New Start.

Apologies. I thought when I first started this Malaysian Football Blog, I thought I will be able to commit myself 100%. It wasn't the case after last year's Malaysia Cup Final. Hopefully this coming Malaysia Cup will be better. Will be starting a twitter account: live tweeting games, re-tweets from top Malaysian Football Journalist, links to our articles & professionals.

Do apologies if our articles have bad grammar & structure. We'll do our best too improve along we go. If you are interested in helping us out. Do email to us at padangbolasepakmalaysia@gmail.com

I think we are a few sites that cover Malaysian Football in English. Reason being we want to reach out to an untapped Malaysian audiences out there. There are a number of Malaysian Football sites that cover the football in our national language. That doesn't mean we'll ignore doing articles in Malay. We'll have space to do that.

The plan now is to do:

Weekly articles.
Live Tweets.
And whatever a football blog do.

I'm in over my head here, but maybe a podcast in the future.

So this is our new twitter account @padangbolasepak do follow us.

That's all for now. Take Care

Regards, Khal.

Malaysia Domestic Season 2014

First rounds of the Malaysian Super League as well as the second has passed.

Apologises for lack of update. On this blog, this is just a spare time commitment.

Currently composing an article on Steve Darby's overall approach towards Kelantan. Will release it soon. Other articles in the works will be focused on JDT and Selangor.

An article that's quite closely related to my heart personally is on kit manufacturers and sponsorships deals in the league.

Pantai Timur Finale Review

A superb header by Mathias Conti and a brave performance by Khairul Azhan helped Pahang to achieve Malaysia Cup dream coming out 1-0 winners over Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium. The win ends a 21 year Malaysia Cup drought.

No question that Pahang were the dominate team over the course of the game. Their organisation strangled Kelantan's pattern of play. Going into the game, all the talk was of how Kelantan, without Obinna would cope.

Pahang's attack targeted Kelantan's weakness in the centre of defense and exposed it they have.

The only goal came from the head of Argentine Mathias Conti. The Striker made the most of Azamuddin Akil's superb run and cross to finish quite superbly.

Here's seven things we've learnt from Pahang vs Kelantan

1. Without Obinna, Pahang took advantage.

And they did took it well. Kelantan's central defenders looked disjointed and unorganised. Early on in the game, Khairul Fahmi did try to pull his defenders together however it wasn't enough. Both defenders rode their luck until the decisive goal that sealed the game.

2. Dollah Salleh's tactical change at half-time piled on more pressure

Introduction of Fauzi Roslan in the start of second half, meant that Pahang changed to a 4-4-2. With Azamuddin Akil who played as a second striker in the first half move to a right wing position. It work as they were overrunning Kelantan's right. In hindsight got the winner.

3. Amirul Hadi proved his worth at midfield.

There is little doubt that his move to Pahang revived his career and enjoying the best form of his life. With the faith of his head coach, the former Malaysian international could be expecting a recall after his performances this calendar year.

4. Bojan Hoddak didn't have a plan B.

There's much evidence that the head coach is too over reliant of his starting players. He doesn't really utilize his squad very well. Made substitutions really late into the game when the team needed a lift to inspire them to carry on. Early introduction of Faiz Subri and Fakri Saarni early in the 2nd half could have given them another outlet to exploit.

5. Fakri Saarni is Kelantan's long term future.

Many people will give me a lot of stick for this. I'm sticking with it. I've been such a critic of the player. Even when he signed for Kelantan mid-season I was shock. However he has improved a lot physically, technically and mentally. All he needs are the goals to boost his confidences.  His introduction during the second half helped the teams efforts to get the equalizer. Combining well with Indra Putra, Dickson and Norfarhan.

6. Khairul Azhan repays Dollah Salleh's faith by putting a brave performance.

When Kelantan did looked threatening, Khairul Azhan was there to kept the clean sheet for Pahang. He did nothing wrong whatsoever over the 90 minutes. Made a special stop in the heart of the Pahang fans when he denied Norfarhan in the dying moments of the game.

7. Fans were superb.

Despite the downpour, fans from the east coast were high in spirit and voice at Shah Alam. Even us who were watching from the screens felt the intensity of the game.

Conclusion.

So Pahang emerge as victors of this year's Malaysia Cup. The traditional season curtain closer could have well set the tone for next year's domestic season. With the attitude of "We can win this." resonates to every club in the country.

This is Pantai Timur! Malaysia Cup Final Preview.

Malaysia Cup Final Preview by Khalilul.

The magic of Malaysia Cup will be in full flow when Kelantan meets Pahang on Sunday night at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Fence sitters may be hoping for an explosive affair between the two teams from the east coast.

The two sides have face each other four times during this calendar year. Twice in the league and twice in the group stages of the Malaysia Cup. Kelantan came out on top twice at Kota Bharu. As Pahang were held at Darul Makmur twice.

This will be The Red Warriors fourth Malaysia Cup Final appearance in the space of five years. While Pahang make their much awaited return to the grand stage of Domestic cup football. Their final appearance was back in 1997. They'll certainly be looking to make it a special one.

Here is a complete preview of the match with latest team news and probable starting lineups.

Kelantan

The Red Warriors goal has been certainly to stamp their authority as a dominated force in Malaysian football.

Kelantan have been picked up five wins, three draws and two losses so far in their Malaysia Cup campaign. Scoring a massive 25 goals which on average is 2.5 goals per-game and conceded 14 goals which on average 1.4 goals conceded per-game.

So Kelantan have no problem in scoring goals when required to. Main concern will be the defence.

Missing from the team will be the tank at the back Obinna. Who is serving a suspension after been shown a yellow card in the Semi-final at Kota Bharu

Kelantan predicted line up. (4-3-3): Khairul Fahmi, Nik Shahrul, Azizi Mat Rose, Farisham, Zairul Fitree, Shakir Shaari, Piya, Zairo Anuar, Indra Putra, Dickson Nwakaeme, Nor Farhan.

Pahang

Pahang during this calendar year under Dollah Salleh back in the Super-league have shown many what they are capable of. Finishing a respectable fifth in the league only a point behind Kelantan.

Pahang have been picked up five wins, three draws and two losses so far in their Malaysia Cup campaign. Scoring Scoring an impressive 20 goals which on average is 2 goals per-game and conceded 16 goals which on average 1.6 goals conceded per-game.

Same as as Kelantan they'll have no shortages of firepower up front. However the issue for Pahang over their leakage at the back have been lapse of concentration.

Pahang predicted lineup(4-4-1-1): Khairul Azhan, Jalaluddin Jaafar, Damion Stewart, Razman Roslan, Shahrizan Salleh, Amirul Zainal, Hafiz Kamal, Gopinathan, R. Surendran, Azamuddin Akil, Mathias Conti.

Players to Watch

Kelantan: Dickson Nwakaeme

Can the Nigerian increase his status with the Kelantanese faithful by bringing in another silverware? He certainly has the ability to do just that. Even since his introduction into the team, he has been enjoying and contributing a lot of goals with his key passes, assist, goals and overall team play in all competition this year.

Pahang: Azamuddin Akil

Azamuddin Akil will be the one pushing Pahang's attack tirelessly over the period of the Malaysia Cup Final. Don't be surpise if his name is on the score sheet for the Elephants during the final because he has the ability to do so. He'll undoubtedly enjoying himself in this year's season domestic curtain closer.   

Wild Cards to consider:

Kelantan: Ahmad Fakri Saarani

Most of his substitution appearance so far this year have been very fruitful and positive for The Red Warriors. He might make a few silly misplace passes, but he will pour his heart out for the team in order to get the win. He has been a very improved player over the years. Can you can see why the Kelantan management and coaching staff have so much faith in him in the coming foreseeable future.

Pahang: Fauzi Roslan

Pahang's fox in the box has been a household name since the opening match of the Super League against Johor Darul Takzim. However his form this year have been somewhat of a start and stop over the months. Only aged 25 he has more than enough time to show his true qualities in the upcoming years for the elephants. In the second leg semi-final against Sarawak he came off the bench to score a header that booked Pahang a spot in the final. Maybe he could do the same against Kelantan. But this time scoring the winner?

Conclusion.

Looking at the stats and players you can argue the Kelantan have the slight advantage of being the more experienced team in this final. However you can't ignore Pahang's drive they'll push on until the final whistle. They'll prove much to handle for Kelantan in this exciting Malaysia Cup Final.

All in all, let's all hope for an intense, exciting and friendly Malaysia Cup Final competition between the two football loving teams from Pantai Timur.

What to expect real soon.

Deeply apologise for the lack for post. Been heavily involve with my other works. However I have written tons of drafts on Malaysian football. Topics include Kelantan's 2013 season and beyond will post after the Malaysia Cup Final. K. Rajagopals stats record along with coach OKS record with Harimau Muda as well. Honestly think that stats does tell us the truth when it comes to sports. It's an interesting factor. Another post is on JDT, Pahang, ATM, Sarawak and Selangor how these clubs will challenge for an AFC Cup place next season. As well as why it should be a priority for Malaysian clubs to raise their AFC coefficient so we can get more teams from here to enter the competition.

Realistically, if we could keep developing our football like this with the help of experience and high qualified coaches, in no time we'll see a Malaysian club in a Final of the AFC Cup. However in the next few seasons realistically Semi-Finals should be the priority. Set the bar higher.

Will post new posts and articles soon!

What has happen so far.

1st. Lions 12 won the league.
2nd. Kelantan won the FA Cup
3rd. Selangor and Kelantan advance to the AFC Cup
4th. JDT will have a new spanish coach . Fandi will be no.2 to the spaniard.
5th. Fadhli Shas scored more goals against Cech than Messi.


Sorry for the lack of updates!!!

AFC Cup, Oh AFC Cup!

AFC Cup round of 16 knock round phase Final Score: Kelantan 0-2 Kitchee.

Disappointed but we have to accept this as Kitchee were the better side.

Malaysian teams in general still have a long way to go to reach a final of the AFC Cup competition. Overall in this campaign there were a lot of positives, both teams Kelantan who just played and Selangor who will play tomorrow. Have shown we are no pushovers in the group stages of the competition.

It seems within two years of being in the competition, Malaysia is getting a firm grip on things. Three teams have entered, Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor have entered and qualified for the following round. That's progress. Now it's time to take a further for the future.

FAM needs to do more in accommodation the teams who enter the AFC Cup by making the local league fixture list much more breathable. The three teams have struggled to meet up with congested fixture demands.

Kelantan have suffered quite badly in the scenario above. While Selangor had to come from behind to obtain qualification to the next round. Our league fixtures needs to branch out further. 12 teams in the league is not good nor healthy for the clubs in those competition. Expansion is needed, not to 14 but to 16 teams. We badly need that. 30 Games within the course of 8 Months with FA Cup on the side and the Malaysian Cup as a post season competition. Why not?!

Only way to improve our national team is via a competitive big league.

Investors the clubs needs to attract investors to improve the teams training facilities, youth academies, view-ship and etc. I'm sure there are Malaysians or non-Malaysians highly invested to want to invest in our teams and league to be better in the south east asia region.

In the end, it's a step in the right direction for the teams with improvements to win the competition is badly needed.

Tomorrow Selangor will determine if there's a representative from Malaysia in the quarter-final of the AFC Cup. The furtherest a Malaysian team went is as far as the Quarters, let's keep it that way!

Support our local Malaysian football!

FINALLY!

Sorry to everyone! We have been missing in action since the qualifying game back in March. WE ARE BACK. FIRST POST SINCE THAT. Will be about ways FAM can help teams pursue AFC Cup Glory!

We came. We played. We got three points.

Final Score: Malaysia 2-1 Yemen. We came. We played. We got three points.

National Football Team Head Coach K. Rajagopal will be sleeping much better after Malaysia's win against Yemen. The three points will be a much need boost for our campaign to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup.

When the starting eleven was announced, many were surprise for the inclusion of Wan Zack Haikal who was thought to be injured prior to the game. Nonetheless his inclusion to the starting line up was a huge boost especially for his former Harimau Muda captain and team mate Mahali Jasuli.

Malaysia started pretty decent in the early stages of the game. Until Yemen took a chance on our loose defensive pass which they scored 1-0. It got really nervy for the Malaysians after that. But then the momentum shifted to Malaysia. Mahali's overlapping run and cross caused trouble in the Yemen penalty box which lead to Azamuddin Akil scoring the equaliser. Game on 1-1 on the 26th minute.

Mahali just minutes later almost got another one for the home side. After that it was back and forth between routine saves from both goalkeepers until half-time.

The second half begin with both teams being cautious early on. But Malaysia was determined to earn the three points. It's seemed the Yemen's 2nd half game plan was to catch Malaysia on the counter almost game to fruition on a couple of occasion.

Up steps the second half substitute Khyril Muhymeen on came and headed in the winning goal! The Malaysian fans went crazy!

2-1 it remained until the final whistle.

The chemistry between Wan Zack Haikal and Mahali Jasuli was indeed lovely to watch from the stand. Both players understanding each other's playing style very well. These two players will be Malaysia's poster boys on the right hand side for many years to come. Watch out Dani Alves and Lionel Messi!

Safiq Rahim deserves some credit, he did very well for the team during the game. Same goes to K. Gurusamy he did well do hold the midfield restricting the opposition to the flanks.

Norshahrul needs to find his goalscoring boots real fast. But his ability to open up space and assist his teammates was valuable to the cause.

Malaysians get to see Badhri Radzi and Safiq Rahim partnering up for the first time even it's only for like 12 or so minutes. Piya added a much needed composure to the Malaysian side after grabbing the lead. Helping to see out the favourable score line of 2-1 to Malaysia.

I Love The Scoreline

By Khalilul Rahman

Post Saudi.

International Friendly Final Score: Malaysia 1-4 Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia exploited major defensive frailties on the left hand side of Malaysia's defence 2-0 in the first half.

K. Rajagobal rang in the changes at the start of the 2nd half. Which helped in the cause with subs Safiq Rahim scored via a Hanaf Mamat lay-off.

Pushing to get the equaliser Malaysia were caught off from the break with a two late goals. It finished 1-4 to the visitors at the Shah Alam Stadium.

So what were the positives?

-Well Norazlan had the chance to impress and prove his worth. With this development I'm expecting a very healthy competition for the number 1 jersey. All three goalkeepers we have are indeed quality.

-Fahdli Shas, Zubir and Mahali are our currently capable defenders. Aidil was at fault for not closing down for the 3rd goal.

-Gurusamy is the answer for our defensive midfield situation. Shakir was slow and poor. His key attributes of positioning and passing let him down tonight.

-Khyril had a shocker tonight. Maybe Asaruddin contributed that.

-Amri Yahya was pulling the strings in the attack Norshahrul was only decent his decision making was a let down.

-Ashari and Gopinathan added some flair in the attack and were coming with a purpose.

-Azamuddin Akil tactically he is the best player who sticks to his job of tracking back went Mahali is bombing forward. But he needs to take risks to help the team to get a goal.

-Hanaf Mamat showed real intelligences when he came on for Norshahrul.


the big game vs Yemen:

Goalkeeper: I don't mind who starts for this one both Norazlan and Apex are fine goalkeepers in my book. 

Defenders: Mahali, Shas and Zubir must start the game. The defender to partner Fadhli is gonna be Aidil I feel as we all know K. Rajagobal. If it were me and if he's fit it'd be Amiridwan or Nik Shahrul.

Midfield: Gurusamny must sit in front of the back four. He is such a natural defensive midfielder after Gary Steven Robbat who is with Harimau Muda A. It'd be interesting if the boss picks a Piya-Safiq combo.

Wings: Ashari and Gopinathan both came on the Saudi game very well. Their bag of tricks can prove vital against Yemen.

Forward: Amri and Norshahrul both very good both must understand each other more to create chances.

Who to come on if all else fails:

-Alex! When out back is against the wall Mr.100% will help us out!

-If Wan Zack is fit enough to come on as a sub why not. Show us why FC Ryukyu signed you!

-Piya-Safiq whoever starts and not doing well please replace the one who started the game regardless if it's Piya or Safiq.

-Kunalan if he enters the squad late he's pace can help us out. Yemen are a slow team according to my Arab football friend.

We must fill up the Stadium this Friday! Come on Malaysia!