As the 11 man of FC Phenom stepped onto the pitch against Sunday FC on a brisk sunday morning, they knew that they had a mountain to climb due to the shortage of available players. None of them knew that they were starting an astonishing game of two halves that would bring them through the highs and lows of Football.
The lack of confidence became evident as the opponents pulled away to a two goal lead within the first 7 minutes of the match. Along with the absence of key players, the usual calm and composed build up play of FC Phenom was missing as well. Though we had the odd chances or two in the first half, the opponents, Sunday FC, capitalised on our defensive errors to double their advantage by the 30th minute.
With the scoreline at half time in favour of the opponents, things were looking as bleak as the dark clouds rolling overhead. Captain (#29) Hafidz and Vice-captain (#99) Harris stepped up to the plate and pulled the team together during the half time team talk and made some tactical and position changes. With nothing to lose, FC Phenom threw the sink out of the window and went for a goal in the second half.
After an extended period of positive play, we were duly rewarded in the 60th minute as crisp passing between (#13) James and (#9) Rahul released (#91) Hakim down the right flank to deliver a delightful cross into the opponent's penalty box. Unable to reach the ball in time, forwards Aliff Tabser and (#17) Muhaimin feinted their run to draw the defenders away from (#77) Aza, who was lurking at the far side of the box. Controlling the ball with ease, Man of the match, (#77) Aza slotted the ball to the near post just out of the goalkeeper's reach.
It was then the turn of our defensive unit to regain their honour by denying the attempts from Sunday FC as they looked to kill off and embers of hope within FC Phenom.
Despite their tactic of overloading our left back Hairee with their young and energetic wingers, experience trumped youth as they often found themselves marshaled to the corner flag. And on the off chance that they managed to bypass our defence, the solid defensive pairing of (#26) Ang Thiam Foo and (#82 ) Shaun Lim, laid their bodies on the line to protect the goalkeeper.
The match ended 4 - 1 in favour of the opponents. However the scoreline did not do justice to the effort and teamwork displayed by these 11 men. In a game of two very distinctive halves, the key in unlocking the good performance was the good lines of communication and a tireless belief in each other to pull through tough times.
Prepared by :
Dharman Norms
Secretary, FC Phenom
