Story by Yogaraj Panditurai/Red Sports. Photos by REDintern Benedict Yeo

Players from both schools jostling for possession of the ball. (Photo 1 © Benedict Yeo/Red Sports)

Jalan Besar Stadium, Wednesday, April 12, 2017 — Queensway Secondary School (QS) has their striker Muhammad Farhan Zulkifli (QS #9) to thank for their place in the National B Division School Premier League 2 Football final. His contributions to both goals gave them a 2-1 victory over Spectra Secondary School (SS) in the semi-final.

The 15-year-old chalked up an assist for teammate Muhammad Rukaifi (QS #7) in the 41st minute to give Queensway the 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later, an unmarked Farhan (QS #9) hit an audacious chip from outside the box and the ball floated over Spectra goalkeeper Darren Lim (SS #1) to double Queensway’s lead.

Spectra pulled one back through Illyasdzairil Kamsani (SS #9) in the 62nd minute after pouncing on a rebounded free kick but that proved no danger to Queensway who stayed on course to seal the win.

Despite his stellar showing, Farhan thought he could still do better. He said, “I still can improve. I played well today but I’ve to give credit to the team because we supported each other on the pitch. I’m glad I was able to step up for my team today but when the final comes, I need to be more focused and put on a better performance.

“Spectra gave us a good fight and during the halftime break, our coach scolded us and warned us about our sloppy play. That made us buck up and we were determined to kill the game off quick, not allowing Spectra to build any momentum.”

Queensway coach Jasni Hatta lauded Farhan’s exploits, saying, “He put on a man-of-the-match performance and he plays with a lot of fire. He wants to prove to himself and anyone watching that he’s a top player and I’m proud of how he played today.”

The first half was a drab affair as both sides were evenly matched. The battle for possession was largely in midfield and many crunching tackles denied any side a clear shot on goal. The match only came alive in the second half when Queensway scored twice in the space of 10 minutes. That forced Spectra to venture forward and sacrifice bodies in defence.

However, Queensway dominated the match proceedings and bided their time whenever they had possession. The team’s top marksman, Gur Roshan Singh (QS #17), with nine goals in the competition, was a live wire in the final third. Unfortunate not to notch his 10th in the match, Gur’s (QS #17) clever runs and mazy dribbling consistently left Spectra defenders trailing.

Even after Spectra scored, Queensway shored up their backline and denied the opposition any space. Queensway, however, seemed to be under little pressure as they continued to pass the ball around comfortably and held possession well to run down the clock.

Spectra were unable to carve out any more goal opportunities, barely threatening the Queensway custodian and captain Caleb Ng (Q #1) in the closing minutes as the match ended 2-1.

Spectra teacher-in-charge Ashraf Arifin said, “The match came down to individual brilliance and Queensway have many good individual players who are able to make a difference. My boys lacked a bit of belief today. Towards the end, they picked themselves up but it was a bit too late.”

Queensway will face 2016 National B Division finalists Hong Kah Secondary School, who beat St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) 2-1 in the other semi-final, in the final next Tuesday at Yishun Stadium while Spectra will take on SJI in the third and fourth placing match on the same day also at Yishun.

Score
Queensway vs Spectra
Halftime: 0-0
Fulltime: 2-1

Scorers
Queensway
Muhammad Rukaifi (#7) — 1 goal
Muhammad Farhan Zulkifli (#9) — 1 goal

Spectra
Illyasdzairil Kamsani (#9) — 1 goal

Queensway Roster
Caleb Ng (#1), Aiman Zavyan (#2), Muhammad Nor Irfan (#3), Muhammad Danish Haziq (#4), Muhammad Fiqry Ady (#5), Syady Sufwan (#6), Muhammad Rukaifi (#7), Muhammad Azri Suhaili (#8), Muhammad Farhan Zulkifli (#9), Muhammad Farhan Azman (#10), Muhammad Syahmi Raidauddin (#11), Naufal Riffaie (#12), Mubaris Ali (#13), Wira Dinurraiqal (#14), G Jeeva (#15), Livraaj Singh (#16), Gur Roshan Singh (#17), Art Faizal (#18), Muhammad Hafiz (#19), Muhammad Shariq (#20)

Spectra Roster
Darren Lim (#1), Muhammad Syahril (#2), Muhd Amirul (#3), Noor Iskandar (#4), Muhd Aidil (#5), Ryan Fahmie (#6), Gulzar Ali (#7), Ikmal Hakim (#8), Illyasdzairil Kamsani (#9), Abdul Mutalib (#10), Mohd Danial (#11), Muhammad Syakir (#12), Muhd Ruzaini (#13), Mohd Amin (#14), Nabil Sofian (#15), Muhd Faizal (#16), Vinod (#17), Muhd Zahin Hidayatullah (#18), Pang Jun Hui (#19), Muhd Haziq Adib (#20)

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