<=...When Love and Hate Collide...=>: Historic Game 24: TKH @ SAFRA Tampines

Historic TKH Game 24.

Featuring our new kit for the season, a red/black Nike number staying true to the colours of TKH.

Also our first-ever night game @2100 hrs, played on an AstroTurf pitch at SAFRA Tampines.

It was almost like a Manchester derby! Because our opponents were in sky blue, a la Man Utd vs Man City.

Extract from TKH website:

Superb turnout. Shahril Brown. Zee Casillas. Wan Tanker. Aizad Terry. Wan Nesta. Arip Ramos. Ijad del Horno. Halim Alves. Faizal Cannavaro. Hermie Fabregas. Yusry Kewell. Roy van Persie. Sameer Nasri. Wanaldinho. Ahmad Raul. Zulhikam Ronaldo. Hafiz Rooney. Azril Fowler. Your presence alone deserve a round of applause. History in the making with 18 brothers making it on this Matchday 24.

1st half XI: Shahril Brown; Wan Tanker, Aizad Terry; Ijad del Horno; Halim Belletti; Zee Casillas; Ahmad Raul; Wanaldinho; Zulhikam Ronaldo; Hafiz Rooney, Azril Fowler. with a 4-4-2 formation.

Wancin lead the team out with Arip, Khairul and me not in the team. Our opponents were well organised at the back and their left winger was a main threat to us. Halim with his knee guard on was unable to cope with his pace. Persistant attacks from their left forced me to replace him with lanky Arip Ramos. Zee Casillas was unable to hold our midfield so Faizal Cannavaro was brought in to stabilise and control the middle of the park. We were sporadic in attacks but for the 2nd part of the half we weren't under pressure. A poor kick from their keeper at the top of their box reached Faizal Cannavaro who, ala Gerrard, lobbed the ball all the way from centre half, into an empty net. 1-0!!

5-10 minutes later of a corner, sloppy handling from Shahril Brown and our defence allowed the opponents to equalize. 1-1!

We continued to play down the flanks with Ijad del horno, Zulhikam Ronaldo and Wanaldinho dominating. A persistant Ijad, after good interplay with Hikam, ran all the way to the barline to supply a cross to who else? Azril to tap in for a good lead. 2-1! Azril later had to make way for Hermie due to a foot injury.

Half time whistle was blown and game was hanging at 2 goals apiece.

Wholesale changes were made for the 2nd half.

2nd half XI: Zee Casillas; Wan Nesta, Arip Ramos, Shahril Brown, Ijad del Horno, Faizal Cannavaro, Hermie Fabregas; Yusry Kewell, Sameer Nasri, Roy van der persie; Wanaldinho with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

We made use the pace of our Roy van Persie and Sameer Nasri to terrorise our opponents but was unable to get shots on target. Sameer missed a sitter right in front of goal. Then we got a freekick 30 yards from goal. Wancin ran over the ball and I saw an opening to swerve the ball over the wall and over the keeper to increase the scoreline. I was happy that I was able to contribute to the team and felt happier when my team mates rushed to me to celebrate the goal.

Sadly, the opponents equalized yet again to force a 3-3 draw. Even though we failed to get a win( I didnt care if we lose 4-0 today), the way everyone played today showed me that the team has character. We don't admit defeat easily and we fight as a team. I could even hear my substitutes giving their vocal support. This is the team that ive been waiting for and i am proud to be part of it. Superbly done guys!!

P.S. For full report and pics, visit http://teamkh.multiply.com/photos/album/41/Game_24

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What a game. Certainly one of the most physically-demanding games I've played in. Opponents were strong and quick. I was sent crashing to the ground at speed by their goalkeeper who went in with a high challenge, then received a yellow card for his efforts. Tempers were flying. One of theirs sent Yusry tumbling, pandemonium broke out, then he threw a punch at Hafiz and got a red card. A fracas broke out and almost set off a riot both on and off-pitch. Enjoy the pics.