FC Munjen Portugal 1-0 KFC: Teamwork Did It For The Boys

Pasir Ris – FC Munjen Portuguese wrapped up the third edition of the MPFC-KFC with a 1-0 win in an evenly-contested match. The match saw the return of skipper Wee Yang, but MPFC still faced the persistent problem of player shortage. Adrian Teo got a loan deal settled - Aaron completing the 12 man squad for the match.

Aware of KFC’s midfield strength, Munjen Portugal deployed their 4-5-1 with Firdaus as lone striker.

Starting Line-up: Wee Yang (GK) Siu Sing (RB) Adrian Teo (CB) Azhar (CB) Hithaya (LB) Aaron Ng (RW) Christopher (MC) Aaron (MC) Peter (MC) Terence (LW) Firdaus (ST)

Substitute: Hilmy Von

KFC got the match underway, and both teams had a fair share of the early exchanges. Shots on goal were few, but the build-up and nice plays were aplenty.

The first shot for the match went to KFC, which went well wide. MPFC then had theirs when a good ball by Terence sent Firdaus, but the make-shift striker squandered his chance.

A sweet left-foot cross from Hithaya was then met by Firdaus, whose shot went agonizingly inches wide from the upright.

Firdaus then had another glorious chance, but his first-time shot sailed over the crossbar. A hat-trick of squandered chances; and Munjen Portuguese could well suffer.

All this while MPFC held on tight to the game plan and the midfield trio of Aaron, Chris and Peter matched the opposition stride to stride. Peter was especially efficient in breaking down the opposition’s play with his aggression and timely tackle.

A muscle strain then forced Chris out of play, and on came Von. A miscommunication between Fir and him then saw him switching positions with Aaron Ng – a move that sparked Munjen’s attacking revival as Von was superb down the right wing with smart use of his physique and exquisite ball control.

Another cross by Hithaya was met by Von, who nearly converted it for the opener.

Back at the other end, Azhar was spot-on to deny an opposition striker in a one-on-one situation. Certainly Azhar-Adrian Teo combination was so solid, it was the first thing on the lips of their skipper in the post-match interview.

0-0 at half-time and both teams look set to continue their attacking approach in the second half.

Hithaya has had a great game with his timely tackles and great balls upfront. This time his cross was dropped by opposite keeper Shien Wei. The rebound went to Firdaus, who this time found his composure to take it on his chest and lob it into goal for the match-winner.

KFC couldn’t believe their hard luck, and went straight in search for an equalizer.

Collision

A ball upfield later was chased by Von, who was closely shadowed by a defender. A bodycheck that followed then sent the big defender tumbling. Television replay showed the defender having a series of two hard knocks against the ground as he fell. The medical team confirmed that he had a concussion and was substituted.

Munjens still looked to threaten with Von rampaging down the right flank in quick counter-attacks.

Neat interplay between Firdaus and Aaron saw Terence through, but his shot was well-saved by the Shien Wei.

The Munjens looked to increase their lead, this time through Azhar whose mazy run upfield left 4 oppositions gazing at his heels. With the goal clear and facing their last man, he unselfishly threaded a pass to Aaron Ng. His first touch let him down though, and Shien Wei was quick to gather the ball at his feet.

A quick counter attack then saw Munjen’s defence gaping. A through ball was played and the defence flagged for offside. The opposition attack went on to score, despite Wee Yang standing still. The defence’s cries for offside frustrated the opposition dug-out, who started issuing vulgarities.

Siu Sing: ‘Mental retardation’

A fracas followed, especially between Hithaya and the guy who issued the vulgarity. It threatened to blow, but players like Melvyn and Jasmond soon got the matters at hand.

Match continued for another 5 minutes, and the Munjens held on to their precious lead. It was all great defending from then on for the Munjens, and Adrian Teo’s cries of “Munjens!” added the spur to the team clinging on to a slim lead.

A heated argument erupted in the tunnel between the same pair of players.

As Siu Sing described, “"There were cases of severe mental retardation from the opposing team. Whereby one particular member clad in green shorts uttered incoherent threats to our left back."

Both players had to be restrained back to the dressing rooms.

Loss of memory

After the match, the opposition midfielder Melvyn sent a message to Firdaus regarding the condition of the player rushed to hospital.

“Hey. Aniwae if ur fren is still worrying bout my team mate hu knocked his head n had to go off rite. Erm he had a loss of memory jus now. Was admitted for observation for a nite at cgh. Things alr better thou. He jus needs rest tts all.”

The news was a blow to the team’s victory, as a serious injury in the opposition’s ranks was never what they wanted. The team wishes the player a quick recovery.

-fir