
Deltras v Persiba 2-0 (Sergio Junior, Firdaus Nyong) 3,559
Persita v Persela 1-2 (Adolfo Souza; Carlos Sclucatti, Zainal Arifin) 500

With the ISL wrapped up all eyes are now on the battle to avoid relegation and Firmansyah sure broke a few hearts with his last minute equaliser for Arema in Semarang keeping the home side bottom of the table. Persita slipped down after shipping an early goal at home to Persela. The visitors, without striker Marcio Souza, actually played a bit of football and it was no surprise when Zainal made it 2-0 just before half time. Adolfo pulled one back for Persita with a sweet volley on the hour mark but Persela comfortably saw out the victory for their 4th away win of the seaon. I was at the game and images will be added later.

13 - PKT Bontang 31 7 9 15 34-52 30
14 - Persitara 29 6 9 14 31-42 27
15 - Deltras 30 6 7 17 23-44 25
16 - PSMS 29 4 12 13 34-46 24
17 - Persita 31 6 6 19 23-57 24
18 - PSIS 30 4 8 18 16-52 20

Bottom three go down while the team that finishes 15th goes into a play off with an IPL side. Interestingly Persitara, PSMS and Deltras still have Copa Indonesia interests while PSMS are still involved in the AFC Cup where they meet Chonburi next round.

Under 23 International

Singapore v Malaysia 0-3 (Norshahrul Idlan, Zaquan Adha, Farderin Kadir) 1,418

Oh dear. The Young Lions have failed to impress so far this season and now this humuiliation at home to their bitterest rivals...

SLeague

Woodlands Wellington v DPMM 2-1 (Mojtaba Tehranizadeh, Jamil Ali ; Abu Bakar Mahari) 1,330

A rare victory for Woodlands as they surprisingly defeated DPMM last night. The Brunei side spurned a chance to return to the top of the table and with SAF playing Geylang United on Sunday there is a chance for the champions to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack. SAF may have lost in the Champions League but domestically it has been a good week for Richard Bok and his team with both Gombak and DPMM losing ground.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

 

MSL top scorers

9 - Azlan Ismail (Terengganu), Razali Umar Kandasamy (Perak), Nizaruddin Yusof (Perlis), Safee Sali (Selangor)
8 - Zaquan Adha (Negri Sembilan), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (MyTeam), Indraputra Mahayuddin (Kelantan)
7 - Amri Yahyah (Selangor)

 

Kelantan consider options

ERIC SAMUEL
PETALING JAYA:

Kelantan, who are running low on moral and resources following the suspension of their home venue at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru, may be forced to withdraw from the ongoing Malaysian Super League (MSL) by next month.

Kelantan FA (Kafa) president Tan Sri Annuar Musa said at a post-match conference yesterday that the punishment meted out by the FA of Malaysia (FAM) last month had left them with not much alternatives but to consider “pulling out” as one of the options.

“We thought we could deal with the punishment on our own in a quiet way but we were wrong. It has actually left us in a critical situation,” said Annuar after the team fell to their fourth consecutive defeat in the Super League on Tuesday, going down 1-2 to Perlis in front of a near-empty National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Kelantan, who had projected a RM2mil income from gate receipts this season, lost Sultan Mohd IV Stadium as their home venue after two incidents of bad and violent behaviour by their fans on March 31 and April 11. Kafa were also fined RM90,000 for the incidents.

“Our main source of income is from gate collections at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium. Our appeal (against the suspension of our home venue) was turned down by the FAM. If we are to continue like this, there is no way we will survive to sustain the financial demands in the top flight,” said Annuar.

He said that having to play their home matches in Bukit Jalil had taken its toll on the players. They are tired of travelling in and out of Kota Baru for matches in a short period of time. They would have played a total of five matches in 14 days from May 12 to 26.

“It boils down to fatigue. Even we officials are feeling the strain. What more the players? Winning and losing is part and parcel of the game but in our case, we are forced to play in a way to lose,” said Annuar.

He said that Kafa would decide on their next course of action at their council meeting scheduled for the end of the month.

“Kafa are in a dilemma over whether to continue under the present circumstances or to die half way,” said Annuar.

“There are about 16 home games left (including Malaysia Cup) and we stand to lose close to half a million from gate receipts. We will consider all avenues before we arrive at a decision. We hope to bring the matter up to the FAM again.

“If we exhaust all other channels and don’t get any form of support to resolve our problems, we have no other option but to withdraw.

“We have done our best to improve the situation back at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium.

“The Police in Kota Baru have given us an assurance to provide adequate security and the state government have said that they would improve safety features at the stadium. The fan club have said that they will co-operate. All we ask is to allow us to play in Kota Baru again.”

If Kelantan choose to withdraw, the only consolation is that the players and team officials would not suffer from the decision. Annuar has given an assurance that players and officials would get their salary.

He added that the team would remain intact and continue to play friendly matches to raise funds to finance development projects.

Annuar also said that the trip to Old Trafford as promised for their success in qualifying for the FA Cup final would be fulfilled in August.

Kelantan are now in sixth spot in the Super League on 25 points from eight wins, a draw and five defeats.

 

Singapore v Liverpool ticket prices

26th July 2009

Singapore National Team v Liverpool Football Club
National Stadium, Singapore
7.00pm Kick Off


‘The Kop’ (East Entrance): $88
North Entrance : $88
South Entrance : $88
Grandstand Lower : $88
Grandstand ‘RED’ : $188


The Kop?! Apparently they wanna recreate the atmosphere on the Kop in Singapore! Just name a few concrete steps after it's counterpart does not infer an English style atmosphere will follow. Still, all good marketing.

 

Singapore Under 23s to face Malaysia

Goalkeepers

Izwan Mahbud (14/07/1990) - Young Lions
Jasper Chan (07/11/1988) - Young Lions

Defenders

Irwan Shah (02/11/1988) - Young Lions
Afiq Yunos (10/12/1990) - Young Lions
Hamqaamal Shah (05/09/1986) - Young Lions
Azfar Zainal Abidin (03/02/1991) - Young Lions
Shaiful Esah (12/05/1986) - SAFFC
Safuwan Baharudin (22/09/1991) - Singapore Under-18

Midfielders

Hariss Harun (19/11/1990) - Young Lions
Goh Swee Swee (01/06/1986) - Young Lions
Isa Halim (15/05/1986) - Home United
Shahdan Sulaiman (09/05/1988) - Home United
Yasir Hanapi (21/06/1989) - Geylang United
Nazrul Ahmad Nazari (11/02/1991) - Singapore Under-18

Forwards

Fairoz Hasan (26/11/1988) - Young Lions
Fadhil Noh (04/03/1989) - Young Lions.
Haniff Ja'ffar Sadique (06/09/1990) - Gombak United
Khalili D'Cruz (14/08/1991) - Singapore Under-18

 

Results 20/5

Asian Champions League

Sriwijaya v Shandong 4-2 (

It looked like a case of same old, same old, as Shandong carved Sriwijaya apart with ease in the first half and the only surprise was that the goals took a long time coming. But come they did both in the final minutes before half time. I have no idea what coach Rahmad Darmawan put in his players half time cuppa but second half was a different story as Sriwijaya came roaring back. A timely performance showing that Indonesian sides can do something on the Asian stage, this result can only motivate Sriwijaya to aim for 2nd place in the ICL and the chance of further Asian adventures.

Indonesia Super League

Persib v Persiwa 2-0 (Hilton Moreira, Christian Gonzalez)

Of course Sriwijaya aren't alone in their wish for Asian football next season. Persiwa currently sit second but have played more games. Persib have games in hand, this was one and they took full advantage. Their first goal came from Hilton on 5' but had the build up featured Ronaldo and Rooney the TV stations would be creaming themselves showing it again and again. Instead a portly Uruguayan played the ball for Atep and from the byline his audacious cross with the outside of his right foot was met by Hilton.

Gonzalez got the second midway through the second half. Well, it came off a defender's shoulder but you try taking that goal off Gonzalez I dare you. Pah, dubious goals panel...

Persitara v Persipura 3-3 (Prince Kabir Bello, John Tarkpor, Moni; Boas Solossa 3)

Within 24' Persitara were 2-0 up against the newly crowned champions Persipura but Boas pulled one back on 27' and gave the Black Pearls the lead early in the second half. Moni made it 3-2 on 52' but Boas completed his hat trick and saved his side's blushes moments later.

Indonesia Premier League Play Offs

Persema v Persikabo 2-0
PSPS v Persiba 3-1
Mitra Kukar v Persebaya 1-0
Persisam v Persigo 5-1

1 - Persema 2 2 0 0 3-0 6
2 - PSPS 2 1 1 0 4-2 4
3 - Persikabo 2 0 1 1 1-3 1
4 - Persiba 2 0 0 2 1-4 0

1 - Persisam 2 2 0 0 10-2 6
2 - Persebaya 2 1 0 1 2-2 3
3 - Mitra Kukar 2 1 0 1 2-5 3
4 - Persigo 2 0 0 2 2-7 0

SLeague

Super Reds v Gombak United 3-1 (Kim Yoon Sik, Park Kang Jin, Park Han Seok; Gabriel Obatola) 1,103

Darren Stewart's Gombak United's title challenge suffered a set back when they lost to Super Reds last night despite taking the lead and finishing against 10 men. It was only their second defeat of the season but they stay 2nd level on points with leaders SAF.

For Super Reds after a shaky start to the season it was fourth win in their last five games, a run which has seen them climb the table to 5th


Wednesday, May 20, 2009

 

Germain Bationo (Mitra Kukar)

The problem with trying to cover the Premier League here in Indonesia is that nobody else really does so it is difficult to even copy and paste.

But I have been intrigued by the comparatively large number of google's I have been getting regarding Germain Bationo, the Mitra Kukar striker. And they have all come from Australia. Does this mean there is interest in the player down under? Does it mean I have too much free time? Would you put this story on the back page?

Bationo is 24 years old and comes from Burkino Faso in West Africa. He's been in Indonesia for four seasons now, initially playing with Persikaba Badung where he spent two seasons.

In 2007 he moved to Sumatra to join Persih Tembilahan where he stayed about 18 months. In the second half of the last season he joined Persitara North Jakarta, his only time in the top flight, before joining the ambitious Mitra Kukar this season.

He has netted 12 times this season, including a hat trick against PSM in the Copa Indonesia and is his side's leading scorer.

Mitra Kukar, based on the island of Borneo, are currently in the play offs as they fight for a spot in the Indonesia Super League and this afternoon they play Persebaya.

So what about Bationo? Is he bound downunder?

 

Results 19 May

AFC Champions League

Suwon Bluewings v SAFFC 3-1 (Duric)

AFC Cup

Johor v PSMS 0-1 (Mitchell Leandro) 100

With just a squad of 13 travelling to Malaysia a severely weakened Medan side were still able to brush aside Johor

Chonburi v Kedah 3-1 (Pibob 2, Cobo; Khyril Muhmeen) 1,500

Kedah squeeze through on goal difference from Hong Kong side Eastern Athletic despite last night's defeat in Thailand.

Home United v PEA Ayuthya 3-1 (Peres D'Oliveria 2, Firdaus; Vachiraban) 989

Delight for Home United, heartbreak for PEA as they fell at the last hurdle

Malaysian Super League

Kuala Muda v My Team 1-2 (Manzor Azwira; Stanley Bernard, Zamri Chin)
PDRM v KL Plus 1-1
Kelantan v Perlis 1-2
Pahang v Negeri Sembilan 1-0
Penang v Selangor 0-1

Sweet revenge last night for My Team as they travelled north, fell behind to Kuala Muda yet still returned south with the three points thanks to Chin's last minute winner. Elsewhere Kelantan's fourth consecutive defeat sees them drop to 6th, 10 points behind leaders Perlis. Selangor stay a point behind the Northern Lions.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

 

Soccer City FC

Just done an interview with www.soccercityfc.com when I boviate, yeah I do miss Bill O'Reilly (!) on the Asian scene. Check it out here...

 

PSMS travel light

Tonight sees PSMS play their final AFC Cup group stage match in Malaysia against Johor and you can see where their priorities lie. With qualification and a game against Chonburi assured they have decided to leave behind players like Markus Horison, Elie Aiboy and Zada. On the domestic front they are still fighting against relegation.

Johor have just one point and two goals from their five games so far in the AFC Cup but they can't help but think tonight is a chance to improve on that tally.

 

IPL play offs

Yesterday saw the first round of fixtures in the IPL play offs as eight sides battle for a potential ISL spot.

Persisam v Mitra Kukar 5-1 (Gustavo Hernan Ortiz 2, Aldo Baretto, Patricio Jiminez, Ilham Jayakusuma; Fery Aman) 10,000
Persebaya v Persigo 2-1 (Jairon 2; Iksan Abubakar) 4,000

PSPS v Persikabo 1-1 (Cyril Tchana; Mauro Gaston) 1,000
Persema v Persiba 1-0 (Brima Pepito) 25,000

More games tomorrow as Persisam take on Persigo and PSPS play Persiba. The rest you can work out lah!

It is worth pointing out that winning the play offs does not guarantee promotion to the ISL. Clubs must also meet strict criteria regarding stadium, legal status and youth team among others. Persema for example have a youth team and a decent stadium but are not a private company. Persisam on the other hand are a private company and have the required stadium. They don't, however, have a youth set up

 

TPL standings

1 - Bangkok Glass FC 10 7 3 0 15-7 24
2 - Chonburi 9 6 2 1 14 7 20
3 - Osotsapa 10 6 2 2 13-8 20


 

Indonesia Under 23s to Iran!

It's not the national team going to Iran but the Under 23s! They leave 24 May and have two games lined up in Tehran, on 26 and 28 May against the Iranians Under 23 and the Iranian full team.

Squad

Kurnia Meiga --- (Arema Malang)
Achmad Jufriyanto --- (Arema Malang)
Jajang Mulyana --- (Pelita Jaya)
Egi Melgiansyah --- (Pelita Jaya)
Frenky Irawan --- (PSM Makassar)
Djayusman Triasdi --- (PSM Makassar)
Rachmat Latief --- (PSM Makassar)
Hendro Siswanto --- (PSIS Semarang)
Elvis Nelson Anes --- (Tim PON DKI Jaya)
Johan Juansyah --- (Persijap Jepara)
Tony Sucipto --- (Sriwijaya FC)
Titus John Londouw Bonai --- (PKT Bontang)
Joko Sidik Fitra Yono --- (PKT Bontang U-21)
M Fauzan Djamal --- (Semen Padang)
Boas Solossa --- (Persipura Jayapura)
Imanuel Wanggai --- (Persipura Jayapura)
Sultan Samma --- (Persiba Balikpapan)
Mukhamad Saiku --- (Gresik United)
Yongky Ariwibowo --- (Persik Kediri)
Corneles Sergius Gedy --- (Persisam Samarinda)

 

Stags maul Rams

Nope, nothing to do with a couple of grim northern shit pits in England, Derby and Mansfield.

Tampines Rovers v Woodlands Wellington 4-1 (Benoit Croissant, Seiji Kaneko, Qiu Li, Shukor Zailan ; Daniel Hammond) 2,134

Monday, May 18, 2009

 

Iran announce Indonesian friendlies

Persian Football has announced Indonesia will be heading to Iran next week to play a couple of friendlies against the national team and the Under 23s.

They had initially planned to play the Thais but then someone noticed they had a full schedule domestically. Funnily enough so do the Indonesians.

I don't have the ISL schedule to hand at the moment but I don know there are fixtures scheduled for this Thursday and this weekend. Getting to Tehran would be a tough ask.

I have not seen this fixtures announced locally but then that is not surprising. I am making enquiries elsewhere but for the moment am not treating it too seriously

Thanks to Jonny on the heads up on this...

UPDATE - just spoken with someone at the FA and they said that while they are aware of the story there is no plan to send Indonesia to Iran.

 

The runners up race

With Persipura officially champions now we await the race for runners up spot. Persiwa are in pole position with 60 points from their 30 games. Their first challenge comes later this week when Persib Bandung take them on.

Persib have two games in hand on the Highlanders as well as home advantage. Virtually unplayable in Wamena where they have a 100% record Persiwa have lost eight times on the road. Victory for Persib would see them three points behind Persiwa with two games in hand.

1 - Persipura 31 23 4 4 73
2 - Persiwa 30 19 3 8 60
3 - Sriwijaya 31 15 9 7 54
4 - Persib 28 16 6 6 54

Runners up gets a slot in the AFC Champions League play offs so it's worth something. I'd like to see Persib get that opportunity or Sriwijaya, allowing them to build on this season's experiences. Persiwa? Like their Papuan rivals there would be a decision to be made. They sure as hell can't play their home games in Wamena, the logistics of that aren't worth thinking about.

 

Successful coaches

Jacksen Tiago wakes up this morning possibly with a hangover. But also knowing that he is the first foreign coach to lift the Indonesian title since 2004. When it was won by a Brazilian by the name of Jacksen Tiago.

It's been a right old season for him. He started preparing for life in the new ISL with Persiter Ternate but they dropped out before a ball was kicked in anger. He then moved to Persitara where he only stayed a few months before heading Papua way and a place in the record books.

Recent title winners/coaches

2004 - Persebaya (Jacksen Tiago)
2005 - Persipura (Rahmad Darmawan)
2006 - Persik (Daniel Roekito)
2007/2008 - Sriwijaya (Rahmad Darmawan)
2008/2009 - Persipura (Jacksen Tiago)

Now he has his eyes firmly set on winning the Copa Indonesia for the first time in the club's history. And emulating Sriwjaya's double of last season.

 

Where next, Persija?

As Persija slumped to the pitch last night, looking on as Persipura celebrated their second championship in five years they must be wondering when their chance will come again.

An eightgame unbeaten run in the middle of the season had made them serious challengers and with the addition of Fabio Lopes up front coach Danurwindo had boosted an already impressive looking arsenal. Crushing Persiwa 6-1 showed this side were finally capable of lifting their first title in eight years.

But then, following the presedential election break all the good work unravelled as Persija struggled to find any of their former fluency. They slipped alarmingly down the table in a nightmare run of four defeats and three draws that saw the ambitions disappear for another season.

That they should see Persipura triumph must have been a bitter pill for the Kemayoran Tigers to swallow. In 2005 the Jayapura side beat them in the Liga final 3-2. Last season they again were beaten in the Copa Indonesia semi finals.

For now only the Copa remains. But should they defeat Deltras in the quarter final they come up against their old nemesis in the semis. Persipura. Again.

 

Sponsors snapping up tickets

Local reports last week said that up to 65% of the tickets for the forthcoming Manchester United friendly against an Indonesian All Star XI have already been sold.

While tickets don't go on general sale until June 1st, sponsors have been snapping up large numbers.

Not content with having the general public select the squad by texting their favourite players to a dedicated number, I haven't seen any updates or numbers on this released, now it appears the coach will also be selected in a similar manner.

Viva democracy?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

 

Results 16/17 May - Persipura champions!

Indonesia Super League

Persiba v Persita 3-0 (Adrian Trinidad, Mijo Dadic, Sultan Samma)
PKT v Persijap 2-1 (Josiah Setton, James Debbah; Ilham Hasan)
Persik v Persib 2-1 (Yongky Aribowo, Jefry Dwihadi; Hilton)
Arema v Persitara 1-0
Persija v Persipura (Greg Nwokolo; Boas Solossa 2, Ernest Jeremiah)

The champions elect Persipura tore Persija apart first half. Boas Solossa had the freedom of the pitch as Persija struggled to cope with the incessant pressure and it was no surprise when Boas gave the Black Pearls a 1-0 lead. What was a surprise was when Greg Nwokolo equalised. Danurwindo was sure one happy coach when his side were still level at half time. It wasn't men against boys, it was Manchester United against Arsenal in Champions League semi final

Second half was more even but Persipura still netted twice and who's the champions now eh?

SLeague

DPMM v Young Lions 1-0 (Shahir Hamzah (O.G. 56')

1 - SAF 12 9 0 3 35-14 27
2 - Gombak United 12 8 3 1 22-7 27
3 - DPMM 12 7 4 1 15-10 25

DPMM may be only two points behind the joint leaders but unless they can secure a quality finisher during the transfer window it's difficult to see them going on to win the SLeague at the first attempt. I mean, they can't go through the whole season scraping out narrow wins can they?

Thai Premier League

Osotspa v Bangkok United 0-1 (Kittisak)
Nakhorn Pathom v BEC Tero (Prayod Boona)
Pattaya United v PEA Ayuthya 2-0 (Ittiphol 2)
Port v Samut Songkram 1-0
Sri Racha v TOT 1-1

Malaysian Super League

Kedah v Perak 3-1 (Fauzi Shaari, Khyril Muhymeen, Shahrul Nizam Mustapha; Isma Alif Salim)
Selangor v Penang 1-0 (Rudi Ramli)
Negeri Sembilan v Pahang 3-0 (Zaquan Adha Abd. Razak 2, Idris Karim)
Johor v Terengganu 3-0 (Eddy Helmi Abdul Manan, Nurul Azwan Roya, Syaiful Sabtu)
Perlis v Kelantan 2-0 (Firdaus Fauzi, Nizaruddin Yusof)
My Team v Kuala Muda 3-4 (Norshahrul Idlan 2, Stanley Bernard; Anuar Jusoh, Akmal Rizal Rakhli, Azmi Muslim (og), Faderin Kadir)
KL Plus v PDRM 3-1

He looked at me like I was weird. Why aren't you watching Arsenal v Manchester United istead of coming here for this? My taxi driver said pretty much he same thing. Well, I fancied a quiet night out! And what did I get? A nice drive round the industrial estates of Kelana Jaya courtesy of a taxi driver who couldn't find his dick without calling directory enquiries.

A floodlight failure that delayed kick off and held up play half way during the first half. Some fat git shouting. Two kids who put fat git to shame. My Team's keeper sent off before he had even broken sweat. 10 men My Team taking the lead. Seven goals, how many at Old Trafford, and a bloody good game of football.

Despite the red card My Team always looked threatening, especially down the right and it was from this source they got their first goal of the night...sorry, no team sheet to hand but fuller details to come anon.

On 38' the visitors and with the last kick of the first half found themselves 2-1 up.

A third in the early moments of the second half appeared to have killed the home team, a total lack of communication twixt keeper and defender saw Azmi Muslim put through his own goal, but they showed tons of spirit and pulled a goal back.

3-2 down and still they pressed, leaving them exposed at the back. Even at 4-2 the shots rained in on the Kuala Muda keeper keeping him busy and they thoroughly deserved a third.

The early red did them no favours, neither did the goals either side of half time but coach Bojak must have been impressed with the spirit his players showed against all the odds.

Pictures from the game can be found here ...

1 - Perlis 15 11 2 2 23-11 35
2 - Selangor 15 11 1 2 34-14 34
3 - Kedah 15 10 1 4 26-16 31
4 - Negeri Sembilan 15 9 3 3 28-11 30

Friday, May 15, 2009

 

Weekend preview

Right, what's occuring in the whacky world of South East Asian football this weekend? Actually the action has already begun with Albirex Niigata beating Geylang United in the SLeague with goals from Taisuke Akiyoshi and Kenji Adachihara.

Tomorrow night the action switches to Brunei when local heroes DPMM try to bolster their goal difference when they take on Young Lions, thumped 5-0 last time by Super Reds.

In Indonesia it's a homecoming for Christian Gonzales as he returns to Persik with Persib. The Bandung side have just one defeat in their last 20 something games while Persik have only ever lost one home game. Ever.

Sunday sees Persija 'host' champions elect Persipura in Jepara. Defeating cellar dweller PSIS 1-0 will count for nothing when they come fact to face with the Black Pearls holy trinity of Boas, Goncalves and Jeremiah.

In the TPL Chonburi's match away to TTM Samut Sakorn has been called off. Champions PEA Ayuthya travel to Pattaya to take on a United side who have struggled to make much of an impact since they took over Bang Phra. Leaders Bangkok Glass play Sunday, hosting Navy Rayong.

Last but not least Malaysia where the match of the day is probably Manchester United v Arsenal. But for fans of the local game leaders Perlis taking on Kelantan ticks all the boxes. Can Peter Butler's men find some form after hitting a rocky patch recently?

After a poor start to the season reigning champions Kedah now sit 3rd just four points behind Perlis. Tomorrow they take on Perak in a northern derby whil 2nd placed Selangor host Penang knowing that if results go their way they could be top tomorrow night.

In a bid to avoid an all day American Idol yawn fest as well as the Arse upsetting United's title ambitions I'm off to KL where I fancy some roti canai as well as some MSL action...

 

Surat to Melbourne

Champions Melbourne Victory have signed Thai international Surat Sukha from Chonburi. The 26 year old defender has played 14 times for the Thai national side and is the first Thai to have a go in the A League.

Given the Manchester City fever that swept Thailand for a few weeks after Thaksin Shinawatra bought them one wonders, doesn't one, whether either the Thais or Victory, daft name by the way, will seek to cash in on his presence downunder?

 

Indonesia Under 21 League

I do whinge now and then about the game here but to be fair in some areas they are streets ahead of other countries in the region.

Last year saw a national Under 21 league start for all sides in the ISL. Divided into three geographical groupings the top sides qualified for the play offs which will be held this coming weekend. The best runner up also gets a pop at the title.

Pelita Jaya won the western group, Persib the central and PSM the eastern. Persita were the best runner up and the four join horns at Jalak Harupat Stadium, Soreang this weekend.

Just curious but do the Thais or the Malaysians have anything similar? I know Singapore has the Prime League.

 

Malaysia Under 23s

With the cancellation of the Inter Continental Cup in KL next month the Malaysians are looking for some preparation ahead of the SAE Games. As mentioned a few days back they play Singapore on 21 May. They are also hoping to arrange games against Indonesia and Qatar.

They are also consdiering entering the Under 23s in the Merdeka Cup in August which would be odd given the Malaysian FA's obsession with their FIFA ranking.

 

Singapore League Cup

June 1 sees the start of the Singapore League Cup (SLC) with the 12 members of the SLeague facing off against each other for the chance of some silverware.

Woodlands Wellington won the first edition of this trophy in 2007 while last year Gombak United collected it.

This season sees some changes with the competition beginning with a group format, replacing the knock out manner of earlier years. Four groups of three teams battle it out with the top two going through to the quarter finals.

Yet more games for teams with already very slender squads.

Really, is it necessary? The SLeague has 12 teams, playing each other three times, tat's 33 games spread over the season. Add in the Singapore Cup and the SLC and what you have s a pretty congested fixture schedule. And with salary capping, as well as the natural limitations brought about by small talent pool, it's quite a workload for clubs with limited resources and limited squads.

Then add in the likes of SAF and Home United with their continental excursions.

Then there's the old familiarity breeds contempt malarchy. The Singapore Cup is excellent 'cos it brings together sides not just from Singapore but also from ASEAN like Bangkok Glass and Pelita Jaya. New faces freshen the mix.

With the SLC we have more of the same old, same old.

If we must have this competition then why not invite the top four NFL sides to join in? It would give the Singapore football public a chance to see different faces and it would also allow players from there to put themselves in the shop window.

Oh yeah, the groups

Group A: SAFFC, DPMM FC, Albirex Niigata
Group B: Tampines, Geylang, Young Lions
Group C: Super Reds, Gombak, Balestier
Group D: Home, Sengkang Punggol, Woodlands

 

Results 14 May

Indonesia Super League

PSIS v Persija 0-1 (Herman Abanda) 3,253

Persija's first win in six games (or is it seven?) came at the expense of a PSIS rooted to the bottom of the ISL and favourites for the drop. Danurwindo, the Persija coach, will be happy with the three points but would have preferred a more comfortable margin. With seven games remaining Persija are 5th on 47 points. A mere 23 behind leaders Persipura

Persela v Sriwijaya 0-0 9,000

Sriwijaya also ended a poor run with a hard earned point at Lamongan. I didn't see tha game but considering Persela's home form, 15 10 4 1, any team picking up a point there has done pretty well. I shall make no comment about dodgy free kicks and aeronautical displays in the penalty area. Shit, just did...

SLeague

SAF v Balestier Khalsa 3-1 (Park Tae Won, Mustaqim Manzur, Jufri Taha og; Bryan Soane) 1.835

It's now the turn of champions SAF to lead the SLeague on goal difference from Gombak United after Balestier Khalsa were brushed aside last night at Choa Chu Kang. Park Tae Won gave the home side the lead early doors, that's football speak for early on that is. Mustaqim Manzur doubled the lead on the hour.

Richard Bok rested his influential Thai Therdsak Chaiman for this game, having him warm the bench.

Jufri put through his own net on 82' but there was still time for a consolation goal for Balestier Khalsa when Soane pulled one back right at the death, his third of the season.

Balestier Khalsa have just one win this season and sit firmly at the bottom of the SLeague with seven points from their opening 12 games.

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?