Home United FC VS SAFFC

Home United FC's Head Coach Lee Lim Saeng had selection problems coming into this match. Regular defensive midfielders Isa Halim and Naufal Omar were suspended. Added to that, Shariff Abdul Samat also picked up his fourth yellow card in the Albirex Niigata match. Coming in to replace the suspended trio were Prime League players Sherif El-Masri, Zulfadhli Zainal and Firdaus Kasman. For SAFFC, Ahmad Latiff took on an unfamiliar role of right back, after regular defenders Hafiz Osman and Razaleigh Khalik were unavailable.

Home United were dealt an early blow when Lionel Lewis had to be replaced after suffering an ankle injury. Trying to limp on, Lionel succumbed to the injury and had to be replaced by Ridzuan Fatah on 7 minutes. Ridzuan's first action in the match was to celebrate Home United's opener. Sharil Ishak scoring with a well placed header from Juma'at Jantan's cross. The lead was shortlived as on 14 minutes Frederico Martinez scored from the penalty spot to bring the scores level. An over zealous Firdaus Kasman had brought down John Wilkinson in the box.

Minutes later, Ridzuan had to be alert to clear a dangerous through ball. On 18 minutes, Choi Chul Woo had the ball in the net but was ruled out for offside. On 26 minutes, Ridzuan was again called into action. This time, he tipped a John Wilkinson freekick over the bar for a corner. It was a good save as Wilkinson's shot was destined for goal. Minutes before halftime, Wilkinson had another chance to give SAFFC the lead but he shot over from 20 yards. In first half stoppage time, Ridzuan had to make a flying save to deny Martinez netting his second. Once again, another curcial save to deny another goal bound effort.

Early into the second half, Akiyoshi had a great chance when Indra played him thru after a poor defensive header from Ismail Yunos, but the young Japanese shot over. Approaching the hour mark, Chilean Nelson San Martin, who will be leaving the club in June, came on for a disappointing Sherif El-Masri. Nelson made an immediate impact when he played Choi through but Choi's shot was well saved by Sharil Jantan.

Valery Heik was at his usual best, commanding his backline and clearing all danger. On 73 minutes, SAFFC thought they scored. Syaiful Iskandar picked up a loose ball 35 yards out and unleashed a scorcher which crashed off the bar. The referee and linesman was spot on to see that the ball had not crossed the goal line. 5 minutes later, Ridzuan had to pull off a double save to keep the scores intact. As the game wore on towards full-time, both teams went on the offensive, looking for a late winner. Choi's left footed shot just missed the wrong side of the post. Deep into injury time, Sharil Jantan pulled off the save of the match and a likely contender for the save of the season when he flew to tip away Firdaus Idros' top corner bound shot. The Home United players and bench were all ready to celebrate a winner but for that wonderful save!!!

Honours even, and both teams shared the points. Overall, it was a fair result with both goalkeepers in top form.

Line-up: Lionel Lewis (Ridzuan Fatah 7"), Ismail Yunos, Sherif El-Masri (Nelson San Martin 56"), Juma'at Jantan, Valery Heik, Sharil Alias, Shi Jiayi, Firdaus Kasman (Firdaus Idros 68"), Zulfadli Zainal, Sharil Ishak, Choi Chul Woo,