Home United FC VS Gombak United FC

Home United FC was missing eight National Players coming into this match. Lionel Lewis, Sharil Alias, Juma'at Jantan, Rosman Sulaiman, Isa Halim, Tengku Mushadad, Shi Jiayi and Sharil Ishak were all called up for Singapore's crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Jordan. Head Coach Paul Lee gave starting berths to four Prime League players in Sherif El-Masri, Zulfadli Zainal, Khairuldin Ishak and Naufal Omar Ashbilie.

Gombak United FC also made changes to its line-up. African duo of Kingsley Njoku and Gabriel Obatola has been replaced after being refused a new work permit. Their replacements were Koreans Park Kang Jin and Chang Jo Yoon.

The early minutes of the match saw both teams unable to create any decent build-up, perhaps due to the changes in both its line-up. Young Canadian Sherif El-Masri made his Home United debut and was quick to settle in. On 16 minutes, his pace and guile got the better of Jeremy Chiang, who had to bring him down to prevent further advancement and Jeremy was duly booked. The resulting freekick saw Sherif blasting a loose ball just over the bar. With Peres missing, Nelson San Martin took over and controlled the midfield with assured touches and crisp passes. Valery Heik was his usual self, reliable in defence. For Gombak United, much of their play came down their left through the pacy Fazli Jaffar.

The first chance of the match came on 30 minutes. Firdaus Idros sneaked behind Gombak's central defenders Bah and Obadin and got onto the ball but an alert Jaslee Hatta was on hand to snuff out the danger. A minute later, Nelson sent a wicked pass into the box and the lurking Firdaus just missed connecting the ball. Jeremy Chiang in an unaccustomed right midfield role, was struggling and thus Gombak United had nothing going down their right. Gombak's front duo of Goran Subara and new Korean Chang Jo Yoon were feeding on scraps as Home United forced the issue.

On the stroke of half-time, Sherif El-Masri could have given Home United the lead. The Canadian came through and fired a powerful shot which forced Gombak's custodian Zaiful Nizam into a wonderful save. The first half saw Home United having better possession but chances were a premium.

At half-time, Shahdan Sulaiman replaced the off-colour Azhar Sairudin. Two minutes in, Goran Subara nearly caught Home's defence napping but Ridzuan Fatah was quick off his line to snuff out the danger. On 53 minutes, there was confusion when a Choi Chul Woo's header off a Sherif corner appeared to cross the goal line before Zaiful clawed it to safety. The linesman appeared to have indicated a goal but referee judged otherwise.

Minutes later, Firdaus Idros forced Zaiful into another save with a low volley. The game was opening up with both teams creating more chances. On 65 minutes, Valery Heik had to be alert to stop a buzzing Fazli who had dribbled past Khairuldin Ishak and Naufal Omar. On 76 minutes, Gombak should have taken the lead when Chang Jo Yoon was presented with a shooting chance 18 yards from goal. However, his left-footed shot sailed above Ridzuan's goal.

With little time left, both teams seems contented for extra-time and it definetly looks that way. Deep into stoppage time, the referee stole the limelight when he awarded a penalty to Gombak United. Zulfadli Zainal was judged to have brought down Gombak's Ruhaizad Ismail in the box. It was a harsh decision and after much protest, Obadin Aikhena stepped up to convert to give Gombak United the victory.

Line-up: Ridzuan Fatah, Shariff Abdul Samat, Khairuldin Ishak, Valery Heik, Zulfadhli Zainal, Firdaus Idros, Nelson San Martin, Naufal Omar Ashbilie (Firdaus Kasman 88"), Azhar Sairudin (Shahdan Sulaiman 46"), Sherif El-Masri, Choi Chul Woo