MASUM Uni-League Division One - UUM (2) v UKM (3)

The Northern Warriors went down tamely to University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 2-3 in the second match of the MASUM Uni-League Division One 2009 at Field B, UUM. The unexpected defeat put the team in a difficult position and only a win in their last match will secure them a place in the quarter final. The UUM team displayed a below par performance in their second match and that proved to be very costly.

The visitors took the lead after the misunderstanding between the defenders and the opponent took the opportunity to squeeze the ball pass goalkeeper Mohd Razi Azami for their first goal. The attacking partnership of Adam Alkhindy Akbar and Mohd Rahizan Md Kasmani failed to threathen the opponent's defence. Syamsul Hidayat Khairan in midfield failed to improve the understanding together with Cao Le and had to be replaced by captain Mohd Saiful Islam Ghazali who was earlier positioned on the right midfield. However, it was Muhammad Solihein Azmi (pic) who gave a splendid performance on the right back preventing the opponent from coming close to scoring situation. UKM added their second goal in the first half before striker Adam Alkhindi Akbar connected a low cross from Mohd Fadzri Kaharuddin. The result stayed at 2-1 in the first half. UUM made the same substitution in order to beef up the attack but their inclusion failed to lift the game. UKM added their third goal before Noorhasrol Zainal reduced the margin to 2-3. Captain Mohd Saiful Islam Ghazali was given the marching order after collecting his second yellow card.

Overall, the whole team didn't take the chances well and lack of communication between the whole team was the main downfall. It will be a herculean task for the Northern Warriors as their opponent tomorrow, International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM) only needs a draw from the match while UUM needs nothing than a win to move to the quarter final. Muhammad Solihein Azmi was later announced as the Man of The Match.