USM FC STARTS SECOND ROUND WITH A WIN

PENANG, 13 April – USM FC’s excellent performance at home ground continues when the university side defeated Johor’s Muar Municipal Council (MP Muar) 4-2.

Determine to avenge and end the defeat to the same team in the final match of the first round last week, USM FC however started slowly in the first half.

MP Muar capitalized on the home team’s slow start by launching waves of attack in the first 15 minutes, and as a result, Mohd Alafi had a golden opportunity to score on the 5^th minute. However, with only the keeper to beat, his shot was stopped by USM FC’s goalkeeper.

10 minutes later, Mohd Alafi scored the first goal when he managed to convert the cross from Norhafizie, allowing MP Muar to take an early lead.

Startled by the easy goal, USM FC raised their game by reorganising their midfield and attack, and USM FC began to control the game.

As a result, USM FC got the equaliser right on the 45^th minute when S.Veenod easily scored after a goalmouth melee.

USM FC’s determination to secure a win continued in the second half and on the 56^th minute, Ugandan Kaye Edrisar made a brilliant solo run which took him past two MP Muar defenders before unleashing a powerful shot to give USM FC a 2-1 lead.

The fighting spirit of MP Muar fizzled out completely after that, and Kaye Edrisar again demonstrated his ability and his worth when he converted a penalty on the 87^th minute after S.Veenod was fouled by Mohd Rezuan in the penalty area.

Muhd Fauzan then completed a glorious night for USM FC when he scored the fourth goal a minute later, but a lack of concentration in USM FC defence allowed Khusaini to score MP Muar’s second goal late into injury time.

USM FC’s coach, S.Vello described the victory over MP Muar will ignite the spirit of his players to fight for a place in the Malaysia Cup this year.

‘The defeat to MP Muar last week made the players realised that they cannot take every game for granted, and I am grateful that they have come to their senses and delivered their promises.'

Also present at the match yesterday were USM FC’s number one supporter, USM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dato' Omar Osman and several of the university’s principal officers.

The victory over MP Muar enabled USM FC to climb up to 5^th place in the league and the team will next travel to Selayang Stadium on 16 April to meet Pos Malaysia FC.