Thursday 17th March 2022
Futera United came into their fourth pre-season match against BPL side EGY THAI Football Club undefeated in their last three games. It was an exciting event for the players and the fans as this was a big test for our players, playing against a side two divisions above them.
EGY Thai’s coach Wael Shetos played a strong side who had experience playing together, giving them somewhat of an advantage over the newly-created Futera United squad. Despite this, Futera played some of their best football we had seen, producing a professional performance, improving on last game’s mistakes and functioning well together as a unit. Our side displayed a very strong first half, defending well and creating a number of excellent chances.
The game opened up for Futera in the 15th minute when one of the EGY Thai defenders was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on one of our players, Futera then carved out a number of close chances, hitting the post twice as the game finished 0-0 at the first break. Futera then started the second-third in strong fashion, scoring a clever free-kick past the keeper through one of our trialist players, Puripat ‘Phu’ Siriwat, number 28. Futera continued to put pressure on their opponents, playing excellent passing football and locking down any opposition attacks.
EGY Thai grabbed an equalizer in the 55th minute, slotting the ball accurately into the bottom left corner, putting the game level once again. Futera United maintained their composure despite the goal, playing some beautiful tactical football against the more physical EGY Thai players. Futera almost got their lead back in the 60th minute when Aphisit ‘Bobo’ Khamkongkaeo broke through the defence and attempted an audacious chip past the keeper which unfortunately bounced off the crossbar, a painful moment for the players and fans watching.
Heartbreak happened once again for Futera as the opposition scored a 94th minute winner through a header from a free-kick, an unfortunate goal in a game that Futera United definitely could have won. Our side dominated possession and despite the loss, took away a lot of positives, we’re improving more and more as each game passes. Some of the best players on the pitch were Fofana Al Hassan (22), captain Itthiphon ‘Jew’ Yotphrom (10) and Puripat ‘Phu’ Siriwat (28). The boys have learned immensely from this game and will bring this new found wisdom into their first league game.