Mantis Halt F&F's Winning Streak

Mantis CF put in a professional if unspectacular performance to bring Fire & Flames' 2 game winning streak to halt at the MMU Field on Monday. It was a disciplined display from the young side ravaged by international call-ups and a midterm exam to two of their star players, Jimi Alonsohai and Ron Yusof.

It was Lords Kechik's first game back in charge after a one-semester hiatus due to his marriage (and subsequent honeymoon) to WAG NoRule Hazwaniey and the challenge could not have been greater as his side came up against what many feel to be the most robust team plying their trade in the MMU Premier League.

Mantis will no doubt be the happier of the two sides after lapping up extended periods of pressure from their more illustrious and experienced opponents, although the result leaves them with only two points from their first two games.

Mantis started the better of the two sides and almost went in front when an attack from the right resulted in Pali Robson testing the F&F keeper after an inviting cross from Gael Khalifa, but his weak shot was easily saved. Then it was Antonio Awee's turn to scare the F&F faithful when he managed to break free from former Mantis summer target Farouk Hassan and head the ball towards goal after a fumble from the opponent's keeper. The ball bounced twice off the crossbar before sailing out for a goal-kick.

F&F finally started to get into the game after the introduction of their midfield hard-man Nadom Onuoha and won a few corners to put the pressure on Ezree Togel and his defense. F&F captain Zul Supandi found himself unmarked in the box with only the keeper to beat on one occasion, but dragged his left-foot shot wide to the relief of Waru, who had failed to stay tight to his man. Even the return of Mantis captain Gabriel Abe could not see the side take control of the game for a sustained period of time. One of the F&F's corner kicks was met by their new central defender, Acap Brown, who headed strongly but straight at Zhafri Barthez, the Mantis keeper, who pulled off a world class save (with his forehead).

Things started to get ugly when F&F's giant defender Ferdinadeem slid into Zhafri, going for a 50-50 ball. While most players kept their cool, preferring to get on with the game, pint-sized F&F left winger Zul K took offense with the Mantis fans' calls for Ferdinadeem to be sent off. He would later be involved in a number of incidents which did nothing for the fair-play spirit of the game.

The halftime whistle was greeted with relief by Kechik and his staff, as his side were still level against the league favorites. At the interval midfield enforcer Stevie Lan stressed the importance of possession of the football to the other players while the rest of the side caught their breath after spending most of the half chasing the F&F superstars. The manager decided to bring on Syamilouda in place of Ron Yusof for the start of the second half, who had suffered a knock and also a midterm exam later that evening.

The second half begun with both teams trying to get a goal, and although F&F enjoyed far greater possession, clear cut chances were few and far in between. Midway through the half, Stevie Lan was surrounded by three F&F players, including Nadom and Zul K, and the ref should have definitely whistled for a foul as they proceeded to kick him all over the place. When the ref finally did blow for a foul, Lan lashed out under pressure and kicked the ball straight at Nadom, who was on the ground. Already on a booking from the first period, Lan was in danger of being sent off, but fortunately the ref saw common sense and decided to give him one final warning. That was to be Lan's last contribution of the game, as Kechik decided not to risk going a man down, and sent on Lan Z (no family relation to Stevie Lan) in his place. Pali Robson was also sacrificed for fresh legs in the shape of Carlton Kit.

The new-look midfield needed time to settle and in the process F&F won a number of free kicks on the halfway line, all dealt with comfortably by the defense, for whom Marcos Acied was having the game of his life restricting F&F's Zul Supandi's contribution to a minimum. On the few occasions F&F did manage to get the ball over the defensive line, Zhafri was quick off his line to smother the danger. With not much time remaining, another ball over the top from the F&F midfield found their speedy imported striker, who pounced on Zhafri's hesitation and indecision to slot the ball into an empty net. 1-0 to the favorites, and all hope seemed lost for this young Mantis side whose heads dropped after defending resolutely for so long only to be breached by a schoolboy error in defense. Ammar Sissoko, who had been spectacular up until that point, started to feel his shoulders drop and it showed as he walked backed to the center circle.

Two semesters ago, Mantis had lost the final to a fortuitous goal against the same opponents and their players could be forgiven for thinking history would be repeating itself again. But time heals wounds, and long, hard training sessions in the pouring rain on the bumpy training ground behind the tennis courts beside the MMU stadium and the small lake finally paid off.

It was Mantis' turn to start winning free-kicks on the halfway line, and Syamilouda showed why he is so highly-rated by the Mantis team after delivering some pinpoint long balls to Antonio Awee on the left wing. After a number of failed attempts on goal, another free-kick on the halfway line saw commanding center-back Ezree Togel make his way up to the F&F box to try put pressure on their defense with his height (all our other forwards are short). Syamilouda put in another tremendous ball into the penalty box, which was fumbled by the F&F keeper under pressure from Gael Khalifa (who isn't tall by any means), and the ball flew up into the air. The F&F defense was no where to be seen, having failed at their attempt to play offside, and Ezree was left all alone to magnificently head the ball backwards into the net to the delight of all Mantis players and fans. Yes, they celebrated like it was the winning goal, because it sure as hell felt like it. 1-1, time running out, and everything to play for. This Mantis side were destined not to lose to F&F this time.

Kechik then threw on Bard Djemba-Djemba for Khalifa in an attempt to shake things up (and to time-waste). While the Mantis team were fired-up after the equalizer, F&F heads started to drop. After Syamilouda had sneakily taken a free-kick after the ref had told him to wait, the F&F keeper lost it and from all the away across the field started to shout obscenities at the Mantis super-sub. He was then told to shut up by none other than his own teammate, Ferdinadeem. Another such incident occurred when Zul K slid in studs up on Mantis goal-scorer Ezree Togel, which left the defender clutching his foot in pain. Former F&F captain Aie was overheard scolding his player for "trying to break someone's foot". The goal affected them, and it showed when one of their players childishly shouted "It's okay, they're (Mantis) are the bottom of the table" as Syamilouda again took his time to take a free-kick. Real mature stuff.

When the final whistle blew, Mantis were definitely the more happier of the sides, having come from behind against the league leaders. It was a result to savor for the young team, who had found out that star midfielder Jimi Alonsohai wouldn't make it back in time for the game only hours before kick-off. Although there were a number of forgettable incidents, such as the robust tackles and shoving, at the end all the players found it in themselves to shake the hands of their battle-weary opponents and some of the veteran F&F players even made it over to the Mantis bench to congratulate the Mantis staff (John Terry style). Kudos to them.

Two games, two points, and a mountain to climb for CF Mantis in their quest to climb the league ladder. Second place is a realistic target, especially if key players like Alonsohai decide to return to the side. With three games left, there's still all to play for.

Ipin Iban: "We'll fight to win it all

Press Conference

What did you think of the team performance last match?
i think we did well. the team looked fine at this stage but certain thing ader yg kena improve. we are having a good touch on ball and the defence is doing a good job tapi kita kena la improve lagi utk sampai ke stage yg lebih tinggi...

Do you think there are enough players to cover the left back position?
I think the squad is fine. There is a good mix of experience but i juz want to tell here is..without me this team really2 have a big problem..

What did Kechik ask of the team for the first game his in charged?
well i know him..The coach asked us to do what we've been practicing in our training sessions but with more intensity..itu pentingnya traning..he want us to communicate each other, play as team and keep the ball possession..he always said "for the fans"..

The squad without Herry Bulu and Abe?
i missed both of them..i harap diorang lambat pulih cuz bole la saya main first eleven..its hard to break the first team if both of them in the squad..

What do you think of Fire & Flames?
They were a good opponent. They played a tough game and made things hard for us tp kami perlu confident and keep the ball with us..

You defend differently with Kechik.
The coach asks us to talk to each other in order to mark opponents better. We will always do better if we help each other out.

Do you think the team can win the titles this year?
Sure. We have a very strong team and we will fight hard to achieve that. It is still too soon and we have to work hard.

Official Announcement : Kechik, new head coach of Mantis C.F

Mantis C.F. and Lords Kechik Ever D'Sauron have reached a deal to become the first team head coach again.

President of Honor, Ken, and Club President, Ihsan Gelap, will officially present the new coach on 26 July at 22:30 at Nailis Subang.

Subsequently, Director General and Presidential Aide, Apek Anubisz will accompany Lords Kechik Ever D'Sauron during a press conference.

The first game of the season ( friendly match)

Match : MANTIS CF vs COOL UNITED
Vanue : Sport Arena Football Field (shell)
Date : 01 July 2009
Time : 6 p.m - 7.30 p.m

Starting Line-up

GK
-Zafri

Defender
-Acied (CD)
-Waru (RB/CD)
-Pijol (LB - 1st half
-Ipin (RB/LB)

Midfielder
- Amar (DM)
- Khalifah (RW/CM)
- Syamil (CM/RW)
- Bard (LW)

Striker
- Yusoff (CF)
- Kit (SS)

Subtitute
- Ezri (CD) - 2nd half

WE HAD OUR FIRST VICTORY

The evening started with a very disappointment attendance by Mantis key players such as So High and Awee which can't attend the game on a certain reasons. More disappointing was Aiman our new signing of the season can't be contacted until now. The management team was sent to a very worrying situation which they are afraid that something bad had happen to Aiman.

We started our game with a very excellent performance which lead to an opening goal on the 13th minute of the first half. The goal was scored by our Center Forward(CF) player Yusoff which successfully took the chance by scoring the ball crossed/assisted by Khalifah but the sloppy defensive strategy on the first half had given Cool United their chance to equalize the score by scoring into Mantis's net on the last minute of the first half.

The second half started with some tactical changes made by Mantis's new sign Manager, Nami who had decide to substitute Pijol with Ezri. While in the changing room during the first half break, they had decide to change the whole game play by swapping position between players on the pitch. The result was khalifah had been sent from playing as a RW to CM, Syamil form CM to RW, Yusoff from CF to AM, and Kit from SS to Alone Striker(CF).

As for the result of changing the strategy, we managed to get our second goal with an astonishing free kick delivered by Syamil. The Cool United goal keeper tried to save the ball but luck is already on the Mantis side when the ball reached the net. The game continued with no more goal score by any team. The final score Mantis CF (2), Cool United (1). Mantis really thanks the supporters for supporting the whole game.


Manager comment on Players

Zafri
- saved few chances made by Cool United. Although he missed one goal but it was a 50/50 chance of saving. Nice job today.

Acied
- really nice job on defending the goal. The best defensive role for today.

Waru
- A nice combination with Acied and Ezri on the second half. A really good ball control.

Pijol
- Made a really superb save by clearing the ball away from the opponent. Good game play.

Ipin
- Not much like upin in the tv series but you play like Ashley Cole.......Almost.A very nice game Ipin.

Ezri
- A very calm defending like a "mak jage anak"( the ball never went out off his sight).a great defensive play.well done.

Amar
- you done your role very well by never losing the ball on your feet. Great passes and chemistry though this was your first game with Mantis. Nice one Amar.

Khalifah
- You can play any position you had been sign which prove that you are a very versatile player. Nice assist which lead to a goal. Damn superb.

Syamil
- A very great ball control. Nice free kick which lead to our second and winning goal. Keep it up.

Bard
- Game play like Nani.......almost. You manage to get all the ball that being sent to you. A very fast runner.I wonder can u run on water......beep......beep....nice game play by the way....

kit
- Nice body strength and ball control. you manage to launch a few deadly attack.keep it up kit.

yusoff
- You are the player which i think have unlimited stamina. you keep making the opponent's goal keeper shit his pants by just running towards the goal....nice game yusoff.