KORAT (21 June 2019) – A resilient Melaka United side completed their campaign at this year’s AFF Futsal Cup 2019 on fifth when they beat Black Steel Manokwari 3-1 on penalty shootout here at Terminal 21 Korat.
The score at the end of regulation was 2-2 with Black Steel from Indonesia really should have the game in the bag had they not concede a late equaliser.
“It has been a very tough campaign for us especially when it is considered that most of the players had never played Futsal at this level before. Actually, some of them had also never played in the Malaysian Futsal League,” quipped Melaka United head coach Mohamad Isa Abdul Rahim after the game.
Black Steel, considered as one of the tournament’s early favourites, certainly did not expect to play in this classification match where after a strong showing against PTT Chonburi Bluewave in the opening game that lasted close to two hours, they somehow fell flat in their second game.
A loss to Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa of Vietnam saw the side from Indonesia having to contend against their traditional rivals from Malaysia – Melaka United.
And this afternoon, Black Steel were in firm control as they rarely allowed Maelaka United to push forward for them to take a seventh minute lead through Yoseph Mikus Tanu.
But just before the end of the first half, Melaka United drew level off a quick counter for Muhammad Saad Sani to score.
Black Steel threw everything they had after the break and it was Yoseph who again found the back of the net in the 28th minute.
And just like it was in the first half, a mistake with just a minute left on the clock allowed Muhammad Tarmizi Abdul Ghafar to equalise and forced the game into penalties.
The first miss by Black Steel’s Aditya Muhammad Rasyid when he shot straight to Melaka United keeper Syahman Idris played to their opponent’s advantage.
And Melaka United did not miss from the spot where all three of their players – Mohamad Danial Abdul Dain, Muhammad Ekmal Shahrin and also Najmi Rosli – all found their target.
Black Steel’s only goal from penalties was converted by Ardiansyah Nur.
RESULTS – 21 June 2019
Classification match (5th and 6th Placing)
Black Steel Manokwari 1 (2) Melaka United 3 (2)
FIXTURES – 22 June 2019
Terminal 21 Hall Korat
Semifinals
1245: MIC FC vs Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa
1445: PTT Chonburi Bluewave vs Down Town Sport
