KUCHING: PFA Odin Under-16 displayed an exhilarating level of flair and technical prowess in their 2-1 win over SMK Sri Matang at the Petronas Youth Football Closed Tournament 2024 last Saturday.
They left spectators in awe of their seamless passing and tactical brilliance.
Every pass and every movement was a masterclass in fluid football, as they pinged the ball around with precision and unity—an absolute delight for any football lover.
The attacking play was led by the ever-dangerous team captain, Mohd Nazwan Airil, whose presence was felt every minute of the match.
Despite being swarmed by three or four SMK Sri Matang defenders at times, Nazwan remained resolute.
His skill and composure were evident when he unleashed a stunning strike that blasted through the net, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
He was, without a doubt, PFA Odin’s dangerman—a constant threat to the opposition’s defence.
The first half saw PFA Odin dominate possession, controlling the tempo and leaving SMK Sri Matang with little room to breathe.
PFA’s counter-attacks were swift and clinical, particularly when goalkeeper Ammar Zunnur Hasli sent a long ball forward to set up a perfectly timed counter.
The precision in their build-up play was exceptional, and it kept SMK Sri Matang on the back end for much of the opening period.
A second goal from Mohd Rafiq Mahidi gave PFA Odin another lead.
However, the second half told a different story. SMK Sri Matang, shaken but not defeated, fought back with renewed vigour.
They began launching more crosses and long passes, trying to catch PFA Odin off guard with counter-attacks of their own.
The tactical shift showed promise, as the team came alive, pressing higher up the field and looking for that elusive equaliser.
The heart of SMK Sri Matang’s push came from their captain, Muhammad Afieq Zafran Abdullah, whose imposing physique made him a constant menace in the attacking third.
With the body of a true centre-forward, Afieq used his strength and agility to bully defenders and create chances.
His work ethic and leadership on the pitch kept his team motivated as they looked for a way back into the game.
As the match neared its dying minutes, drama unfolded when PFA Odin’s defender was adjudged to have committed a high-foot foul inside the box, awarding SMK Sri Matang a penalty.
Step forward Stephen Ronald Pengarah Francis, kept his cool and converted the penalty to pull one back for his side, igniting hopes of an unlikely comeback.
But as the final whistle blew, it was PFA Odin who held on to secure a well-deserved 2-1 victory.
