NORSHAHRUL Idlan Talaha popped up with a late goal to salvage a point for Kelantan in a 1-1 draw with Kedah at the Darul Aman Stadium in Alor Star yesterday as the reigning Malaysia Cup champions extended their lead to three points in the Super League.
Kelantan were trailing to an Azlan Ismail goal when Norshahrul shook off two defenders before blasting Nizad Ayub's cross into goal in the 79th minute.
The game seemed to be slipping away from Kelantan when Azlan sent the home crowd into raptures in the 58th minute after stabbing home's Baddrol Bakhtiar a cross behind the static Kelantan defence.
Kelantan had the better of the exchanges in the first half as Nurul Azuan Roya saw his speculative effort strike the bar in the eighth minute but it was all Kedah in the second half while Azmi Muslim will rue a missed opportunity when Khairul Fahmi Che Mat pulled off a fine diving save in the 67th minute.
Terengganu took advantage of playing an away fixture on home ground at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium with a 2-0 win over 10-man Kuala Lumpur.
They could even afford to miss a penalty when Ashaari Samsudin hit the post in the 25th minute and although he slotted in the rebound, the goal was disallowed because no other player had touched the ball.
Ashaari made amends in the 38th minute when he set up Hadi Yahya for Terengganu's opener before netting the second in the 52nd minute after a slalom past three defenders.
KL were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when Ahmad Jihad Ismail, who had given away the penalty, was dismissed for his second booking before Yong Kuong Yong headed in a consolation for KL in the 83rd minute.
Premier League leading scorer Bobby Gonzales took his tally to six goals with a brace late in the first half in Sarawak's 5-1 demolition of Pos Malaysia at the Selayang Stadium.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Pelita Jaya extend Safee a warm welcome
Pelita Jaya’s Safee Sali will make his debut against Persib Bandung on March 7.
The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal for an undisclosed sum with the Indonesia Super League (ISL) outfit which was witnessed by the team's bosses and fans.
After the signing ceremony, Safee told the Indonesian press of his hopes to help Pelita make an impact in the second round of the ISL, which starts on March 7.
"It is a dream come true for me as I always wanted to play abroad. I chose Pelita over an offer from Vietnam and also rejected an opportunity to go on trial with a Japanese club because of the competitive nature of the league here," Safee told www.Tempointeraktif.com on Monday.
"The ISL will help me explore my true potential in the presence of foreign players. It is also important that the fans here accept me."
The former Selangor player also hopes that his tenure with Pelita will open new doors for him to play in other foreign leagues.
"My stint here will also help me market myself as the ISL has a strong following in Asia. I hope to one day play in the A-League in Australia," said Safee, who started his professional career with M-League side Kuala Lumpur.
Safee also received offers from ISL clubs Persib Bandung, Persiba Balikpapan and Persisam Samarinda but rejected them. "I have been following Pelita's progress for several years and apart from being a fan, I also like their policy of grooming young players," said Safee, who top-scored in the recent AFF Cup with five goals.
Pelita manager Lalu Mara Satriawangsa said that Safee's presence will definitely improve his team's fortunes in the ISL.
The West Java club currently sit bottom of the 15-team league with 10 points, but there are expectations that their fortunes will change for the better in the second round with Safee being one of their new signings.
Safee is expected to make his debut on March 7 when Pelita host Persib Bandung to kick off the second half of the ISL season.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Bonanza for AFF Cup heroes
FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah with players and officials of the national team at Wisma FAM yesterday. — Picture by Osman Adnan
The national players, however, upon receiving their rewards, were reminded by Sultan Ahmad to use their AFF Suzuki Cup success as a stepping stone for greater achievements.
"I am the happiest man as far as football is concerned. We are the best team in this region but we need to build upon it to attain greater heights," Sultan Ahmad told reporters at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
"We are now in a new era of local football. But all of us need to work hand-in-hand in order to succeed. The team must commit and dedicate themselves, like they did in the AFF Cup, from now.
"And to achieve that, our players must also play regular friendly matches to maintain their momentum for priority competitions."
According to Sultan Ahmad, the federal government has promised to financially assist the national team in their preparation for major tournaments.
"We are thinking of sending the team abroad for at least once a month for friendlies in Europe, East Asia and the Middle East. Our team will definitely improve playing against tougher opponents like Japan and South Korea.
"However, our players need to commit themselves to the game and be careful about how they conduct themselves as they carry the nation's hopes in competitions," said Sultan Ahmad.
He also wants the Young Tigers 'A' team, under coach Ong Kim Swee, to make an impact on the 2012 Olympic Asian Zone Qualifiers.
"I want the team to go for it. It is not an impossible dream to qualify for the Olympics as we have done it before," said the former Asian Football Confederation president.
The Olympic squad open their campaign against Pakistan in the two-leg Qualifiers. The first leg is on Feb 23 at the Shah Alam Stadium and the return leg in Lahore on March 9.
On whether Rajagobal or Kim Swee will coach the Under-23 team bound for the Indonesia Sea Games, Sultan Ahmad said it will be decided next week.
"The preparation for the Sea Games is continuous as those eligible are with either the national team or the Olympic squad."
Sultan Ahmad willing to serve
FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Sultan Ahmad Shah is prepared to helm the Asean Football Federation (AFF).
"I'm prepared to serve AFF if the federation wants me. Of course there will be more responsibilities but I am willing," said Sultan Ahmad yesterday.
Sultan Ahmad, who received nominations from FAM and the Singapore FA, and Thailand FA president Worawi Makudi, are the two nominees for the president's post which will be decided at the AFF Congress-cum-elections in Bangkok on April 10.
Current president Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen, who has led AFF since 1996, is likely to relinquish his post.
Sultan Ahmad, who has been FAM president since 1984, is said to be the right candidate for the job based on his portfolio as the former Asian Football Confederation president. -- AJITPAL SINGH
"I'm prepared to serve AFF if the federation wants me. Of course there will be more responsibilities but I am willing," said Sultan Ahmad yesterday.
Sultan Ahmad, who received nominations from FAM and the Singapore FA, and Thailand FA president Worawi Makudi, are the two nominees for the president's post which will be decided at the AFF Congress-cum-elections in Bangkok on April 10.
Current president Tan Sri Ahmad Rithauddeen, who has led AFF since 1996, is likely to relinquish his post.
Sultan Ahmad, who has been FAM president since 1984, is said to be the right candidate for the job based on his portfolio as the former Asian Football Confederation president. -- AJITPAL SINGH
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Malaysia pass with flying colours
Malaysia’s Safee Sali (left) is challenged by Hong Kong’s Li Hang Wui in their friendly match at Shah Alam Stadium yesterday. Malaysia won 2-0. — Picture by Osman Adnan
In the 13th minute, Safee Sali's venomous volley from 25 metres caught Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai off guard but the ball came off his shoulders before bouncing off the crossbar into play.
Malaysia's persistence, however, paid off courtesy of Safiq, who stole the ball from Deng Jinghuang near the byline before side-stepping another defender to score from close range in the 44th minute. It was his first goal in an 'A' international match.
In the second half, national coach K. Rajagobal made a few substitutions with striker Sharizal Mohd Saad and midfielder G. Mahathevan, both earned their first senior caps when Rajagobal brought them in late in the match. Amirulhadi scored the second goal in injury time.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Football: Wounded Malaysia lose another striker to injury Read more: Football: Wounded Malaysia lose another striker to injury
THE injury-hit national team received more bad news ahead of tomorrow's international friendly against Hong Kong.
National coach K. Rajagobal, who had earlier lost strikers S. Chanturu and midfielder Amar Rohidan from his 24-member squad, will now have to make do without striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan as the 20-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during training yesterday.
Izzaq was hoping to impress Rajagobal in training in the hope of being in the starting line-up against Hong Kong.
The Terengganu-born player could be out for at least two weeks and is also unlikely to feature in the Olympic Qualifiers (Under-23) against Pakistan in the first leg on Feb 23 in Kuala Lumpur.
Rajagobal could also lose a third striker as Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who plays for Kelantan, is also doubtful alongside Kedah defender Azmi Muslim.
Goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee has also been released as his wife gave birth yesterday but Rajagobal is not too concerned about his absence as Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan) and Farizal Marlias (Negri Sembilan) are available.
"I will assess the condition of Norshahrul and Azmi tomorrow (today) before deciding whether they should play against Hong Kong. As for Sharbinee, I released him as his wife has given birth to their first child. I had to let him go," said Rajagobal at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
"I will probably have about 18 players, if Norshahrul and Azmi are out, but I am not too worried as my goal here is to test players in the friendly against Hong Kong."
National coach K. Rajagobal, who had earlier lost strikers S. Chanturu and midfielder Amar Rohidan from his 24-member squad, will now have to make do without striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan as the 20-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during training yesterday.
Izzaq was hoping to impress Rajagobal in training in the hope of being in the starting line-up against Hong Kong.
The Terengganu-born player could be out for at least two weeks and is also unlikely to feature in the Olympic Qualifiers (Under-23) against Pakistan in the first leg on Feb 23 in Kuala Lumpur.
Rajagobal could also lose a third striker as Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who plays for Kelantan, is also doubtful alongside Kedah defender Azmi Muslim.
Goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee has also been released as his wife gave birth yesterday but Rajagobal is not too concerned about his absence as Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (Kelantan) and Farizal Marlias (Negri Sembilan) are available.
"I will assess the condition of Norshahrul and Azmi tomorrow (today) before deciding whether they should play against Hong Kong. As for Sharbinee, I released him as his wife has given birth to their first child. I had to let him go," said Rajagobal at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.
"I will probably have about 18 players, if Norshahrul and Azmi are out, but I am not too worried as my goal here is to test players in the friendly against Hong Kong."
Monday, February 7, 2011
Safee Sali Move to Pelita Jaya
MOVING ON... Mohd Safee Sali holding Indonesia's Pelita Jaya football jersey after the press conference at the FAS office. Safee will be playing for the Indonesian League and expected to leave for Indonesia this Feb 14. NSTpix by Osman Adnan.
Norshahrul looking forward to Japan trial
Norshahrul Idlan Talaha has been picked to attend a trial with an unidentified Japan club.
Safee Sali is the third Malaysian player being considered for the trial but the striker has already made known he would turn it down as he looks towards making a move to an Indonesian club -- Persib Bandung or Pelita Jaya.
However, details of the arrangement remains sketchy as neither the period nor the length of the supposed trial is known.
But Norshahrul said he would not mind plying his trade abroad while hoping he gets Kelantan's blessings if a move materialises.
"I've heard about it (the trial) but I don't know much. Still, if I get the chance I would very much like to go there and I hope it becomes a reality," said Norshahrul after a recent training session with the national team in Petaling Jaya.
"If I get a chance to play overseas, I would leave it to the Kelantan management to sort it out. I just want to do the best I can."
Norshahrul is currently nursing a knee injury and is fighting to be fit in time to play in Malaysia's international friendly against Hong Kong in Shah Alam on Wednesday.
"I think I should be back in the frame by the time we play Hong Kong. There is only a slight pain in my knee and I'm hopeful of playing the entire 90 minutes," added Norshahrul, who was a key figure in Malaysia's AFF Suzuki Cup triumph last December.
Meanwhile, national coach K. Rajagobal is pleased that Australia-based Brendan Gan wants to play for Malaysia but has advised the Sydney FC midfielder to come to Kuala Lumpur where he can train with the Super League team Young Tigers A.
"I have never closed the door on anyone wanting to play for the national team but it would be better if he could come here and train with Ong Kim Swee's team so I can have a closer look.
"That would be best as the (national Under-23) Young Tigers train and play all year round. If Sydney say okay, he can come here for about two weeks.
"We would like to watch him and see him play regularly," said Rajagobal of the 22-year-old Brendan, who would be eligible to play at the Indonesia Sea Games in November.
Kim Swee has already contacted Brendan, who although born and raised in Australia, qualifies to play for Malaysia under Fifa's rules as his father is from Seremban.
"He called to say hello and informed me that I'm being considered for future games in Malaysia," Brendan told Astro Awani's Sukan Awani programme.
"It was pretty much to touch base but I'm excited to play for the national team."
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Football: Coach demands more
YOUNG Tigers 'A' produced a great fightback to beat Pahang 3-1 to notch their first win in the Super League but coach Ong Kim Swee is still not satisfied with the way his boys conceded an easy goal, apart from wasting too many scoring opportunities.
"My boys controlled the entire match after conceding a soft goal after just three minutes. I am happy that they got back strongly despite being down," said Kim Swee at the Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday.
"We won because we did not lose focus. But we cannot go on conceding soft goals as it may not be as easy next time to fight back.
"We cannot afford this in the Olympic Qualifiers. We also created so many opportunities but only scored three but I am not too worried as I am still testing options."
Kim Swee should also worry about the defensive lapses in his team despite fielding three experience defenders -- Mahalli Jasuli, Fadhli Mohd Shas and Faizal Mohamad, who all played for the national team in the AFC Cup.
Three other AFC Cup players - Muslim Ahmad (defender), K. Gurusamy (midfielder) and Izzaq Faris Ramlan (striker) were left on the bench.
But Kim Swee replaced Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor with Izzaq Faris for the second half and the lanky striker turned the tables on Pahang by scoring a brace and earning a penalty for teammate Fandi Othman to score the third.
"The six players who played for the senior team in the AFC Championship, have had too much of football since last year. I want them to forget about football during the break before reporting for training again next week," Kim Swee added.
"I will also give a chance to my fringe players to get involved in the Super League after the break. This is to test options and different strategies."
"My boys controlled the entire match after conceding a soft goal after just three minutes. I am happy that they got back strongly despite being down," said Kim Swee at the Shah Alam Stadium on Tuesday.
"We won because we did not lose focus. But we cannot go on conceding soft goals as it may not be as easy next time to fight back.
"We cannot afford this in the Olympic Qualifiers. We also created so many opportunities but only scored three but I am not too worried as I am still testing options."
Kim Swee should also worry about the defensive lapses in his team despite fielding three experience defenders -- Mahalli Jasuli, Fadhli Mohd Shas and Faizal Mohamad, who all played for the national team in the AFC Cup.
Three other AFC Cup players - Muslim Ahmad (defender), K. Gurusamy (midfielder) and Izzaq Faris Ramlan (striker) were left on the bench.
But Kim Swee replaced Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor with Izzaq Faris for the second half and the lanky striker turned the tables on Pahang by scoring a brace and earning a penalty for teammate Fandi Othman to score the third.
"The six players who played for the senior team in the AFC Championship, have had too much of football since last year. I want them to forget about football during the break before reporting for training again next week," Kim Swee added.
"I will also give a chance to my fringe players to get involved in the Super League after the break. This is to test options and different strategies."
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