SMK Mutiara Impian scored a convincing 3-1 win over Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in the Under-14 Group B match of the Minister of Education Football League competition at the National Sports Council (NSC) ground in Bukit Jalil recently. The Penang-based team started the first half strongly and were duly rewarded in the 13th minute when their defender Muhd Hidayat Ruzi put them ahead with an easy tap into goal.

The goal came when a shot from SMK Mutiara Impian striker Mohd Azreen Haikal bounced off the post only for Hidayat to smash it home for the first goal of the match. SMK Mutiara Impian never took their pedal of the gas and got the second in the 26th minute when Mohd Faisal Abdul Halim scored from a freekick past a rooted BJSS keeper Mohd Saiful Niza Nasir.

SMK Mutiara Impian dominated the game and were rewarded with their third gold through Mohd Azreen in the 32nd minute. BJSS’ only goal came in the 43rd minute through a penalty. Wan Alif Aiman Rosmadi made no mistake from the spot kick. When play resumed in the second half, BJSS committed their players forward and showed more urgency in attack but lacked the sharpness in front of goal.

SMK Mutiara Impian’s coach, Muhd Rakhi was impressed with his players’ performance and said they played according to the game plan. “We had the advantage over BJSS due to the never-say-die attitude of the players to win back possession and the boys defended extremely well,” said Muhd Rakhi. Despite his team’s defeat, BJSS coach Mohd Haris Lajid was satisfied with his players’ performance. “We played much better in the second but lacked the predatory instinct in front of goal,” said Haris.

Source : The Star Online