Thursday, September 26, 2013

Kamikaze Win Yet Again

ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6

Kamikaze FC vs Keppel Bay FC

22/9/2013
1pm Kickoff
Bowen Secondary

Kamikaze came into this game suffering the usual pre-match jitters that is associated with the second game of the league. The team had done well in their opening encounter and were encouraged to do better in this game. They knew, however, that their opponents were formidable and that it was going to be a tough game.

Their worst fears came true, when just under 15 minutes, Keppel played a quick freekick and caught the Kamikaze defence napping, as a resulting scramble saw the Keppel striker react first as he unleashed an unstoppable effort.

If ever Kamikaze needed a response, it was today, and the team clad in their all-new blue strip was not about to back down without a fight. The fightback was led by Safar who  played a blinder of a game. When Mohaan weaved past the opponent's defence and took a shot that rebounded off the defender, it looked like yet another harmless attack. But Safar, had other ideas as he volleyed the rebound first-time, into the top left-hand corner to bring Kamikaze back into the game. And he repeated his effort 5 minutes later, as he took another first time shot following Barathi's cut-back that finally gave KKZ the lead they wanted, which was how it stayed at half-time.

The team was motivated to get a vital third goal after the break, and once again, Safar was the man who would get it. He played a brilliant one-two at the edge of the box with Mohaan, before rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into an empty net. When Hevy scored an outrageous goal 5 minutes later, in the most acute of angles, the game looked to be another comfortable victory for Kamikaze.

Yet, like always, the soccer gods had other ideas as Kamikaze's defence had probably one of their worst performances in recent memory. Shambolic defending, gave the keeper absolutely no protection, as they conceded 3 goals within the space of 15 minutes. Yet, as always, Safar had other ideas as he latched on to another through-ball from Mohaan before shooting convincgly past the keeper. The match ended at 5-4.

In reality, Kamikaze made a mess out of what should have been an easy game. Captain USPO did not mince his words, when he said in his post-match team talk,

"The defence led us down today. I can't remember when was the last time we conceded 4 goals, and this is not acceptable. But full credit to the way we attacked and scored each of the 5 goals. Moving forward, I have no doubt, that my defence will bounce back and show a much more improved performance. It was also good to have Anand (Spaceship) back. I believe he is trying to sort out his overseas obligations and come back for a prolonged stint with us. Having his experience is vital and I'm sure the added competition he provides will keep more of my defenders on their toes."

Kamikaze have gotten maximum points in their first two games, but what is really worrying for their opponents is the fact, that the team has not really gelled yet. It is a frightening thought to see how Kamikaze FC will be, when they are settled and primed up for a fight. But it is a mouth-watering dream for the KKZ faithful and one they hope to realise soon.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Pratip, Suresh USPO (c), Ashraf, Jayraj, Haravin, Doctor, Shivaanan, Mohaan, Safar, Pratheep, Victor, Prem, Kishen, Dinzo, Barathi, Manjan, Hevy, Anand Spaceship

Goals: Safar (4), Hevy
Assists: Mohaan (3), Barathi, Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze 5 - 4 Keppel Bay FC

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