CMC stun Lega Calcio FC with amazing comeback
The newly renamed CMC FC took to the hallowed Bukit Timah turf last Sunday for their match against Lega Calcio FC under a wave of immense pessimism and frustration.
For a club embroiled in scandal, a 2-0 defeat in the opening week against Mik United was the last thing player-manager Jonathan Jacob could have asked for. 2 weeks had passed since defensive midfielder Joel Kuan was banished from the country for repeated criminal offenses, and the effect of this on the rest of the team was there for all to see against Mik. CMC had surrendered meekly after going a goal down, with many fans suggesting that they were missing the dog-like aggression provided by their exiled number 18.
This lack of heart in the team coupled with the disappointing defeat had sparked rumours that disgruntled club owner, Sheik Zulhimie bin Za’ba, was already looking for a replacement manager one game into the season. With defender Justin Low also being sent back temporarily to China with work permit issues and fullback Jonathan Lew unable to recover from a hamstring injury, the pressure was truly on for CMC and their manager ahead of the clash with Lega Calcio.
In Lew’s absence, CMC started with their enigmatic talisman, Shannon Tan, at left back, while injury-prone striker Tim Seow TS was given a rare start up front, spearheading a 4-2-3-1 formation. With diminutive recess soccer legend Jarvin Lim playing in the hole behind Seow, CMC started the match brightly, dominating possession while carving out a few chances. After a defensive mix-up in the first few minutes, Seow found himself through on goal with the keeper at his mercy. Unfortunately, he dragged his shot agonizingly wide, to groans of “alamak..” from the sidelines. A few minutes later, a swift counter attack led to Jarvin putting Seow through with a sublime through ball but once again, his low shot rolled past the post and into the gutter.
Luckily for CMC, Seow made up for what he lacked in finishing skills with industry and persistence. From one throw in, Seow’s mere presence caused a Lega defender to clear the ball straight to CMC ‘s Mark Chiang, who made no mistake from the edge of the box. The fierce shot hit with the outside of his boot was a thing of beauty and taiko-ness, swerving away from the keeper and nestling into the top corner. 1-0 to CMC.
Having taken the lead, CMC then grew lazy and complacent. Passes went astray, the tremendously complex gameplan was abandoned and tempers began to flare. Seeking an outlet for his frustration, Roy Chou scythed down a Lega attacker from behind, conceding a foul just outside the penalty area. The ensuing free kick cruelly deflected off Marcus Low’s leg and into the back of the net, leveling the scores at 1-1. Conceding a second own goal in as many games was too much for CMC keeper Chia Han Sheng, who unleashed a torrent of vulgarities upon his defenders, who could hang their heads in shame. The sides went in even at the break.
With many players suffering from the 35OC heat, Mr Jacob was forced into a tactical reshuffle. On came Asian rights activist Sean Low and star striker Ashok Palaniappan, while Shannon Tan was moved back to his preferred position on the right wing in a 4-4-2 formation. Unfortunately, bringing on an extra striker seemed to disrupt the integrity of the CMC midfield. For all his pace, skill, strength, fitness and unrivalled ability in front of goal, Ashok provided little help to central midfielders Chou and Chiang, and Lega duly capitalized with 2 quick goals after the break.
Exploiting the space in the centre of the park, Lega’s number 6 unleashed an unstoppable curling effort from outside the penalty box that dipped into the net just beyond Han Sheng’s outstretched fingers. His cries of ‘’BEAUTY LAH DEY” reverberated around the stadium as the Lega celebrated taking the lead. Just as the wild celebrations were dying down, Lega struck again with another superlative long-range effort. Tired of protecting the defence or perhaps just tired from partying the previous night away, Roy Chou tried to dribble his way through the midfield and was promptly robbed. The Lega midfielder took one stride forward and hit the ball on the half-volley, sending it swerving into the bottom corner from all of 30 yards. Hans had no chance. 3-1 to Lega.
Staring humiliation in the eye and on the brink of failure, CMC were galvanized into action. The typical AC sportsmen mentality of only playing properly when facing defeat kicked in, and the game turned on its head. A long ball into the Lega box was allowed to bounce, enabling winger Nigel Koh to get to it ahead of the keeper. Some genuine contact plus one theatrical dive later, and it was a penalty to CMC. Shannon stepped up and placed it to the keeper’s left. 3-2.
Sensing an opportunity for a comeback, CMC went on the offensive. Wave after wave of attack fell upon the Lega goal, and it was only a matter of time until another was conceded. Shannon’s looping free kick from the right was misjudged by the Lega keeper, allowing Roy to sneak in behind. Finally putting his head to good use, he slammed the ball into the net while absorbing a (deserved) slap to the face from the keeper, leveling the scores once again.
From then on, it was all CMC as Lega self-destructed. Jarvin evaded a hapless defender in the box before cooling slotting home for his first ever goal for the club. A few minutes later, his cross from the left was tapped into the net by Shannon, making in 5-3 to CMC. Frustrated with falling behind, Lega resorted to sliding tackles and all out attack, leading to yellow cards and aggressive behavior. Lega’s tactics were perhaps best personified by their number 18, who curiously kept saying, “want me to break your face?” or “come ah come, we take this outside” to CMC centre back Tang Kah Chee, who politely declined the striker’s courteous invitations. In the end, CMC rounded off a great comeback with a sixth goal as Seow flicked a delightful ball into the path of winger Eng Song Yun, whose shot was parried into the net by the Lega keeper.
After the impressive come from behind victory, CMC’s manager could breathe a sigh of relief. “It’s been a tough few weeks for the club, both on and off the field”, Mr Jacob said, “but the players showed today that they are all professionals of the highest quality.
“I hope Sheik Zulhilmie was watching. The boys made quite a statement.”
