ALBWT are scoring goals for fun this season — even their CDM, ALBWT No.8 Sitianiwati, has contributed a couple to the campaign tally.
Here are five things SAWFC need to prep for their game vs. ALBWT on 7 Feb (Sat):
1) Long-range over-the-top passes from ALBWT No.14 Kitahara and ALBWT No.50 Nani
SAWFC cannot afford to give them space in midfield to launch long balls in behind to their forward players. It is a set play they have trained for and pretty much perfected by now.
It is worth attaching players to mark these two players in particular, rather than pressing the entire ALBWT backline.
2) Acceleration and tenacity of ALBWT No.9 Fukuzawa
Left side forward ALBWT No.9 Fukuzawa will use the entire left wide area — all the way up to the goal line — before turning into the opposition penalty box to score. She just will not give up, even if she has no support. Just kick the ball out; possession recovery inside the box is dangerous with her in proximity.
3) Headed goals off crosses
Quite a number of ALBWT goal attempts have come from headers off high crosses into the opposition penalty box. Expect fierce aerial contests inside the six-yard area. If you wait for the air ball to drop to the ground instead of challenging for it, it is probably too late.
4) Interchanges between ALBWT No.14 Kitahara and No.18 Takashima
ALBWT No.14 Kitahara will typically start from a deeper position in midfield, but will very quickly progress into the penalty box to score. The passing of marking duties needs to be immaculate.
ALBWT No.18 Takashima does the reverse — starting from a higher position before dropping deeper to receive the ball and contribute to the build-up.
5) Both ALBWT fullbacks should be targeted
Probably the weakest part of the ALBWT team this season (with the departure of 2025 ALBWT No.10 Maisarah). SAWFC should utilise the long passing ability of SAWFC No.23 to stretch the ALBWT backline and isolate the fullback(s).
