5-Star Kamikaze Strengthens Title Case

ESPZEN Sunday League Season 20 Division 6

Keppel Bay FC vs Kamikaze FC

24/11/2013
3pm Kickoff
Hua Yi Secondary

Kamikaze ended any doubts about their title-hopes with an emphatic 5-0 victory over fellow title hopefuls Keppel Bay. The pre-match hype surrounded on Keppel Bay looking to burst the title race open with a victory that will seriously dent KKZ's chances of winning their maiden ESPZEN title, and the match started in an exciting fashion as crunching tackles flew all around the park.

However, Kamikaze drew first blood as a surging Pratheep run saw him pick out Hevy with a neat pass, only to see Hevy fouled inside the box. Hevy, reinstated to the starting line-up after a two-week break, took the resulting penalty and made no mistake as he drilled the ball into the back of the net. The goal swung the momentum into the KKZ camp, however, good saves from the keeper kept Keppel in the game. Victor who was then substituted in doubled the lead, after he finished a good passing move involving Shivaanan and Safar, with a neat left-foot shot inside the box. 2-0 at half-time.

Kamikaze knew that they needed one more goal to seal off the game, but they did not expect the intensity of Keppel's attacks, as repeated long punts kept putting the defence under pressure. Save for some last-ditch tackling and the crossbar, the team could have been pegged back. However, a neat passing movement involving Fazail and Safar ended the game, as Kamikaze won their second penalty of the match after a professional foul on Safar inside the box. Gerard stepped up to slam home the goal in an ice-cool manner and the game was all but over.

But there was still time for the Fazail-Safar show, as Safar latched on to a through ball from Fazail and made no mistake inside the box. Fazail, then deservedly got a goal for his efforts after an excellent cut-back from Yeli.

The Gaffer was visibly pleased at the post-match interview,

"It was a good answer to the critics. There were some hopeful eyes, praying we'd lose some points, but I think the lads settled that pretty well. A 5-0 win against a title-contender is a satisfying result and now, we are going to focus on taking one game at a time. Next week will be tough one against a very physical team, but we know we have what it takes to get a result. I really think this season has been a defining one for several of my players, including Shivaanan, who I thought had an excellent shift. Fazail once again showed what he was capable of when he is at his fittest. So, I'm very pleased with the character shown by my team."

Squad: Pratip GK, Dinesh Neshsta (c), Prem, Kishen, Barathi, Gerard, Shivaanan, Fazail, Vicky Hevy, Safar, Pratheep Muse, Victor, Dinzo, Aravin Yeli

Goals: Vicky Hevy, Victor, Gerard, Safar, Fazail
Assists: Safar (2), Fazail, Aravin Yeli

Final Score: Keppel Bay FC 0 - 5 Kamikaze FC