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.
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.
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.
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.
No comments:
Post a Comment