IMT-GT Games - UUM 2 PSU 1

The Northern Warriors lived up the expectation when it matters most when they defeated favourite, Prince Songkhla University (PSU) of Thailand 2-1. The match which was supposed to be played yesterday afternoon, was brought forward today due to the heavy downpour that flooded the playing field.

UUM turned up with confidence knowing that a lose or a draw will dampen their chance to qualify to the semi-final. Noorhasrol Zainal (pic) was the hero of the team netting both goals in each half. Mohd Razi Azami stood between the post in place of Ezad Fadzril Baharuddin while Mohd Saiful Islam Ghazali was switched to play in the right attacking position. In midfield, Obiekwe Nourbert and Mahama Saiful Kalate made up a strong combination and Onouha Keleche was pushed to support Mohd Rahizan Md Kasmani in attack. UUM dominated the game in the early part of the match while the Thais were struggling to find their footing. Out of a through ball from the left by K.Tharmendran, Noorhasrul ran through into the box and managed to hit the ball passed the goalkeeper.

UUM made a substitution by bringing in Mohd Sharin Mujin in place of K.Tharmendran who seemed to be making numerous errors. That decision somehow didn't improve as Mohd Sharin Mujin was struggling to adjust himself into the game. The Thais equalised after Mohd Sharin failed to stop their right midfield from putting a through pass and Mohd Razi Azami was beaten. The outcome didn't stop the Northern Warriors from throwing their efforts to win the game and after all the hardworks, it finally paid off when a pass from Obiekwe Nourbert to Mohd Saiful Islam Ghazali saw Norhasrol Zainal free on the left and a short pass to him, he calmly tapped the ball above the reach of the Thai goalkeeper. UUM made 2 substitutions by bringing in R.Thevan in place of the ineffective Mohd Sharin Mujin and Cao Le for the tired Mahama Saiful Kalate. Wan Mohamad Aizat Md Nasri came in later in the game to replace Norhasrul Zainal and the Northern Warriors stood firm till the final whistle.

Today at 3.00pm, the Northern Warriors will face defending champion Institut Teknologi Medan (ITM) of Indonesia to determine their position into the last four. The match is scheduled to be played at Padang Rani, UiTM Arau.