Courtesy: New Straits Times


Back with a bang

by Fadhli Ishak

CIMB more than made up for their disappointing semi-final exit in the Ambank Interbank Futsal Championships last year with a dominating performance at the event recently.

CIMB, who were also champions in 2007, 2008 and 2009, created history by becoming the first financial institution to have both their teams make the final at the Sports Planet Futsal Centre, Ampang.

The final, which saw CIMB 'A' up against CIMB 'B' , started at a slow pace with both sides being cautious in their approach.

Only a brace of shots from 'A' player Mohd Yusof Zainal Abidin, which failed to beat 'B' keeper' Nurazmi Amri, managed to get the crowd to their feet.

The second-half opened to the same tune but a a well-taken close range goal from 'B' player Mohd Shahril Ramli in the 12th minute blew the game wide open.

Less than a minute later 'B' increased their lead when Abdul Zamir Abdul Malik poked the ball between 'A' keeper Mohd Izhar Aslan's legs for their second goal.

A clearly shaken 'A' lost composure and were soon left trailing 3-0 when Nor Azlan Nazarudin chipped substitute keeper' Mohd Nor Ariff Alias in the 15th minute.

'A' however did not give up without a fight and their persistence paid off when they scored two late goals through Mohd Yusof Zainal Abidin and Muhammad Yusof Ahamad but it was not enough to see them force the match into a penalty shootout as CIMB 'B' emerged 3-2 winners.

CIMB coach Mohammad Faizul Abdul Ghaffar said he was delighted his charges were able to capture a fourth Interbank title overall.

"It was a great feat for us to have two teams in the final this year as we were very disappointed to lose in the semis last year," said Mohammad Faizul.

"It's unfortunate there can only be one winner, but I am extremely proud of both teams as they worked hard for this and played to my instructions throughout the tournament," added the former national futsal player.

CIMB 'B' received RM2,500 for their win while 'A' took home RM1,000. Losing semi-finalists AmBank 'A' and Etiqa received RM500 each for their efforts.

Meanwhile, a finely balanced women's final between RHB and Maybank saw a solitary goal from RHB's Jamilah Zulkifli being the only difference between the two.

RHB coach Haslan Kamsir said: "Maybank are a very good, well balanced team and we knew they deserved respect. I told the girls to not give them space and to close them down quickly before they could make a move".

"We had studied their team and found their keeper to be slightly vulnerable so I asked the girls to try long shots when they could and that is how we got the winning goal.

"We lost to BSN in the final last year so this is a sweet achievement for us, especially after all the hard work the girls put in," added Haslan.

RHB received RM1,000 for their win while second-placed Maybank took home RM500. Losing semi-finalists KWSP and HSBC received RM250 for their efforts.

The men's veteran final saw Bank Simpanan National (BSN) take the title with a 1-0 win over Ambank. BSN received RM1,000 for their efforts while AmBank took home RM500. Losing semi-finalists RHB and KWSP each received RM250.

Tournament director K. Ananthavale said he was pleased with the continued popularity the event, which attracted a total 56 teams this year, has enjoyed since its inception.

"The tournament has been a great means to develop talent within the sport and we have seen numerous state and national players take part in the event over the years.

"It is also been a great chance for the banking community to come together and compete in a friendly environment.

"I must thank AmBank for their support, as without them all this would not be possible," added Ananthavale, who is also the National Banks Sports Council treasurer.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com