MASUM Uni-League Division One - UUM (4) v UTeM (1)

The Northern Warriors started its campaign in the MASUM Uni-League Division One 2009 on a convincing note when it beats University Teknikal Melaka (UTeM) 4-1. The team kicked-off dominating in the first 2o minutes of the game while the opponent was struggling to find their footing right. Despite dominating the match and had several opportunities in our way, it was the visitor who found the net first in the 32nd minute after a misunderstanding between the defenders that caused goalkeeper Mohd Razi Azami to be beaten. The striking partnership of Adam Alkhindi Akbar and Mohd Rahizan Md Kasmani failed to click well as both players were going their own way while Adam Alkhindy Akbar was oftenly caught off-side.

In the second half, the team made seveal changes in the team line up with Mohd Shafuan Abdul Hamid came in for Mohd Rahizan Md Kasmani and pushed Mohd Saiful Islam Ghazali to partner Adam Alkhindi Akbar upfront. Thevan Raman came in for Mohd Fadzri Kaharuddin while Noorhasrol Zainal replaced Wan Mohd Aizat Md Nasri on the left. The changes proved to be positive when Mohd Shafuan's first touch off a free kick met Mohd Nasron Basri and gave the team the equalizer. The Northern Warriors second goal came shortly after, again from another move created by Mohd Shafuan Abdul Hamid. From a low cross on the right side, he sent a low ball for Syamsul Hidayat Khairan to score the second goal. Sankar Kuppusamy scored UUM's third goal from a corner kick while Noorhasrol Zainal added his name in the scoring list with the fourth goal.

The victory gave the team the much needed confidence in the remaining two group matches. The team will next play University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in the second match and a win will secure the team in the quarter final. Mohd Shafuan Abdul Hamid (pic) was later announced as the Man of The Match.