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The Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) Futsal Team, Thursina FC, secured third place at the 2023 Al-Hikmah Sport, Technology, Education, Art and Business Competition (ASTEC) with a dominant  5-0 victory over State High School 1 Driyorejo in the semi-final match on March 19.

In a thrilling match against SMAN 1 Driyorejo Gresik at Al-Hikmah Field in Surabaya, the team was captained by M. Fadhil Ramadhan. Thursina FC featured a stellar line-up of players including M. Ivan Chusnanto, Abdullah Hammam, M. Zaki Baharuddin, M. Zaka Jauhar, Fahreza Daffa, Farrel Nizar, M. Esa Surya, Dzakwan Hilmi, Ahmad Fawwaz, Zakki Aqilah and Aldi Damarjati.

The match started with both teams tentatively pushing forward, exchanging attacks, but neither could break the other team’s defense, up until the middle of the first half no goals were scored. As the game progressed past the 12th minute mark, the other team began to assert their dominance over the match, forcing Thursina FC into a defensive stance. Thursina FC was overwhelmed, struggling to escape the burnt of the other team’s relentless attacks. However, noticing a lapse in the other team’s defense, captain Fadhil and his teammates seized an opportunity on the counterattack, launching a swift goal from M. Zaki Baharuddin. With the 1-0 lead, the team played with a new-found groove. Minutes later, Farel Nizal doubled their advantage with another goal. Thursina FC firmly maintained the lead as the first half came to a close, making sure the score remained unchanged as they headed into halftime.

Leading the match 2-0, Thursina FC’s confidence soared, they came out firing, extending their lead with a dominant performance. Early in the second half, M. Zaki scored another goal, followed soon by another Abdullah Hammam, who capitalized on the opponent’s blunder, pushing Thursina FC’s lead to 4-0. Despite the comfortable lead, Thursina FC remained steadfast on their attacks. Late in the match, Ahmad Fawwaz rounded off the score with a well-placed strike, sending the score into an impressive 5-0. As the final whistle blew, the scoreline remained unchanged, sealing Thursina FC’s victory. This dominant win earned Thursina FC third place at the 2023 ASTEC, organized by the Al Hikmah Surabaya Intra-School Student Organization (OSIS).

For Aldi Damarjati, reaching the semi-final of the 2023 ASTEC was beyond his expectations. To prepare for this provincial-level competition, the team only had about a week to put their heads together and train. With minimal preparation time and lack of training, the team was feeling uncertain about their chances. “We prepared by doing our best. Following our coach’s instruction, we focus on strategy, familiarizing ourselves with the rotation of a game of futsal. Through these exercises, we strengthen our camaraderie and cohesion as a team,” explained Aldi.

Aldi also noted that the biggest obstacle going into the 2023 ASTEC had come from within their own team. One of the challenges that they had to overcome was dealing with a sense of inferiority and inadequacy when facing opponents with more experience. However, their determination and spirit helped them push beyond these metal barriers and give their best. In the end, in a tournament featuring 16 high school level teams from across East Java, Thursina FC managed  to secure at least four wins in the preliminary round, one loss in the quarter-finals, and one strong victory in the semi-finals. “Alhamdulillah, we won third place. The first victory of the Thursina futsal extracurricular club,” he added. 

Heading forward, Thursina FC is determined to enhance their skills at futsal while strengthening the unity of their team. With aspirations to represent their school in both national and international tournaments, the team has set ambitious goals looking ahead. “Hopefully, we can further compete in other futsal competitions and bring home more victories,” concluded Fadhil.