Futsal..

Last weekend me and my boys went to KK to participate in State level Futsal tournament (for my Department). We sent 2 teams from Sandakan, Mabuhay FC and Narkoba FC. I was the captain for Mabuhay FC. Both teams progressed well through group stages, Us being the Group A Champion and Narkoba second in Group B. But it was unfortunate for me when I was badly injured (my ankle got twisted in 3rd group match and then in final group match the tactic used by our opponent was to eliminate me from the game, being the playmaker and to stop me from distributing nice passes to Raihan, the most feared shooter in the tournament). I almost cried not just because of the pain, but mostly because I can't bear to watch the rest of my teammates played and struggled beyond their limit to defend our 2 goals lead and eventually win, getting us through to quarter finals.

In quarter finals match against the favorite team (seeded 1st in the tournament) which consist of state players, I was sidelined because I can barely walk, but when we were 2 goals down with just 4 minutes to go, I braved myself and tied my futsal boots so tight that I felt numb so I can bear the tremendous pain. I told the manager to please let me play, and as soon as I got inside the court, I have managed to change the flow of our game. I managed to orchestrate a very nice move and slide a piercing through pass for Isa to score. 2-1 was the score and 1 minute to go.. my right ankle was so painful and almost gone, and I guess its just the spirit and will to win that keep me going. I run like hell all over the court, hustling the opponent and suddenly the ball was at my feet, I dunno how, but I did my magic and Goall!! the score was 2-2 just a few second before the final whistle, and I dropped to the ground, unable to withstand the pain, I cant even move my right leg without screaming. The match ended in a 2-2 draw full time. It came down to penalty shoot-out and I didnt get to be replaced. The rules said only the players inside the court can take penalty, that means I have to kick the ball with literally one good foot left. How can I, seriously, kick a ball when I can barely stand up? So we lose by 1 penalty kicks, every players scored except me (because I cant kick the ball, remember?) I guess it just wasnt our day..

But that wasnt the worse, Narkoba FC also got through to Quarter Finals, draw 2-2 and lose by flip of a 20 cents coin. That was so ridiculous, not to be sore losers but hey, is it fair to determine the fate of a team with a 20 cents coin, when you could think of at least ten other ways to conclude a game?.. U can recycle the penalty kickers until one of them misses, there is also sudden death extra time, but seems like the advantage was given to the home teams.. well it just wasnt our tournament to win, but most of the spectators, neutrals especially admitted both Mabuhay and Narkoba deserved to go further. Guess which team won the tournament, the team that beat us was the champ and the team that beat Narkoba was 2nd..

Next time will be different.. be sure of it. We are now the force to be reckoned with..