Nizam and Faris on target as LionsXII beat Terengganu in FA Cup semi

By Teng Kiat | Yahoo Newsroom


Yahoo Newsroom - Terengganu goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee was in good form against the LionsXII (Photo: FAS)

The LionsXII took a step closer to the final of the Malaysia FA Cup on Saturday night as they edged Terengganu FA 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-final.

Khairul Nizam and Faris Ramli struck within five minutes of each other in the first half, although Fandi Ahmad’s men really should have registered a larger margin of victory at Jalan Besar Stadium.

A series of missed opportunities in the second half left the Turtles with hope of overturning the deficit at home in a week’s time, thanks to Gustavo Lopez’s crucial away goal before half-time.

Fandi said he “couldn’t believe” what he saw as the LionsXII carved apart their opponents almost at will, but failed to add to the scoreline.

“I am very disappointed in the score, but I'm very happy that we won,” he said after the game.

“We live to fight another day and I hope our players will keep up the momentum… It was good to see that we created a lot of chances, but our finishing wasn’t there.”

Nizam was the biggest culprit as he spurned the LionsXII’s clearest opening on 55 minutes, side-footing wide from eight yards with the goal gaping after Khairul Amri had laid the ball on a platter.


Khairul Nizam reacts after scoring the opening goal for LionsXII in their FA Cup semi-final (Photo: FAS)

Terengganu goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee was in fine form as well, denying Amri in the first half and then Safuwan in the second half with good stops.

The pick of the bunch came in the closing stages when he brilliantly tipped Amri’s powerful header on to the bar, with the performance drawing praise from both Fandi and his own coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim.

The first 45 minutes was a far tighter affair though. Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Lopez threatened early on for the visitors, but the hosts grew stronger as it wore on.

The returning Safuwan Baharudin misfired a shot from right in front of goal, before the deadlock was broken on the half-hour mark. After Nizam’s initial header off Gabriel Quak’s free-kick was blocked, he reacted quickest to lash the loose ball into the bottom corner.

It was two soon after as Nazrul Nazari’s cross from the right fell to Faris at the far post, who promptly slammed in his fourth goal of the campaign.

However, Terengganu responded through Lopez’s precise free-kick in the 39th minute and were unfortunate not to then equalise.

On the stroke of half-time, Norshahrul set up Ashaari Shamsudin for a 20-yard curler that came off the right post. The former then crossed the rebound for Abdul Manaf Mamat to crash another strike off the same post.

Fandi acknowledged that the LionsXII would need to “prepare better” defensively for the return leg on May 16, especially with Paulo Rangel set to return for Terengganu. The Brazilian hitman, who was suspended for this match, has struck 12 goals in all competitions so far.

“They will have Rangel back and maybe Issey [Nakajima-Farran], so we need to be very tight at the back,” he asserted. “Most importantly, we need to close down the passing angles to this guy, because he doesn’t move much [upfront].

“We want to go there and get an early goal; we need to stay focused and have the belief we will make it through [to the final].”

LionsXII: Izwan Mahbud, Nazrul Nazari, Madhu Mohana, Zulfahmi Arifin, Hafiz Sujad, Gabriel Quak (Syafiq Zainal 67’), Safuwan Baharudin, Izzdin Shafiq, Faris Ramli (Sufian Anuar 88’), Khairul Nizam (Sahil Suhaimi 65’), Khairul Amri.

Terengganu: Sharbinee Allawee, Helmi Remeli, Azlan Zainal, Vincent Bikana, Zubir Azmi, Nordin Alias (C), Sharin Sapien (Hafizal Mohamad 81’), Abdul Manaf Mamat (Fakhrurazi Musa 86’), Gustavo Lopez, Ashaari Shamsudin (Zairo Anuar 69’), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.

Source: https://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/nizam-and-faris-on-target-as-lionsxii-beat-terengganu-in-fa-cup-semi-073651100.html

One that got away | Fandi fears away goal may haunt LionsXII, who are denied a bigger win by Terengganu goalkeeper

Fandi fears away goal may haunt LionsXII, who are denied a bigger win by Terengganu goalkeeper 

ONE THAT FOUND THE NET: 
Khairul Nizam celebrates after scoring a scorcher...TNP PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

BY SHAMIR OSMAN(TNP)

SEMI-FINAL, 1ST LEG

LIONSXII 2

(Khairul Nizam 30, Faris Ramli 34)

TERENGGANU 1

(Gustavo Lopez 39)

Zulfahmi Arifin fell to his knees on the Jalan Besar turf.

His LionsXII teammates wore frowns on their faces.

When referee Zamzaidi Katimin blew the final whistle last night, a hushed silence lingered in the air as 5,891 witnesses knew it was a big wasted opportunity for the LionsXII even though they beat Terengganu 2-1 in the first leg of the Malaysian FA Cup semi-final.

The slim one-goal lead could well prove insufficient when the tie returns to Kuala Terengganu next week.

"I'm very disappointed with the score, but happy with the win. This is only the first half, and we must prepare better for the second leg," LionsXII coach Fandi Ahmad lamented with furrowed brows at the post-match press conference.

"It's important to stay focused, and believe. We cannot go (to Kuala Terengganu) with negative thoughts of getting a thrashing or anything like that."

At least the fans could agree with Terengganu coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim that last night's game will go down in history as a semi-final classic.

With thrusts and counter-thrusts, opportunities to score were fashioned at both ends of the pitch as the teams took turns to hit the woodwork.

The dramatic encounter that witnessed grit, gumption and a dollop of attacking intent saw a total of 27 shots and seven yellow cards.

Khairul Nizam opened the scoring in the 30th minute, sending a daisy cutter into the far corner of Sharbinee Allawee's goal, with an unmarked Faris Ramli doubling the lead just four minutes later, as Sharbinee was caught out of position.

HERO

But the Terengganu goalkeeper proved to be the visitors' hero on the night, pulling off at least five top-drawer saves - all of them from point-blank range.

Gustavo Lopez scored with a peach of a free-kick just six minutes before the break, giving Terengganu a vital away goal.

"We knew that the LionsXII would be tough, competitive fighters," said Abdul Rahman.

"We were lucky today, but we also had a few chances. Getting an away goal is good, but still not good enough."

Izzdin Shafiq and Safuwan Baharudin, the latter playing for the LionsXII for the first time since returning from his Melbourne City stint, were superb in the middle of the park last night, breaking up most of what Terengganu threw at them, while also orchestrating forward forays of their own.

But Fandi will have some reshuffling to do ahead of the return leg on Saturday.

He will have to do without four players who will travel to Japan today with the national Under-23 team preparing for the South-east Asia Games, including last night's scorer Faris and forward Sahil Suhaimi.

And, to complicate matters, last season's 16-goal Malaysian Super League top-scorer Paulo Rangel returns from suspension next week, with Terengganu's other foreign forward, Canadian international Issey Nakajima-Farran, possibly coming back from injury.

"To say I won't miss Faris would be (a lie), but the SEA Games is important, and we'll need the other players to step up," said Fandi.

"But maybe we'll need a different type of player for the second leg."

DOMINANT

Fandi hailed the dominant performance of Safuwan and Izzdin in midfield but, if Abdul Rahman's veiled warning was to be heeded, he may consider dropping the 24-year-old back into his natural position in central defence next week.

"(LionsXII central defenders) Madhu Mohana and Zulfahmi were free today but, next week, they'll have to mark (Rangel)," said Abdul Rahman.

"He's a deadly finisher. We'll see what happens."

LIONSXII: Izwan Mahbud, Nazrul Nazari, Madhu Mohana, Zulfahmi Arifin, Hafiz Abu Sujad, Gabriel Quak (Syafiq Zainal 67), Izzdin Shafiq, Safuwan Baharudin, Faris Ramli (Sufian Anuar 88), Khairul Nizam (Sahil Suhaimi 65), Khairul Amri

TERENGGANU: Sharbinee Allawee, Vincent Bikana, Gustavo Lopez, Zubir Azmi, Nordin Alias, Azlan Zainal, Sharin Sapien (Hafizal Mohamad 81), Helmi Remeli, Ashari Samsudin (Zairo Anuar 69), Abdul Manaf (Fakhrurazi Musa 86), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha

OTHER SEMI-FINAL RESULT
Pahang 1 Kelantan 0

MATCH STATS
Shots: LionsXII 9 on target, 8 off target; Terengganu 4 on target, 6 off target
Corners: LionsXII 4, Terengganu 4
Yellow cards: LionsXII 2 (Gabriel Quak 29, Safuwan Baharudin 39); Terengganu 5 (Azlan Zainal 45+1,Zubir Azmi 75, Zairo Anuar 77, Hafizal Mohamad 83, Helmi Remeli 87)
Offsides: LionsXII 1 Terengganu 2
Attendance: 5,891
Match Rating: 9/10
Referee: Zamzaidi Katimin 7.5/10
TNP Man of the Match: Sharbinee Allawee (Terengganu)

Watch the second leg in Terengganu

Al Firdaus Travels is offering a two-day, three-night package for LionsXII fans intending to travel to Terengganu for the second leg of the Malaysian FA Cup semi-final between Fandi Ahmad's men and the Malaysian side on Saturday.

The $160 deal includes a twin-sharing room with breakfast at the Hotel Grand Continental, a ticket in the Singapore section at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, travel insurance and lucky draw.

Fans will travel to the north-eastern state of Malaysia via 29-seater coaches, which will depart at 10pm on Friday and return at 11am on Sunday.

For more information, please contact Walter Koh at 81222459/62972246.

Source: http://www.tnp.sg/sports/football/one-got-away#sthash.AIYFDNOz.dpuf

Malaysian FA Cup: LionsXII beat Terengganu 2-1 at JBS, face a challenging task in the second semifinal

A win is still a win. But with only one goal advantage to take to Terengganu on Malaysia FA Cup second leg next Saturday, coach Lions XII must be aware that they will face a huge and difficult task.

Two goals in four minutes in the first half with Faris Ramli and Khairul Nizam Ramli put LionsXII 2-0 ahead in the first leg at Jalan Besar yesterday.

However, Gustavo Lopez bridge the gap through a beautiful free kick which beat Izwan Mahbud. Both teams failed to add goals and the position remained 2-1.

Lions XII actually have a lot of opportunities to score more goals if not less incisive attack or the brilliance of Terengganu goalkeeper.

Gabriel Quak, Khairul Nizam and especially Khairul Amri, squandered several good chances that if signed, may indicate the end of a 5-1 decision to the Lions XII.

Source: http://beritaharian.sg/piala-fa-lionsxii-tewaskan-terengganu-2-1-di-jbs-hadapi-tugas-mencabar-dalam-separuh-akhir-kedua#sthash.mkGbez8p.dpuf

Malaysian FA Cup Semifinal: LionsXII vs Terengganu [2-1]

Full-Time at Jalan Besar Stadium: 
LionsXII 2-1 Terengganu 
30' Khairul Nizam 
34' Faris Ramli 
39' Gustavo Lopez 

Full Time Statistics:

Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAkrxVL_aws

Coach Aide retains belief at Courts Young Lions despite lack of S.League win

Photo: Straits Times

Aide Iskandar is convinced that his Courts Young Lions side are getting better even though they are still looking for their first win in the 2015 Great Eastern Yeo's S.League season.

Having picked up just one point from their opening three games, the Young Lions had an excellent chance to get kick-start their campaign at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Friday -- only to fall to a 1-0 defeat against Harimau Muda.

It does not get any easier with a tough run of fixtures awaiting them over the next fortnight, starting with Wednesday's trip to the Jurong East Stadium to take on the in-form Albirex Niigata (S).

But Aide believes his young charges are slowly but surely finding their feet as they build towards the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in June.

"I think our performance against Harimau Muda was much better than in the previous game when we were beaten 5-1 by Balestier," he said.

"One of our main focuses was to make things tight at the back and, for the most part of last Friday's game, I felt everything went according to plan.

"The discipline is a lot better, punctuality has improved and you can see the players are now more serious and focused.

"We must respect the opinions and comments coming from the fans because it is fair for them to be demanding results, but I just hope they can be patient with us.

"We are definitely working very hard and I believe this team has the potential do well at the SEA Games."

Aide does have a couple of new injury worries after captain Al-Qaasimy Rahman and Irfan Fandi -- who was deployed in the heart of defence -- both limped off against Harimau Muda last Friday.

Should they both be forced out of Wednesday's game, it would make things even more difficult for the Young Lions coming up against an Albirex side who have looked potent in attack this season.

The White Swans' triumph over Geylang International last Wednesday was their third 1-0 win in succession, but the scoreline failed to reflect how dominant they were throughout the 90 minutes.

In Atsushi Kawata, Rion Taki and Shotaro Ihata, they have a trio capable of winning a game with a moment of magic. And they are not short of supply with Fumiya Kogure and Hikaru Mizuno pulling the strings behind them.

But although Albirex boss Tatsuyuki Okuyama is pleased with his team's recent run of form, he insists they cannot afford any complacency.

"It's good for us to keep on winning but we also want to get better at the same time," he said.

"There is still plenty of room for us to improve.

"One real positive is how well our defence has been doing in the past few games. Now, we also want to get better in attack and put away the chances we create."

Albirex Niigata (S) Probable Lineup: Yosuke Nozawa, Mikiya Yamada, Takahiro Saito, Kento Fujihara, Itsuki Yamada, Hikaru Mizuno, Shun Inaba, Fumiya Kogure, Atsushi Kawata, Rion Taki, Shotaro Ihata. Courts

Young Lions Probable Lineup: Syazwan Buhari, Al-Qaasimy Rahman, Sheikh Abdul Hadi, Amirul Adli, Shakir Hamzah, Shamil Sharif, Safirul Sulaiman, Shameer Aziq, Shahfiq Ghani, Amy Recha, Iqbal Hussain.

Source: http://www.espnfc.com.ng/singapore-s-league/story/2397077/coach-aide-retains-belief-at-courts-young-lions-despite-lack-of-sleague-win