BLACK DRAGONS STEP UP A GEAR; TIGERS TAMED

KUALA LUMPUR (24 JUNE 2014): Prolific strikers Fareez Mohd Jeffery and Akhmar Haikal, two of the most important figures in Frenz United Malaysia, downed visiting Guangdong FA from China with sensational goals as the hosts won 4-0 and stepped up a gear towards semi-finals qualification in the Asia Champions Trophy (ACT) Under-16 tournament.

Fareez headed home on eight minutes after picking a well executed cross from Mohamed Hafizuddin from the left flank, Haikal made it 2-0 (20th) before the hard working Fareez returned just seconds before the interval to knock home the third with another of his trademark goals, erupting celebrations from 2,000 home fans.

The Black Dragons domination over Guangdong, whom they had demolished 5-1 in the first-leg in China three weeks ago, started early with quick raids much to the anguish of coach Ouyang Yao Xing. It was only a matter of time the hosts got their act together after several near misses to subdue the visitors who were physically shorter in frame.

“It wasn’t a great game but nevertheless we managed to pull off a good win against Guangdong FA today,” said Frenz United FC head coach Matdinos Talib. “We were missing several key players who are nursing injuries and down with fever so there were changes to the side today.”

Matdinos, however, is expecting a quick recovery from his players as they have a crucial home match against defending champions Chonburi FC this weekend. The Thais won 4-3 in the first leg tie in their own den and Matdinos hopes to rub the magic lamp to Frenz’s advantage in front of partisan home fans.

“This match is very important as it will give us a chance to take over Chonburi at the top if we win. It will be a tough match and we need to improve on our goal-scoring chances. Turn all those chances into early goals so as to add on the pressure on Chonburi,” he added.

Frenz United Malaysia’s Ruzaini Rusli (left) and Guangdong FA defender Yaoyongrun challenge for the ball in the Asia Champion Trophy Under-16 Group B match at Frenz Stadium in Janda Baik, Pahang last Saturday.

While Guangdong FA suffered their fifth straight defeat in the tournament, Frenz United’s meteoric rise take them to second in Group B table standings on 15 points – just one point behind Chonburi FC who laboured through an easy 4-0 win over Myanmar Academy at home on Monday to consolidate their position at the top.

With just four matches remaining before completion of the first round, Frenz United Malaysia and Chonburi FC look almost certain to advance to the home and away semi-finals (Aug 9 and 16) from Group B though Phnom Penh Crown FC and Myanmar Academy stand a mathematical chance should the two falter along the way.

Harimau Muda Under-16 Malaysia returned from Indonesia with a well-earned point but missed the chance to go top of Group A following a   scoreless draw against Frenz United Indonesia at Singaperbangsa Stadium last Saturday.

The Young Tigers went into the game hoping to bounce back from the shocking 1-0 defeat against the Indonesians at Frenz Stadium a forth night ago.

Coach S. Balachandran’s young tigers, however, are lurking with danger as their inconsistency in the last two matches has allowed Frenz United Indonesia to close the gap. PFV Vietnam defeated Timor Leste 2-0 to go top of Group A with 16 points with Harimau Muda U-16 second on 11 points while the Indonesians are third on 10 points.

Timor Leste are a distant fourth on seven points followed by AIFF India in fifth spot (5 points) and Home United FC Singapore at rock bottom (1).

However, the Malaysians are expected to return with full points when they take on bottom-placed and cannon fodder Home United FC in Singapore on Saturday and get back on track.

RESULTS – Group A: Frenz United Indonesia 0 Harimau Muda U-16 Malaysia 0; AIFF India 6 Home United FC Singapore 1; PFV Vietnam 2 Timor Leste U-16 0.

Group B – Frenz United Malaysia 4 Guangdong FA China 0; LAO Toyota FC 0 Phnom Penh Crown FC (Cambodia) 1; Chonburi FC 4 Myanmar Academy FC 0.

FIXTURES – June 28 (Group A): Timor Leste U-16 v Frenz United Indonesia (Dili Municipal Stadium); PFV Vietnam v AIFF India (Ho Chih Minh City); Home United FC Singapore v Harimau Muda U-16 Malaysia (Bishan Stadium, Singapore).

Group B:  Frenz United Malaysia v Chonburi FC Thailand (Frenz Stadium, Janda Baik, 5.30pm); Phnom Penh Crown FC v Guangdong FA (Olympic Stadium, Phnom Penh); LAO Toyota FC v Myanmar Academy FC (National University Lao Stadium).

Group A – Standings

Group B – Standings

Frenz United Football Club

Frenz United Football Club (FUFC) is a non-profit organization founded to provide the opportunity for children to participate in youth football. The Frenz United Football Academy serves children between the ages of 13 – 18 from all over Malaysia, teaching them the values of teamwork, good sportsmanship, discipline, and self-respect, while also stressing the importance of academics. Frenz United Football Academy is dedicated to developing the best football players for the country. FUFC academy provides a stimulating, positive soccer experience for youth to develop and enhance their skills and passion for the game. For more information, please visit www.act.frenzunited.com.my

Released by Shekhinah PR on behalf of Frenz United Football Club

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