Radical Allianz thrives on despite depleted pitch condition

Radical Allianz defeated Lone Rangers Fc 6-4 in a wet encounter at Stadium Jamal. Pitch conditions at Stadium Jamal was pretty bad but the game took place and Radical Allianz managed to defeat LRFC with a margin of two goals.

The game was an exciting one right from the first minute. Lone Rangers controlled the game early on and had several great opportunities. Hafiz fired wide after some good work from Sani and Syahmi too squandered a great chance after some great defensing from Radical Allianz fullback, Karthik. A few minutes later, Lone Rangers got their breakthrough as Hafiz played an audacious ball to Syahmi and the lad did well to strike from close range to give them the lead.
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That goal didnt dethrone Radical's spirits as the home side when on a bombarding trip to the oppositions half. The interplay between Afiq, Ariff and Shidie was particularly impressive. And after some fantastic play by Ariff and Shidie, the ball was at Farhan's feet and the flamboyant striker performed a delicious lob that took the opposition goalkeeper by suprise to level the score. It was a heart throbbing goal by Farhan to end his goal drought.

After that goal, Radical were the better team, controlling possesion and defending well. They passed the ball well and created numerous chances but it all came to waste in the final third. But Radical stuck to the phrase " If you dont succeed at first, try try again" and all their efforts paid dividends and Ariff scored a magnificient strike to give Radical Allianz the lead. Ben and Afiq combined well on the flanks and Ben placed in a superb cross which was met by the opposition defenders and cleared. fortunately, it fell to Ariff's leg and the lad took a couple of touches before firing a calm and collective net into the net. Brilliant technical ability mixed with great tactical awareness was the key reason behind Ariff's wonderful goal. The goal signalled the end of the first half.

After the break, Lone Rangers came out firing on all cylinders as they pushed up their game and begun to push more players forward in hope of getting an equaliser. Finally they found one as constant pressure led to Sani being in an unmarked position and Hafiz assisted him as Sani scored from close range to bring to score level again.

But, the game wasnt over for Radical as they stepped up a level too by bringing on Kamil, a youth member of team making his debut and he made an instant impact as he dribbled past a few players before putting in a cross which one of the opposition player deflected the ball into his own net to give Radical Allianz the advantage again. After a few minutes, Radical extended their lead to 4 goals as Keeshaanan scored a from close range after a cross from Ben went past all markers. Ariff placed the ball to Ben, and he ran past a few defenders before putting in a low and threatening  cross which travelled at a great speed and almost missed everyone but Keeshaanan who was rather quiet throughout the match was at the right place at the right time to slot in Radical Allianz's fourth goal.

After that, Keeshaanan and Farhan succumbed to injuries and Radical played with 10 men as they had made all their substitutions. And this problem gave Lone Rangers a great opportunity and they seized it by scoring two goals in quick succession to bring back the score level.

But, Radical Allianz weren't a team that gives up easily. They are known everywhere for their grit and determination and they showed why they are called so by going forward with more intent and determination and they got their reward in the 85th minute as Afiq, who was superb throughout the match squared a pass to Azhaari who then went on a terrific solo run and fired an unstopabble shot which flew past the goalkeeper at such a high velocity. 5-4 to Radical.

But that wasnt the end. In the dying minutes, Radical Allianz goalkeeper, Ikram decided thatit was time for him to have some share of attacking chances as he went up the pitch. Again Kamil was the architect and he placed a beautiful pass for Ikram who then cut past a defender and fired a low shot which flew into the bottom corner. 6-4 to Radical Allianz.

Overall, it was a magnificient and most importantly determined showing by the Radical Allianz players.

Player Ratings.

Ikram (7/10)
Little to do but solid handling to keep out a couple of long range potshots from the visitors.

Karthik (8/10)
The small player has well and truly established himself as Radical's first choice right-back and he showed why with another defensively sound display to complement his attacking surges. Thankfully avoided serious injury after a horrible challenge from Syahmi

Azhaari (8/10)
A typically energetic performance from the young left-back, who bombed on in the first half and then stayed more disciplined as United saw the game out to secure all three points..Even scored a fantastic solo goal in the second half.

Sri (7/10)
The new signing continues to look like a liability-in-waiting, but defended diligently against Hafiz as and when required. Attacking offerings could have been more considered.

Fahmi (7/10)
Late substitute for Farhan, allowing the striker to walk some time off the clock and take a deserved recovery from his injury

Kamil (8/10)
Final substitution for his side, adding more attacking potency in place of Sri. Impact was evident, but not as decisively as needed..

Ariff (9/10) MAN OF THE MATCH
A curious evening for the playmaker, who was let down by his first touch on numerous occasions in the final third, yet also was the inspiration behind a number of his side's best chances. He then exploded into life after LRFC first goal, laying on for Farhan to score the the equaliser and then immediately creating and finishing a second

Afiq (8/10)
Again his side's biggest attacking thrust, despite the arrival of Shidie. Afiq's touch and vision caused LRFC numerous problems as they struggled to contain him. Was gifted a chance by Sani that could have finished the game, but fluffed his lines..

Shidie (8/10)
Nervous in the opening exchanges — regularly losing the ball — the new signing grew into the game as it went on and proved increasingly comfortable on the ball. As LRFC went all-out for the win, his technique and ability to pick a pass became increasingly evident.


Keeshaanan (7/10)
Not as influential as in many games, the winger nevertheless made his presence felt with the fourth goal in the game. His touch and composure on the ball wasnt that effective as it normally is.

Ben (8/10)
His importance to United may not be immediately obvious but he played a vital role here with important interceptions and quick passing before the Sunderland players could re-organise defensively.

Farhan (8/10)
Showed why he was selected to lead the line with a series of intelligent runs in behind the defence. Showed continued signs of rust with some of his finishing, however, but made up for that with intelligent play that led to both the Gunners' goals shortly after the interval..

MOM = Ariff Arshad.