In a captivating friendly encounter at Salain Stadium on 16 September 2024, VIKA FC edged past Real Stars FC with a scoreline of 3-2. The match, which kicked off at 4:00 PM, showcased a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance, ultimately favouring VIKA FC in a tightly contested affair.
VIKA FC lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a strategy that allows for both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity. The defensive line consisted of Kyaw Wanna and Rocco as the right and left defenders respectively, with Kiren 66 and Htet NaingTun forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Hmue occupied the right midfield role, Thet PaingSoe was positioned centrally, and Thuya Zaw took up the left midfield slot. Upfront, Han HnineHtet played on the right, with Nine Nine leading the line as the striker, while Kyaw Zin operated on the left forward position. This setup enabled VIKA FC to maintain width in their attacking play while ensuring a strong presence in the centre of the pitch.
The substitutes available for VIKA FC included Thant Zin and Sheeran 80, providing additional tactical options for the manager as the match unfolded.
The opening half saw an electrifying exchange of goals. In the 32nd minute, Hmue scored a stunning direct free kick from outside the box, showcasing his technical ability and precision. However, just moments later, Real Stars FC responded with a fluke goal, also in the 32nd minute, as they managed to find the net from close range, bringing the score to 1-1.
As the match progressed, Stevin Japan, VIKA FC's goalkeeper, demonstrated his skills with a crucial dive at the feet of an opposing player in the 39th minute, preventing a potential goal and keeping the scores level at half-time.
The second half commenced with tactical substitutions for VIKA FC, as Thet PaingSoe replaced Thuya Zaw and Thant Zin took over from Han HnineHtet, both changes made in the 48th minute to adjust the team’s strategy.
In the 59th minute, Nine Nine found the back of the net, restoring VIKA FC's lead and demonstrating his striking prowess by stable long pass of Thant Zin. He further extended the advantage in the 67th minute with another goal from close range by normal long pass of Kyaw Zin, this time using his right foot to finish expertly.
Stevin Japan continued to be a key figure, making another vital save with a dive at the feet in the 70th minute, showcasing his reflexes and determination to keep his team ahead.
In the 72nd minute, Sheeran 80 came on for Thuya Zaw, adding fresh legs to the midfield as VIKA FC looked to maintain their lead. However, Real Stars FC was not done yet; they clawed back a goal in the 80th minute, scoring from inside the box with a right-footed shot that further intensified the contest.
Ultimately, VIKA FC held on to their slender lead, securing a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Real Stars FC. The performance of Nine Nine, who scored twice, earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, highlighting his significant contribution to VIKA FC's success on the day.
