Just A Few Things - FELDA United Vs. Kedah

Credit: MFL

It’s That Old Clichè

Yep. It’s that old tale of two halves. The first 45 minutes were very labored and it needed something to make it alive. The way both sides are set up is definitely a factor to why the match has not been eventful (Which we’ll go into later). Kedah definitely had most of the ball but failed to trouble that FELDA backline enough while Felda looked content to try and attack on the break, but they do have one problem which again, we’ll go into later. Eventually, we finally did see the first highlight when FELDA took the lead just before half-time.

But that goal definitely woke up the Red Eagles as Kedah then rang the changes during the break (Which again, we’ll go into next). The result was that the game became a lot more energized and more open. Was it an end-to-end classic in the second 45? Not quite. But definitely way better and more eventful than the first half.

Added Dynamism

Trailing behind and not making any convincing headway, head coach Aidil Sharin got rid of the 4-3-3 system at half-time by bringing on winger Azamuddin Akil for central midfielder Amirul Hisyam and changed the system to their usual 4-4-2. The result was much better as Azamuddin’s presence down on the right provided more dynamism in their attacking flow on both flanks along with Kipre Tchetche, who was largely anonymous in the first half, was involved more as he moved beside Kpah Sherman. The impact of this change was instantaneous.

Shakir Hamzah’s long ball found Tchetche, who is now deployed more centrally and he scored with a brilliant Robin Van Persie-esque finish by slamming the ball into the near post. Azamuddin’s introduction then became more impactful as he provided the assist for Hadin Azman on 66 minutes with a brilliant pass using the outside of his foot. Though the goal itself was rather fortunate as Hadin’s shot from the left went between FELDA keeper Muhaimin Mohamad’s legs and crossed the line. Even so, Aidil got what he wanted from the changes, but perhaps the lesson here is that Kedah should stick to a 4-4-2.

First Half Bluntness

Felda’s front four, spearheaded by Ryutaro Megumi at the tip of it, made a diamond shape surrounding the midfield and this didn’t allow Baddrol Bakhtiar, who looks to be the third defender when Kedah is in possession, to make any passes down the middle. This resulted in Kedah having to make attacks down the flanks, more so towards the left to Hadin Azman and with Kipre not being a natural winger on the right, Kedah’s attacks in that period were not up to standards. But at least Kedah has someone to call from the bench to turn it around.

Now the problem for Felda on the other hand is that when they do have the ball, they lack a focal point up front and that is down to the absence of Singaporean striker Khairul Amri, who wasn’t even in the matchday squad. Instead, it was Frederic Bulot leading the attack, but that experiment didn’t give a favorable result. This was epitomized as when the game was approaching full-time, Serbian defender Nikola Raspopovic became an additional forward in FELDA’s hopes of finding a late equalizer. So if Khairul Amri is absent, who can FELDA reliably count on to lead the attack?

Marking Mana?

Take nothing away from the first two goals scored in this contest. Both were well taken, more so that they were able to punish some questionable marking. When Danial Amier shrugged off Rizal Ghazali on the right, he had loads of time to play a cross in. That should have alerted the Kedah defence to get in position to mark anyone free. But they were slow in doing it. As a result, it allowed Syahmi Zamri a free header at the far post for his first goal of his career and giving the lead to FELDA heading into the break. The space allowed for Syahmi to score was criminal.

Then we go to Kipre’s equalizer. Take nothing away from the Ivorian, it was a stupendous finish leaving the keeper no chance. But there were two FELDA defenders near him when Shakir played the long ball. But all they did was watch the ball go over their heads and arrive at Kipre’s foot for the equalizer. In fact, Kipre can even afford a touch should he choose to do so given the space he has and the slowness of the defenders. But then we wouldn’t be in awe of his equalizer if that happens.