Friendly Match (Panthers .vs. KKMC) Report [11th July]

It was a wonderful day for soccer. The usual 3pm heat was non-existent. Instead, it was cool and breezy. It was a tough task getting enough players for this friendly match. Originally intended to keep the Panthers on their toes during their 'off week' from the Agape Cup, insufficient participation and last minute withdrawals meant that the match had to be opened to the Pandas, as well as players from our 'original' opponents FIOFAFI. On match day, the mixed team comprised 8 Panthers, 2 Pandas (David Lim & John Chia) and 2 FIOFAFI players (John S & Tim C), making a total of 12.

Players from the '3-in-1' team: John S (FIOFAFI), Mark (Panthers), John C & David (Pandas)

Joel & Jeremy joined us for the 1st time since enlistment

After a brief welcome to the players from Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (KKMC) and opening prayer by Kevin, Coach Ronnie briefed us on the formation and line-up for the match. With newcomers and the need to play in unfamiliar positions (e.g. John Chia and Joel in centre midfield), we lined up like this:


The 1st 15 mins of the game was entirely KKMC's. With much speed in their midfield and forward line, every ball played forward meant that we were chasing back to clear and protect the goal. It was fortunate that Felipe was not too troubled with whatever came his way and we managed to survive unscathed. The defensive quartet held firm and as best as possible, tried to play the ball to the midfield for them to build on offensively. Unfortunately, possession was not always well kept and the ball was usually lost after 2 to 3 passes. Marcus, Tim C and Rusydi were working hard up front to create chances but they were few and far between. A direct free-kick from Rusydi and an attempt by Tim C both found their way above the crossbar. On KKMC's part, their speedy attacks were either broken down on the wing, or ended by a stray pass. The half-time break was welcomed by both teams.

Coach Ronnie gave simple instructions to improve the team's performance in the 2nd half- #1: communicate more & #2: make better use of the ball. David Lim came on for John Chia and started on the right wing, with Rusydi dropping to right centre midfield in an attempt to control play better. The team started the 2nd half positively, mounting wave after wave of attack. Both Marcus and David had many touches of the ball on the wings, but support was lacking. Kee Min was running box-to-box in order to break up KKMC's play and support our attack. On our best chance to score from the right wing, a cross found its way to Kee Min but his effort was blocked by a defender. The rebound found its way to David who let fly a screamer but it cannoned off the right-hand post of the goal. The 2nd rebound fell to Marcus on the left but his effort from 6 yards out was too high.

KKMC kept their shape a bit better at this point and again used their speed to break into the Panthers' half. On 2 occasions, we came close to conceding. 1st, a stray backpass from John S to Kevin went straight to a KKMC player who only had Felipe to beat. Felipe again showed his quick flexes by denying KKMC their goal. On the next attack down our left, a KKMC player let fly from just inside the penalty box but his effort hit the right-hand post and back into play. It was clearly a case of missed chances by both teams. With fatigue starting to kick in, both teams focused on defending and holding out until the final whistle, which finally arrived.

The players trudged off the field, shaking hands in the process. There were no goals, but the match was played in good spirits. Benjamin from KKMC closed us in prayer and thanked us for hosting the friendly.