Friday, February 13, 2015

Heart-breaking loss as Kamikaze concede in the final seconds

MOF SEASON 7 DIVISION 1
ROUND 2
KAMIKAZE FC vs Lost Generation
8th Feb 2015
1pm Eastspring Secondary


It was always going to be a difficult match against a group of opponents who have the pedigree of having played in the highest levels. Lost Generation are a very good team of footballers who have vast experience having played in the various national age-level squads with even a couple of former S-league players. Yet, Kamikaze approached this game with confidence brimming that they could pull off an upset.

It was however, not the best of starts, as within 10 minutes the team found themselves trailing by 2 goals, The first was a beautifully simple 4-touch passing move that underscored the class of the opponents. The second however, was an unfortunate own-goal, after Kishen, looking to clear, sliced at a low cross only to see the ball end at the back of the net.

It sparked memories of the team's previous Division 1 experiences and there was a fear of capitulation. However, there was something different about this new-look Kamikaze outfit as there was real character flowing through the team. They refused to give their opponents any more respect that they deserved and took the game to them, pressing them quickly and challenging for every ball. The move paid dividends as by half-time, the scoreline was even thanks to two goals from the talismanic goal-machine Safar both assisted by Doctor.

The team knew that they had a good chance of getting something out of the game, but crucial to that was keeping a clean sheet in the second half. That plan fell awry within 15 minutes of the restart, as the team once again conceded 2 goals, the first a mistake by the goalie and the second due to yet another mesmerising play by Lost Generation.

Just as heads were dropping, Safar, Jefri and Mohan stepped up to once again show the team's determination. They were spurred on by the captain Hara who called on the team to not give up. Even when a penalty was missed, the team continued resiliently and were duly rewarded when Mohan curled in a beautiful goal from the edge of the box. When KKZ were awarded a second penalty for dangerous play in the penalty box, and Safar completed his hat-trick, it looked like the team had completed a great escape.

However, hearts were cruelly broken, as Lost Generation pumped up a long punt down the ground and a mix-up between the defenders and the goalkeeper saw the LG striker poke in with virtually the last kick of the match.
While they were beaten narrowly, KKZ can take a lot of heart from the style of football they played and the character they showed on the pitch. This experience will indeed serve the team well as they take on the other teams of the division.

KAMIKAZE!!!

Squad: Vishnu (GK), Prem, Gerard, Kishen, Hara (c), Marek, Doctor, Pira, Jo, Jefri, Safar, Pratheepmuse, Victor, Mohan, Riswan

Manager Of The Day: Victor

Goals: Safar (3), Mohan
Assists: Doctor (2), Safar

Final Score: Kamikaze FC 4 - 5 Lost Generation
Man Of The Match: Safar

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