Saturday, May 16, 2009

MASUM Uni-League Division One - IIUM (0) v UUM (0)

UUM ended thier campaign in the MASUM Uni-League Division One 2009 after a draw against International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). The result saw IIUM together with UKM qualified through to the quarter final. UUM could only managed to secure 4 points while IIUM collected 5 points.
In the match, the team made some changes in the line-up as well as the tactical approach. Instead of their normal 4-4-2 formation, the team had to adjust accordingly by playing a 3-4-3 formation and that had proven to be positive. Sankar Kuppusamy and Thevan Raman started at the back, marking out both IIUM strikers. Dominic Roy started in place the injured Muhammad Solihein Azmi on the right while Mohd Fadzri Kaharuddin retained his position on the left but later was substituted by Khairul Abdul Rahim after failing to perform reasonably well. Norbert Obiekwe who missed the earlier two matches stood in together with Cao Le in midfield. Mohd Nasron Basri got two golden opportunities to put UUM into the lead but fumbled in both occasions.
It was an improved and better performance by the team with all players realised that only a win will take them to the quarter final. Unfortunately the spirited display failed to give the team the required results. With the result, UUM will now have to focus on their campaign in the MASUM Cup scheduled for May 24th 2009 in UiTM Manjung. Cao Le (pic) was later pronounced as the Man of The Match.

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.




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, hBolde 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.




Monday, May 11, 2009

MASUM Division One - The Final Preparation

The Northern Warriors are at their final preparations before the first match kicks-off this Wednesday, May 13th 2009. All players are at their best condition and eager to start the tournament. Minor injuries to several players are a slight concerned to the coaches but the spirit of the team are at the top level for now. The Northern Warriors will open up their campaign against University Teknikal Melaka (UTeM) at Field B and the match kicks off at 4.30pm.
The team preparations for the tournament went off smoothly and the coaches are very happy with the development of the team. UUM played their last warm-up match against the Kedah U18 team and the boys showed improvements in many aspects of the game. However, the coaches main worry is lack of communication among the players.
Lets all pray to Allah for the team success and may the team spirit are able to be kept and translate into victory.