NS MADE A BRIGHT START IN MALAYSIA CUP

MATCHDAY 1 03/10/2010

DEFENDING champions Negri Sembilan grabbed three precious points in Kota Bharu with a narrow 1-0 win against Kelantan in the Malaysia Cup Group A match in front of full capacity crowd which was marred by fireworks launch into the field.

Fireworks launch on to the field

Negri Sembilan taking a more defensive approach and quick counter attack saw them getting the all important goal through Halim Zainal penalty after referee Yusuf Karim pointed to the spot when Idris Karim was brought down by Subramaniam in the 73^rd minute.

Despite the home ground  advantage Kelantan fail to create any clear cut chances and their best chance in the match only came in the 11^th minute through Akmal Rizal header which was tipped over the bar brilliantly by Negri goalkeeper Sani Kamsani.

Whereas Negri Sembilan game plan to keep frustrated the Kelantan front line works in their favour and  when Kelantan’s coach B. Sathianathan made his decision to bring in Hairuddin Omar for ineffective Akmal Rizal in the 39^th minute confirm the fact.

For the visitor a scoreless first half boost their confidence and continued to keep their composure after the break and stay focus throughout the next 45 minutes. Defender Shukor Adan and Aidil Zaquan both are outstanding and they combines well to stop the Kelantan’s raids led by Indra Putra, Nor Idlan Talha and Norfarhan at bay. 

For Negri Sembilan the arrival of defender Aidil Zaquan late in the afternoon did brought huge relief to the Deers camp when earlier he was reported not eligible to play cause he is still under suspension during the Super League match.

In the 73^rd minute Negri caught the Kelantan defence off guard when S Kunalan who was tightly marked by Daudsu was given enough space to chip behind the opponent entire back line for Idris Karim to burst through the midfield but Subramaniam was slow and launch a late tackle just inside the box for a penalty.

Midfielder Halim Zainal then coolly converted the penalty past Kelantan’s goalkeeper Syed Adney for the only goal of the night.