It's pre-season friendly before the season 20 start and it could not come any better as Chestercity FC takes on Boca Seniors in a drizzling match at Tampines Secondary.
It's an emotional return for Gabir as he dons Boca's jersey facing his old club and teammates. Wearing the number 9 as he did for City, he spearheads Boca's attack with familiar faces like Alvin and Ryan Mok.
Before the game, there were friendly gestures between the 2 teams as Ryan Mok came over to City's dugout and shook hands with Coach Ridwan. Gabir was also seen embracing all the City players what seems to be emotional for both camps.
City on the other hand had to settle for late call-ups as injured Indra sits out alongside Tam Tam, Aleef and Anon. New signing Jani delay in his departure flight did not feature as well. City has 3 new signings in Kim Sun and Parry at the back and also Irwan Azly, accompanying them was trialist Saiful.
City started with a different experimental 4-4-2 formation as Ridwan starts Amin in goal, Fred took the right back, new recruits Parry Lim and Kim Sun at the heart of defence and Jelson played his final match for City. The middle of the park saw captain Ryan starting on the right, Zahrul and debuting Saiful in the middle and Xavier at left wing. Upfront Bob starts his venture as a striker alongside new signing Irwan. On the bench, one game Izzat, Ronnie, Hakim and Hafiz.
First few minutes saw both teams canceling each other out as they tend to stroke the ball to the feet all which failed to find the intended target.
Xavier was brought off and Hakim replaced him in a move where City coach again experiment his formation this time playing the 4-4-1-1 formation pushing Ryan to the left, giving Zahrul the advance role swapping Irwan to right wing with Hakim playing in centre.
That was the key as in a move saw Ryan doing a 'Giggs' as he evades 3 challenges only to lose the ball after a great move.
Gabir had a shot which flew over plus not forgetting the outstanding display of Kim and Parry who stop the Egyptian on his tracks a couple of times.
Halftime stays at deadlock.
City change formation yet again, this time playing a more advance 4-2-2-2 formation bringing off Irwan, Saiful and replacing them with Hafiz and Izzat.
The defensive department was the only retention at halftime. Bob was sprayed to the right, Hakim and Izzat in centre of midfield with Ryan on the left. Upfront Zahrul and Hafiz took centre stage.
It was certainly a different look City side as they try to exploit Boca defence.
But Boca most of the game was in City half and with 15mins remaining, Boca was infront and who else was on the scoresheet. It was Gabir. Getting the ball down the right flank, their winger slots the ball to Gabir's feet and for the first time in the match Gabir lost Parry and Kim and with Fred the only barricade, Gabir unleashed a powerful shot to the roof of the net giving Amin no chance.
Gabir did not celebrate his goal.
City pressed on. Ryan was brought and Irwan took his place pushing Bob to the left. Hakim got a freekick high wide and Izzat got a freekick block.
City then was awarded a freekick after Bob was deem to be pushed by Boca's defence. Hafiz stands over the ball but was ordered away by Ridwan who wants Bob to take it. With a slight of luck Bob scored with the help of the pitch and goalkeeper. 1-1.
Hafiz was also showing a few great touches as a striker for his standard, Turning and beating a few defenders cutting in and laying off.
Final whistle: 1-1.
City Coach commented," It was a great moment for Gabir. He scored against us but kudos to him for not celebrating out of respect for his old team. It was a great goal. No keeper would have saved that. Well he have made his decision on playing for Boca instead of us and we thank him for the goals last season. For City it's good to see Kim and Parry doing so well at the back, I could not ask for more. Hakim picked up where he left off and he was also excellent. Irwan also shine in this match.
Hafiz shocks us in this match. Good skills and composure for a defender like him playing striker.I just can't wait for the season to start and have all the players back and fit."
