Fans name Andik as biggest threat to Brunei's challenge

Yee Chun Leong & Ak Md Fauzi Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN



Friday, March 9, 2012

WHO will be crowned the champions of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT)?

The biennial tournament will see hosts Brunei take on Indonesia in the final today at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

Fans from both teams have revealed predictions on who they think will be the champions at the end of today.

Aji, an Indonesian working in the private sector, felt that Brunei have got the edge in the match.

"Brunei have made really good progress from the start of the tournament. They have been playing as a team with a lot of passing," said Aji.

"Indonesia are a bit more stagnant and they tend to lose ball possession quite a bit," he added.

Another Indonesian, Darul, feels that it will be an evenly contested game but the Sultanate will have to be cautious of Indonesia's star player.

"Both teams are very good. As Brunei should already know, they will have to be careful of Andik (Vermanshah). He may be physically small but he is a really good player," said Darul.

Azim, 27, is rooting for the home side and trusts that they will lift the trophy.

"Brunei have been playing good but sometimes they can be inconsistent. They didn't show much of a game in the first half against Myanmar but were able to fight back in the second half," said Azim.

"They were able to beat one of the strongest teams in the tournament and Myanmar didn't even lose before that. Brunei will win this final," he declared.

According to Johari Hj Bungsu, the Sultanate will need another strong performance to topple Indonesia, who won the inaugural meet in 2002.

"Brunei have got what it takes to be champions if they can replicate the second half performance that they did against Myanmar," said Johari.

"They cannot give Andik (Vermanshah) and Kurniawan any chances. The duo are the main players and creators for Indonesia," he added.

Ujang Kassim, a 26-year-old Indonesian who works at a retail shop in Kiulap, felt that there were more important issues to the game.

"I will be watching the game tomorrow (Friday) after work with my fellow Indonesian friends, Insyaallah we can win this game. My prediction is 1-0 to Indonesia, it is good to have Brunei in the final, win or lose it is just a game. Indonesians and Bruneians will always have good relationships," he said

Compatriot Faikhul Khalimi, 23, who works at Lof Bakery hopes that his country will put up a show and take it all the way.

"I hope that Indonesia will play a good fair game tomorrow, Andik will be the key player for us. Andik is small but he can beat three to four defenders with his pace and skills, Andik will score two goals for Indonesia, 2-0 to Indonesia," he said.

A Bruneian undergraduate from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Nina Abd Ghani, is certain that Brunei will create history.

"I hope the Brunei team can drive through the game with the aim of winning the final, and to persevere, they must get the trophy no matter what and we Bruneians will support them 110 per cent! We have full trust in the Brunei team this year," she said

"My prediction is 3-1 to Brunei, and to the Bruneian fans, cheer on the day and wear yellow," she added.

The Brunei Times