26 December 2014

Najip FC march into final

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Set up title decider against MS ABDB
NAJIP FC took down Indera SC 2-1 to book their berth in the DST FA Cup final last night.
They will play defending champions the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) next Sunday.
MS ABDB secured their final spot after defeating QAF FC 3-1 on Tuesday.
This is Najip’s first experience in the final in the tournament, having first joined the competition in 2012.
Last night’s result was also a reversal of their previous meeting where Indera cruised to a 5-1 win on Sept 7 in the DST Super League.
Najip kicked off the match on the right foot, Mohd Azri Zahari putting the team ahead in the 12th minute after he pounced on Abd Azim Abd Rahman’s cross from the left at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Azri almost doubled the lead five minutes later after he created space just outside the penalty box but his strike flew wide.
Indera’s Md Khairul Anwar Abd Rahim could have equalised in the 18th minute after he lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper from the edge of the box but his effort glided inches wide of the crossbar.
Najip were also impressive on the defensive end and managed to quell Indera’s relentless charge in search of an equaliser.
Indera would finally get their breakthrough in the 37th minute when Mohd Asri Hj Aspar eluded his defender to volley home the ball from close range.
It didn’t take long for Najip to respond; Muhd Hanif Hamir fired a screamer from the left in the final minute of the half to restore his team’s one-goal lead.
The second half saw both sides struggle to exert their dominance over the other. There were few attempts at goal and none seriously troubled the keepers.
The only true threat in the half was when Najip were awarded a spot kick in injury time after Noor Raimi Karim was brought down in the penalty area.
Raimi, however, squandered the opportunity as Indera’s goalkeeper managed to parry away his penalty kick to conclude the 2-1 score-line.
“It is a memorable moment for us because this will be our first time competing in the final,” said Najip’s coach Johari Hj Bungsu.
“The players displayed superb teamwork on the field and I am impressed with their fighting spirit during the match.
“As for the final against MS ABDB, we are still the underdogs given the opponent’s good record in the competition where they are the defending champion.
“What we can do is to keep this winning momentum and do our best against MS ABDB,” he said.
Indera coach Hj Omar HJ Md Jamil said that he was pleased with his team’s performance despite them failing to repeat making the final this year.
MS ABDB clinched the championship title after beating Indera 1-0 on Dec 10, 2012.
“The players gave their best performance and played well throughout the game,” he said.
“The only problem we had was that we were not clinical enough in front of the goal.”

The Brunei Times

16 December 2014

Manager confident of Indera SC’s chances against Menglait tonight

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

INDERA SC manager Rosdin Hj Abd Aziz believes his team is strong enough to edge Menglait in the fourth round of the DST FA Cup 2014 tonight.
If they triumph against Menglait at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas, two-time DST Super League defending champions Indera will go into the quarter-finals along with Kilanas FC, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB), the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB), Wijaya FC and Najip FC.
“There are no major changes in our team’s line-up, so the players are already compatible playing together... I can say the team’s condition is great and we have a good chance to make it into the quarter-finals,” said Rosdin.
Even though they have never played against Menglait, the manager said that they will not underestimate or overlook their opponent’s capabilities.
“We are not really sure about their game play and what their players can do, but from what I have heard so far, they are a pretty strong team,” he said.
“However, I believe we have the upper-hand."
“Our team is strongly disciplined and has a lot of experience playing at national and international levels."
“Five players from our team - Abd Khair Hj Basri, Md Khairul Anwar Abd Rahim, Mohd Fathurrahman Nizam Md Jaya, Mohd Zulkhairy Razali and Muhd Nur Ikwan Othman - recently represented the country at the 8th BIMP-EAGA (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) Friendship Games in Labuan, and their experience there will further help our team,” he added of the team that lost out on a bronze medal to Sarawak last week.
If Indera beat Menglait, they will meet Wijaya FC in the quarters on Sunday at the Berakas Sports Complex.
Tonight’s other game will see Brunei Shell Recreation Club (BSRC) meet QAF FC at the Berakas Sports Complex, with the winner to go up against MS PDB on Saturday in the quarter-finals at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.
Meanwhile, the Belait-based Liang Lumut Recreational Club (LLRC) will compete against Jerudong FC at the Berakas Sports Complex tomorrow, with the winner of the match to meet Najip FC in the quarters at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sunday.
The other quarter-final match will see Kilanas FC will go up against MS ABDB tomorrow at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
The Brunei Times

06 December 2014

AFC U23 Qualifiers - Brunei in Group H

The 2013 edition’s fourth-placed side Korea Republic have been pitted against hosts Indonesia, Timor-Leste and debutants Brunei Darussalam in Group H,

Group H

Korea Republic, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Brunei Darussalam


Ten group winners and five best-second placed teams from all groups (total 15 teams) will qualify for the final competition where hosts Qatar await.
The qualifiers will be held from March 23 to 31, 2015 while the tournament proper will be played in January 2016.

DPMM Fc news

Breaking news: 
1/DPMM FC TO TEST FORMER BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH STRIKER FROM THE BUNDESLIGA, MOHAMADDOU IDRISSOU.

2/DPMM TO TEST FORMER METZ STRIKER FROM THE FRENCH LIGUE 1 MOMAR N'DIAYE.

3/DPMM FC RELEASES TRIO TARMIZI JOHARI, YUSOF MAT YASIN AND SAHRULRIZAL RAHMAN.  

4/DPMM EXTEND CONTRACT WITH JOE GAMBLE.   

5/DPMM FC TO EXTEND CONTRACT WITH BOSNIAN,DEFENDER BORIS RASPUDIC.

http://www.eteamz.com/dpmmfc/
 

22 November 2014

‘I’m excited to play abroad’

Friday, November 21, 2014

SHAHRAZEN Said is all pumped up at the prospect of playing under former DPMM FC coach Vjeran Simunic once again.
It was reported on the DPMM FC’s website on Wednesday that Perak has listed Shahrazen as their Asian import player for the 2015 season.
Shahrazen has yet to put pen on paper but if he does, he will officially be the first Bruneian professional footballer to play outside of the Sultanate.
The 28-year-old is enjoying his time in Malaysia and thanked Simunic for putting his faith in the national striker.
“I’m surprised (by the listing) and I didn’t expect that he (Simunic) trusts me so much. But he is a professional coach and he knows what he is doing,” said Shahrazen in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“I’m doing it for myself, my wife, kids, family and country. I hope that I’ll be able to achieve something for Perak in the (Malaysian) Super League,” he added.
It comes as no surprise that Simunic is interested in the services of the forward considering that he was a regular on the starting 11 during the Croatian’s time in the Sultanate.
Asked on his experience in Perak since his arrival on Sunday, Shahrazen replied: “It is alright but I’m still not used to playing with the other players yet.
“There are a lot of imports here on trial… from France, England and three Koreans,” he added.
“I’m happy and excited to play outside since I’m the first Bruneian to trial abroad,” continued Shahrazen.
He also thanked his former club for allowing him to get to where he is now.
“I would also like to thank DPMM for all the years… giving me a chance to play at the club,” said the striker.
“Otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to go this far.”
The striker is no stranger to Malaysian football, having first laced up for DPMM FC in the 2005/06 Malaysia Premier League season.
He went on to score 21 goals to finish joint topscorer after the club got promoted to the Super League the next season.
Shahrazen saw less game time for Brunei’s only professional team after the arrival of head coach Steve Kean last season, playing as a fourth choice behind Rodrigo Tosi, Roy O’Donovan and younger brother Adi.
He made 15 appearances – two starts – for DPMM FC last season in the Singapore League and found the back of the net twice.

The Brunei Times

16 November 2014

DPMM FC court former Celtic striker McCourt

Sunday, November 16, 2014

FORMER Celtic striker Patrick ‘Paddy’ McCourt is the latest name linked with a potential move to DPMM FC.
It was stated on the club’s official website yesterday that they are set to trial the Northern Ireland national.
The 30-year-old had previously played for Rochdale, Shamrock Rovers and Derry City before making a move to Celtic of the Scottish Premier League where he managed nine goals in 66 appearances from 2008-2013.
He has two goals to his name on the international stage after notching a brace in a 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands during the Euro 2012 Qualifiers back in August 2011.
The second goal was one to remember where he made his way past four defenders before chipping the ball over the Faroese keeper.
Brunei’s only professional team are looking to bolster their firepower upfront after releasing the duo of Singapore League (S-League) topscorer Rodrigo Tosi and Roy O’Donovan.
Hougang United FC striker Geison Moura, who found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions last season – 21 of them coming in the S-League – was the other forward that was named earlier this week.
DPMM FC also announced the release of the trio of local players – goalkeeper Md Tarmizi Hj Mat Johari and defenders Hj Mohd Yussof Hj Mat Yassin and Shahrulrizal Hj Abd Rahman – yesterday.
Irish midfielder Joe Gamble and Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic are the two returning imports for DPMM FC.
Croatian midfielder Roberto Alviz, who managed a team-high 18 assists and scored five goals, said that he did not receive a contract extension.
DPMM FC may also well be looking for someone in between the sticks, having announced on Friday that they are set to trial former Manchester City goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen.

The Brunei Times

15 November 2014

Gamble set to stay in Brunei

Saturday, November 15, 2014
IRISH midfielder Joe Gamble is set to be the second returning import for DPMM FC.
It was announced on the team’s official website that “DPMM extend contract with Joe Gamble”.
He will join Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic as the other foreign player that Brunei’s only professional team will be holding on to.
Midfielder Roberto Alviz, who managed a team-high 18 assists and scored five goals, said that he has not received a contract extension.
DPMM FC had already announced the release of both Singapore League (S-League) topscorer Rodrigo Tosi and Irishman Roy O’Donovan earlier in the week.
It is of no surprise that they are looking to bolster their potency upfront with the website stating that “DPMM FC to trial Hougang striker Geison Moura”.
The Brazilian only spent a year with Hougang United and found the back of the net a total 23 times in all competitions – with 21 of them in the S-League.
It was previously reported that O’Donovan arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, on Monday for trials with Malaysia Premier League side Sabah Rhinos after an invitation by compatriot and Rhinos manager George O’Callaghan, as reported by the Sabah FA and Malaysian daily New Straits Times.
However, it was clarified by the Sabah FA on Wednesday that the player is only in Kota Kinabalu for personal reasons after the completion of the S-League, stating that there wais no professional reason for O’Donovan being in Sabah.
The club will also be looking for someone in between the sticks as they are set to “trial former Manchester City goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen”.
Nielsen is the first Faroese to play in the English Premier League after making his debut for Manchester City on April 24, 2010 as a substitute for Shay Given in the 76th minute against Arsenal.
The 6ft 3in shotstopper made his debut on the international stage for the Faroe Islands in the UEFA European Under-17 Championships back in October 2001.
The 28-year-old is currently serving as the first choice keeper for the Faroe Islands, who are competing in Group F of the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Motherwell of the Scottish Premier League was his last stop where he signed a two-year contract in July last year.

The Brunei Times

10 November 2014

No awards for DPMM FC

Monday, November 10, 2014

WARRIORS FC custodian Hassan Sunny (pic) became the first goalkeeper to win the Player of the Year honour at the S-League Awards Night.
The 30-year-old was up against an impressive line-up of attacking talents, which included Goran Ljubojevic (Balestier Khalsa), Kazuki Sakamoto (Albirex Niigata), Fazrul Nawaz (Home United) and top scorer Rodrigo Tosi (Brunei DPMM).
But fresh from winning the league title with his club last week, Hassan was celebrating once again as he collected the final prize given out at ITE College East.
In the Coach of the Year category, Balestier Khalsa's Marko Kraljevic, who led his unfancied side to RHB Singapore Cup glory on Friday, was the surprise winner, beating title-winner Alex Weaver (Warriors FC) and Steve Kean (Brunei DPMM). Hassan's Warriors teammate Nicholas Velez bagged the Young Player of the Year title.

The Straits Times/ ANN

DPMM FC trio eye awards

Friday, November 7, 2014

DPMM FC have just completed their best season to date, and there could be more icing on the cake as they have nominees in three categories for Sunday’s 2014 Singapore League (S-League) Awards Night.
Steve Kean has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award while Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi (1st photo) – who is set to receive the Golden Boot award – has been nominated for the Player of the Year award.
Rounding off the trio is left winger Azwan Ali Rahman, who has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.

[Related story: Kean wants to stay in Brunei]
Kean, who led DPMM FC to the Singapore League Cup, a second place finish in the S-League and third in the Singapore Cup in his debut season, will be up against Alex Weaver from S-League champions Warriors FC and Marko Kraljevic of Balestier Khalsa FC.
It is no surprise that Tosi is up for the Player of the Year award after scoring 24 goals in the S-League. He tallied a total of 34 goals in all tournaments and bagged a brace on Wednesday to give DPMM FC their first win over Tampines Rovers FC in the Singapore Cup third-place playoff at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
He will be up against the trio of forwards Fazrul Nawaz (Home United FC), Kazuki Sakamoto (Albirex Niigata (S) FC and Goran Ljubojevic (Balestier) and Singapore national goalkeeper Hassan Sunny (Warriors).
Apart from Azwan, the other nominees in the Young Player of the Year category include Sahil Suhaili of the Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 football team), Nicolas Velez (Warriors) and Suria Prakash (Warriors).

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC win third in S’pore Cup

Thursday, November 6, 2014

DPMM FC finally got one over Tampines Rovers FC.
Rodrigo Tosi was the hero of the match after scoring in the last minute to seal a 2-1 victory for a third place finish in the Singapore Cup last night.
The game looked set for a penalty shootout before the late drama saw DPMM FC end their season on a high at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The victory was also the first triumph for Brunei's only professional team over Tampines in eight meetings stretching back to 2012.
According to the Singapore League (S-League) Facebook page, the winning goal was the result of determined play by Tosi in Tampines’ goal area.
A freekick in the box was initially headed by Tosi towards goal.
Tampines goalkeeper Justin Pasfield couldn’t get a hold onto the ball, allowing Roberto Alviz to pounce on the rebound only to watch it bounce off the crossbar.
Tosi would not squander a second opportunity as he headed the ball into the empty net off the second rebound for the win.
DPMM FC initially looked set to suffer another defeat at he hands of the Stags as they jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.
Tampines were awarded a penalty after Ak Md Fakhrazzi Pg Hassan brought down Ismadi Mukhtar in the box.
Miljan Mrdakovic would step up to the line before sending the ball into the back of the net, beating Wardun Yussof in between the DPMM FC sticks.
Tampines almost doubled their lead in the 29th minute after Ismadi got the better of three DPMM FC defenders before sending a cross into the box which was miskicked by Mrdakovic.
DPMM FC equalised two minutes later after a mistake by the Tampines backline allowed Azwan Ali Rahman to square the ball for Tosi to score with a simple tap in.
The Brunei side could have taken the lead just before halftime but Md Hendra Azam Md Idris sent his volley over the crossbar.
Tampines almost got back in front after a good attempt by Ismadi but Wardun produced a good save.
The rebound fell for Aleksandar Duric, who was playing in his final professional game, but his shot was deflected and came off the woodwork.
The Stags picked up their game and continuously threatened the DPMM FC goal.
Mrdakovic was put through on goal in the 66th minute but Abdul Aziz Tamit did well for a crucial tackle.
Duric had placed a shot wide in the 70th minute but the ball headed in the direction of Jozef Kaplan who reacted too late.
In the 74th minute, Ismadi shot just wide of Wardun’s left post and Kaplan did the same the next minute.
Kaplan tried to set up Duric in the 82nd minute but the latter couldn’t get his shot on goal before the late drama unfolded.
The third-place finish in the competition sums up DPMM FC’s best season to date.
They won the Singapore League Cup after defeating Tanjong Pagar United FC 2-0 in the final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on July 25.
The Brunei side led the S-League most of the season but stumbled at the end after losing 2-1 to Tampines at the same venue last Friday.
Warriors FC clinched the League title for the ninth time after defeating Albirex Niigata (S) FC at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
Home United FC and Balestier Khalsa FC will close out the Singapore football season as they face off in the Singapore Cup final tomorrow.

The Brunei Times

25 October 2014

DPMM FC out to break rut

Saturday, October 25, 2014

DPMM FC are looking to return to winning ways when they host Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore League (S-League) today.
Brunei’s only professional team have not won a game since the end of August and now trail leaders Warriors FC by four points.
The latter are currently on 50 points after ending Tampines Rovers chances of retaining the title with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
Despite having two games in hand, DPMM FC will require a triumph today at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas to ensure they stick to the chase.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is in a confident mood despite the rut and believes that they can deliver on all three points.
“We only can control our own game. We may have a couple of games in hand, but the focus is on three points (today) to put us in a good position,” Kean told the media on Thursday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“Balestier are a dangerous and direct team. They can score from set plays and are a team on form.
“I’m always positive. It is easier for me as I can see the lads train everyday. What we got to do now is to not give ourselves mountains to climb,” he said.
“We can’t have moments where we concede sloppy goals. If the opponents score a wonderful goal then great but we have to make sure we don’t gift goals.
“If we can get that cleansheet mentality back then I’m sure it will be a positive result,” continued the Scotsman.
Asked if there was any added pressure now that they are no longer at the top of the table, Kean replied: “Sometimes it is easier to chase. We are in a place where someone else can feel the pressure. We have been up there for lots of weeks.
“But the games in hand are no good if we don’t get points. We have to make sure against Balestier, we get a good strong positive performance,” he added.
“They are in a good spell since the split where they made it to the top half in the last game. If we can perform like we normally do at home then we should be able to get a result,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC will welcome back topscorer Rodrigo Tosi after serving a one-game suspension.
Forward Shahrazen Said is doubtful for the matchup after sustaining a hamstring strain during their final ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers matchup against Cambodia in Laos on Monday.
DPMM FC and Balestier have faced off thrice so far this season with the former winning one encounter and the other two ending in draws.
The Brunei side defeated the Tigers 4-1 in their first meeting back on April 25.
They played out to a 2-2 draw in the group stage of the Singapore League Cup on July 11 and DPMM FC came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 in their meeting at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore on August 21.
Admission for the final home game of the season is free and kickoff is at 8.15pm.
DPMM FC will then face off against contenders Albirex Niigata (S) FC on Tuesday before ending the S-League season against Tampines next Friday.

The Brunei Times

Kean focusing on positives

Friday, October 24, 2014
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is looking at the positives from the recently concluded ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers in Laos.

The national football team returned home early yesterday morning after failing to notch a single point at the Oct 12-20 competition.

The Wasps started out with a 4-2 defeat at the hands of Timor Leste on Oct 12 at the National Sports Complex in Vientiane before falling to hosts Laos by the same scoreline two days later.

Brunei were down and out of contention after losing 3-1 to favourites Myanmar last Thursday.
They were then edged 1-0 by Cambodia at the Chao Anouvong Stadium on Monday to finish their outing empty handed.

“It is never great when you lose a game. But to put things in context, we went out to Laos as a group,” said Kean when met at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.

“We got three very young players (Muhd Nurikhwan Othman, Reduan Hj Petara and Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos) and they played the last couple of matches. That is a positive.

“We also played (Ak Md) Fakhrazzi Pg Hj Hassan) as full back in the last two games and he was excellent when he played there. That is a positive.

“Eventhough we didn’t manage to get victories, I felt we played well. A lot of the games... we were in position, where at key times, it could have gone either way,” added the former Blackburn Rovers manager.

“We came back with the confidence at the international level as the lads played well.

“We will now change the focus to the S-League (Singapore League) and hopefully we are going to be in a position to claim the title in a week’s time,” continued Kean.

DPMM FC had 17 players represent the Sultanate and this was the first stint for Kean in handling a national team.

Asked on the differences compared to the club level, the Scotsman replied: “I felt we came up against a lot of good players. There is a lot of talent from other countries.

“It is always good for us as a country to stretch ourselves. You learn more about yourself when you play against some really good opposition,” he added.

That experience is always positive eventhough we didn’t manage win.

“The positives we take out from each match in the tournament is a learning experience as a country.

“We have also found some excellent young players that we can add to squad next season,” concluded the DPMM FC head coach.

Kean will now set his focus on the S-League title race as they have a tight schedule ahead.

They will host Balestier Khalsa FC in their final home game tomorrow before facing off against Albirex Niigata (S) FC next Tuesday. They close out the season against Tampines Rovers three days later.


The Brunei Times

18 October 2014

Wasps fail to take flight against Myanmar




Friday, October 17, 2014
BRUNEI are down and out of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2014 after falling 3-1 to favourites Myanmar in the qualifiers last night.
The defeat was the third straight for the Wasps and it killed off their chances of making the tournament proper.
After a goalless first half, the trio of Min Min Thu, Kyaw Ko Ko and Kyi Lin found the back of the net for Myanmar at the National Sports Complex in Vientiane.
Adi Said was the Bruneian that got his name on the scoresheet in the loss.
Head coach Steve Kean (pic) made several changes to the side that lost 4-2 to hosts Laos on Tuesday.
The trio of Md Nurikhwan Othman, stand in captain Hj Md Subhi Abdilah Hj Bakir and Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunus were given their first starts.
The squad also welcomed the return of Azwan Ali Rahman from injury.
The Wasps came out with a good sense of urgency and were looking sharp on both ends of the field.
Adi Said had a good chance in the sixth minute after getting behind the backline but stumbled just outside the box.
He got another opportunity after getting at the end of a long ball over the top in the 12th minute, putting him through on goal.
He did well to chip the ball over the onrushing Myanmar goalkeeper Thina Si Thu but watched his shot soar inches over the crossbar.
Brunei got another chance in the 22nd minute after Azwan Ali dribbled into the box but his shot went straight into the arms of Myanmar’s keeper.
Myanmar forward Kyaw, who was the topscorer of the 4th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy two years ago, was a constant threat for his team.
He skipped past Reduan Hj Petara in the 28th minute but could only shoot wide of the right post.
He threatened again in the next minute but this time the ball ended on the wrong side of the left post.
He was on target with a freekick from 25 yards out in the 30th minute but Azman Ilham did well to punch out his effort.
Myanmar were stringing short passes together, looking to break the Brunei defence but to no avail.
The favourites brought on Min Min after the break and it paid dividends immediately.
Kyaw brought the ball down on the right and, instead of waiting for support, went past Reduan before firing at the near post in the 48th minute.
Azman Ilham did well to produce a save but Min Min was the first to the ball to tap in the rebound for the lead.
The advantage was doubled in the 53rd minute after Min Min flicked on a freekick from their own half for Kyaw in the box.
The latter then overpowered Ak Yura to fire past Azman Ilham to make it 2-0 from an identical position as the first goal.
The Wasps were shaken up as Myanmar dominated the proceedings.
Soe Min Oo almost added a third on the hour mark but his powerful shot from just inside the box went inches off the right post.
The crossbar came to the rescue of Brunei in the 69th minute with Kyaw firing a shot from just outside the box.
The Wasps were given a lifeline in the 78th minute with Adi bulging the net from inside the box.
Any hopes of a comeback was, however, shortlived with Myanmar adding to the scoresheet just four minutes later.
The flag had stayed down for substitute Kyi Lin as he raced past Ak Yura before beating Azman Ilham one-on-one to make it 3-1.
Myanmar could have added another in the 88th minute but Kyaw failed to connect on a cross from the left by Kyi Lin before Min Min missed from point blank range the next minute.
Brunei will contest their final group game against Cambodia on Monday.
The competition is still wide open for the other teams after Cambodia come back from two goals down to edge Timor Leste 3-2 in the earlier match.
Laos currently lead the five-team standings with a maximum six points from two matches.
Timor Leste and Myanmar are tied on four points but the latter have played a game less.
Cambodia are fourth with three points from two matches while Brunei are rooted at the bottom with none.

The Brunei Times

15 October 2014

Tough loss for Brunei

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

THE national football team’s hopes of qualifying for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup took a huge dent after losing 4-2 to hosts Laos yesterday.
It was the second straight defeat for the Sultanate after losing by the same scoreline to Timor Leste in their opener on Sunday, and Brunei are now at the bottom of the five-team table without a point to their name.
With a game against favourites Myanmar tomorrow, anything but a win will surely send them packing.
Soukaphone Vongchiengkham bagged a hat-trick while Khampheng Sayavutthi was the other Laotian name on the scoresheet at the National Sports Complex in Vientiane yesterday, where Ak Md Fakhrazzi Pg Hassan and Shahrazen Said found the back of the net for the Wasps.
The Sultanate made two changes to their opening game by giving defender Reduan Hj Petara the start in place of Abdul Aziz Tamit and starting Azman Ilham Hj Md Noor in between the sticks instead of Wardun Yussof.
Brunei got off to a disastrous start after an error by centreback Shahrulrizal Hj Abdul Rahman gifted the ball to Khampheng.
The latter fired from just inside the box but Azman Ilham did well for a save only for Soukaphone to score on the rebound for an early third minute lead.
The advantage was doubled three minutes later after Soukaphone created space to blast his attempt from just inside the box into the top left corner.
Laos got another chance in the 17th minute but Phoutdavy Phommasane watched his shot from 35 yards out end at the wrong side of the right post.
The Wasps picked up their game after that and kept plenty of ball possession.
Shahrulrizal almost made amends for his mistake but his header off a Md Najib Hj Tarif corner in the 26th minute bounced wide off the target.
Brunei got back in the game in the 33rd minute after Ak Md Fakharazzi received the ball off a throw in on the right.
The midfielder was left open to curl the ball, which looked like a cross, past the outstretched arm of Laos goalkeeper Soukthavy Soundala for his second goal in as many games.
Ak Md Fakhrazzi almost levelled the score two minutes later after Adi Said put him through on goal, but Soukthavy did well to keep the ball out at the near post.
Laos threatened again in the 42nd minute after a good one-two between Soukaphone and Khonesavanh Sihavong put the former through on goal.
However, Soukaphone couldn’t put enough power on his shot, allowing Azman to easily collect the ball.
It didn’t take long for Laos to get on the scoresheet again as they found the back of the net three minutes after the interval.
Khampheng got the better of his defender on the left and rounded an onrushing Azman Ilham to put the ball into an empty net to make it 3-1.
Hendra Azam Md Idris almost cut the deficit in the 62nd minute but saw his attempt cleared off the line.
Immediately at the other end, Azman had to deny Soukaphone from inside the box.
Laos continued to attack the Brunei goal and it paid off in the 70th minute.
Khonesavanh did most of the work on the left side and got into the box before the ball fell for substitute Tiny BounMalay.
The latter didn’t shoot, and instead, laid it off for Soukaphone to slot it down the middle for his hat-trick.
Brunei made a triple change by sending on Abdul Aziz, Nur Ikhwan Othman and Hj Md Subhi Abdilah Hj Bakir the next minute looking to salvage something out of the match.
Laos continued to dominate the game and launched waves of attacks in front of the Brunei sticks.
Shahrazen got his name on the scoresheet in the final minute of regulation after heading home Azwan Salleh’s freekick, but it proved to be a mere consolation.
Myanmar and Timor Leste played out a 0-0 draw in yesterday’s other game.

The Brunei Times

13 October 2014

No dream start for Wasps

Monday, October 13, 2014

THE national football team got their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2014 Qualifiers campaign off on the wrong foot after falling 4-2 to Timor Leste in the opener yesterday.
The victory at the National Sports Complex in Vientiane was the first for Timor Leste over the Wasps in four meetings.
Murilo de Almeida was the star of the match, bagging a hat-trick for Timor Leste before Patrick Luz put the game to bed late on.
The duo of Adi Said and Ak Md Fakhrazzi Pg Hj Hassan got on the scoresheet for Brunei in the loss.
De Almeida gave Timor Leste the best of starts after finding the back of the net in the sixth minute.
Brunei looked lost and were struggling to piece their passes together to pose a threat in front of the Timor Leste goal.
Luz almost doubled Timor Leste’s advantage in the 28th minute but couldn’t put enough power on his shot from inside the box.
The Wasps equalised in the 35th minute after an unmarked Adi Said headed home a Najib Hj Tarif corner.
Brunei gained momentum after the goal and took the lead just five minutes later.
Adi got the better of his defender on the right before sending a cross into the box. Older brother Shahrazen missed on the header but the ball got only to Najib on the left.
The midfielder then whipped the ball back into the box and it took a bounce off Shahrazen before landing for Ak Md Fakhrazzi Pg Hj Hassan to easily fire home from close range for the lead.
Timor Leste almost leveled just three minutes after the restart but Wardun put up a good save to push the freekick from 25 yards out over the bar.
The Brunei custodian came to the rescue of the Wasps again, denying De Almeida in a one-on-one situation on the hour mark.
Timor Leste finally got on the scoresheet again in the 72nd minute after a freekick from their own half was sent behind the Brunei backline.
De Almeida outpaced and overpowered two Brunei defenders to slot the ball past Wardun from the left to make it 2-2.
It was all Timor Leste from then on and they should have gotten in front in the 79th minute but Wardun once again kept out De Almeida’s shot.
Antonio Sousa got on the rebound but couldn’t keep his shot on target.
Timor Leste regained the lead just two minutes later after Sousa cleared the ball from midfield against two Brunei players, putting De Almeida through on goal.
The Timor Leste forward made no mistake to beat Wardun one-on-one to make it 3-2.
Luz then killed off the match in the 89th minute after outpacing two Bruneian defenders on left to fire past Wardun.
The Wasps will contest their next game against hosts Laos tomorrow at the same venue.
Laos edged Cambodia 3-2 in the second match.
The winner of the five-team qualifiers –  with Myanmar being the other - will progress to Group B of the tournament proper, where they will face off against defending champions and co-hosts Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia at the Nov 22-Dec 20 tournament.
The runners-up will take on co-hosts Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines in Group A.

The Brunei Times

08 October 2014

Kean to lead Brunei in AFF Qualifiers

by Gary Koh
Steve Kean will take charge of Brunei Darussalam as they attempt to reach only their second Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup finals this month.
The qualifying assignment marks the former Blackburn Rovers’ manager first foray into international football coaching since his arrival late last year to helm the country’s sole professional club Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota (DPMM) in Singapore’s professional S.League.
Under the Scot’s tutelage, DPMM have been a revelation as they won the League Cup for the third time, reached the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup and are still leading the league as the season comes to a close.
17 players out of the 20-strong Brunei squad will come from DPMM, with the remaining three promoted from the national Under-21 squad that narrowly failed to reach the semi-finals of the ASEAN Under-21 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy semi-finals on home soil in August.
Kean will have his work cut out in leading the Tebuan as the qualifiers mark their first official international fixtures in more than a year since the conclusion of the 2012 AFF qualifiers in Myanmar when they narrowly failed to reach the finals.
The last time they made the finals of the biennial regional tournament was way back in the inaugural edition in 1996 in Singapore when they finished fourth in the five-team Group A with a win and three losses.
Subsequent editions saw the regional minnows fail to qualify or participate in the tournament.
An interesting battles of tactical wits loom for him as he is set to come up against Serbian tactician Radjoko Avramovic, who is now helming Myanmar after masterminding Singapore’s three AFF triumphs during a decade-long reign.
Brunei will depart for Laos on Friday 10 October and commence their qualifying campaign against Timor-Leste two days later.
They will subsequently take on qualifying hosts Laos (14 October), Myanmar (16 October) and Cambodia (20 October).
The top two finishers will advance into the final rounds of the tournament which will be played in late November. The qualifying runners-up will be pooled in Group A with co-hosts Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
A place in Group B alongside defending champions and co-hosts Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia awaits the qualifying winners, with games held at the Singapore Sports Hub.

Read more at http://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/news/kean-lead-brunei-aff-qualifiers#OGlOo6Gy6G7PCf8t.99

Kean: I thought those two freekicks were dubious

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean felt that two bogus decisions was the reason they lost their Singapore League (S-League) game against Warriors FC last night.
The visitors were awarded free-kicks in the 47th and 62nd minutes when Nicholas Velez was judged to have been fouled, and they scored from both of them - changing the complexion of the game at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
The first free-kick gave the Warriors a 2-1 lead and the second made it 3-1, with Kean telling the media after the game that he felt the two decisions were “dubious”.


“I thought the two free-kicks were ‘given’,” said Kean after the game.
“The player (Velez) who was supposedly fouled came over to me at the end and said ‘coach, that wasn’t a foul’.
“I didn’t think it was and he didn’t. Sometimes we get decisions that go our way and sometimes we don’t.
“I thought those two freekicks were dubious, but they were great technical finishes.
“Take nothing away from the Warriors as they finished their ch ances very well.
“They didn’t have many chances until we opened up to chase the game.
“They took their chances and maybe on another day those are not free-kicks,” continued Kean.
The Scotsman also felt that they started strongly before the decisions saw the momentum shift.
Kean also expressed his disappointment in the final minutes of the game after Shahrazen Said scored in the 90th minute to cut the deficit to one goal.
“I felt we were excellent in the first 35 minutes before conceding a poor goal at the end of the half,” said Kean.
“Having a decision go against us and from a strong position to going down 2-1, it is difficult to get the momentum going again.
“I thought we stuck at it and kept going but the biggest frustration came with five minutes to go,” he added.
“We tried to play very long diagonal balls from our fullbacks into a very good goalkeeper (Hassan Sunny) instead of the extra pass to get to wider areas and get crosses in from final third.
“I’m most disappointed with that then any other part of the game,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
Warriors head coach Alex Weaver was all smiles after claiming three points from the encounter to get themselves back in the title race.
“I think we found it difficult to adjust to all the break ups and the play (in the first half) as the DPMM FC players were throwing themselves on the ground easily and winning free-kicks,” said Weaver.
“It disrupted the plays and we switched off a bit after the goal. But we have good characters in the team.
“When things aren’t exactly going our way, it takes a strong team and personality to force our way into game,” he added.
“Credit to DPMM FC to start the game well but we dealt with it well and came back. I’m very pleased with the result and with the performance as Brunei is a difficult place to come to play.
“We kept to the things that we rehearsed in training.
“There is no man of the match as everybody contributed just as much,” he concluded.


The Brunei Times

04 October 2014

Brunei NT in AFF Suzuki Cup

Brunei's matches in AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers in Laos :

12. October vs Timor Leste

14. October vs Laos

16. October vs Myanmar

No news about preperations for the national team...



DPMM FC want more support

Saturday, October 4, 2014

DPMM FC are looking to get a strong turnout for Tuesday’s Singapore League (S-League) match against Warriors FC - which will be free of charge.

Speaking to the media yesterday, team manager Ali Hj Momin said he wants the home fans to get behind DPMM FC as the league leaders bid to win the tournament for the first time.

Though they are on 46 points with a game in hand, DPMM FC are under pressure from three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers FC who are second with 43 points – while Albirex Niigata FC (S), Warriors and Home United are all on 41 points.

Tickets will be handed out at the both entrances of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas starting at 6:45pm prior to the 8:15pm kick off, and Ali stressed that pulling in a good crowd would be important in securing a win.

“We need to get a bigger crowd because it's a very crucial game," said Ali at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.

“I hope the crowd will be more than 10,000 to support us… I will be very happy if they're more than 10,000.

“As you know, the crowd is like the 12th player.

“They give moral support with their voice, and as a player, you don't have that feeling of being tired and your mental thoughts are strong because you know you have that back up.

“It's just different, (and) that's why playing at the home ground is a big advantage.

“The players know the field and have the support from the crowd," noted Ali, who added that supporters can wear red to show their support.

With only four more games to the season, including Tuesday’s tie against Warriors, Ali knows just how important all three points will be.

“If we beat Warriors we will be eight points above them, and if we win the next game, that's it," he said.

DPMM FC’s next game will be at home against Balestier Khalsa on Oct 24 before heading to Singapore for their final two games against Albirex on Oct 28 and Tampines on Oct 31.

DPMM FC will be looking to redeem themselves after losing out on the chance to finish the season with three titles when they were knocked out of the Singapore Cup semi-finals 4-3 on aggregate against Home.

They drew the first leg 1-1 on Sept 23 before falling 3-2 in the second on Sept 26.
DPMM FC also suffered a 2-1 defeat to Home during their last S-League game on Sept 17.



The Brunei Times

26 September 2014

Kean confident ahead of crucial clash

Friday, September 26, 2014

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean believes that they have the advantage going into the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final against Home United FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore tonight.
This will be the third time the two teams play each other in the span of just 10 days.
The first of three clashes saw Home United edge DPMM FC 2-1 during the Singapore League (S-League) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last Wednesday.
Roy O'Donovan then saved DPMM FC from going into the second leg 1-0 down after striking the back of the net in the 75th minute at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore on Tuesday.
Kean told The Brunei Times during a phone interview, “Well I think the good thing when you play a team so close together is that you get to know what they're good at and what they're not good at… So from a point of view, I think that's an advantage.”
“We finished the last match very well. I thought they were slightly better than us in the first half but I felt we were better in the second.
“We know why we've done so well in the second half… So that's what we will be looking to do from the first minute of the second game,” he said.
Kean noted that they will also have the upper hand with Joe Gamble coming off his suspension.
“We are confident because another added advantage is that we went through that game missing one of our import players, Joe Gamble, who's very important,” stated Kean.
“Now he's available, we have a stronger squad to select from,” he said.
Asked what if the outcome repeats itself and the game has to be decided on penalties, Kean replied, “We've got the experience from the league cup when we had to kick through a penalty shootout.”
DPMM FC's Singapore League Cup shootout saw them knock out Geylang International FC 3-0 to put them through to the final where they defeated Tanjong Pagar FC to lift the title.
“I think the extra-time period in the league cup showed the physical level that we have. We finished the game very strong and we managed to win the penalty shootout,” said Kean.
Balestier Khalsa FC sealed their spot in the final after gunning out Tampines Rovers 4-1 on penalties.
Tampines headed into the match with the advantage following a 2-1 victory in the first leg, but Balestier's strong defensive side and a goal by Paul Cunningham saw the two draw 2-2 on aggregate.
Neither team managed to put up a winning goal in extra time, leading to a fruitless sudden death period at the Tao Payoh Stadium in Singapore.

The Brunei Times

21 September 2014

Timor Leste sink Brunei in opener



Saturday, September 20, 2014

Timor Leste’s Fernando Baptista Xavier (R) celebrates after scoring a goal against Brunei yesterday at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship in Selangor, Malaysia. Timor Leste won the match 2-0.Bernama

13 September 2014

Tosi: It’s DPMM FC’s title to lose

Friday, September 12, 2014
RODRIGO Tosi believes that the Singapore League (S-League) title is for DPMM FC to lose.
With only five games remaining in the season, DPMM FC are currently on 46 points and hold a five-point lead over second-placed Warriors FC.
Brunei’s only professional team will play the first three matches of the final and third round at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas followed by the last two in Singapore.
They will tackle Home United FC on Wednesday before Warriors FC on October 6.
The Brunei side will then have a 16-day break before hosting Balestier Khalsa FC on October 24 before flying out to Lion City to contest against Albirex Niigata (S) FC at the Jurong East Stadium four days later.
DPMM FC will close out the season against three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on October 31.
“I think to be honest… for us, it is perfect. If we can get great results and win (the three games) then we are going be champions,” said Tosi in an interview with The Brunei Times after a training session yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“All will be very difficult matches though as we already have a few losses and draws as well.
“But we have a really good chance to win the League and we are halfway there now,” continued the Brazilian.
“I think we are really confident. Everyone is practicing hard and wants to play
“Everyone knows we have a good chance as this is the first time for the club to make history by winning all three trophies,” he continued.
The DPMM FC striker currently leads the scoring charts with 21 goals to his name from 22 matches played so far.
Kazuki Sakamoto of Albirex is just a goal behind while Nicolas Velez of the Warriors has his tally at 18 goals.
Tosi insists that the winning the Golden Boot award is only secondary to the titles.
“I will try but that is not the most important thing,” said the 31-year-old.
“The important thing is for us to win the trophy at the end of the season. It will be perfect if we can get all three,” he concluded.
DPMM FC are in the running to create history by winning all three competitions – a feat that has never been done before.
The Brunei side already won the Singapore League Cup after defeating Tanjong Pagar United FC 2-0 in the final back in July.
They are also in the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup, set to play Home United FC.
The first leg will be contested at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore on September 23.
The return leg is scheduled at the Jalan Besar Stadium three days later.

The Brunei Times

06 September 2014

Indera SC repeat as champs

Wednesday, September 3, 2014
INDERA SC successfully defended their DST Super League title with two games left to play after a 7-1 thrashing of QAF FC last night.
The champions remain unbeaten in the competition on 40 points from 13 wins and one draw to their name. They will play Najip FC on Sunday and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) next Saturday.
It was all Indera right from kickoff as QAF were struggling to match their speed at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
Indera broke the deadlock in the 10th minute after Hamizan Aziz Sulaiman found an unmarked Muhd Nur Ikhwan Othman inside the box.
The latter had his first attempt blocked by a QAF defender but fired the rebound into the top left corner.
The lead was doubled just two minutes later after Abd Khair Hj Basri outpaced the QAF backline to blast the ball into the net.
QAF got back in the game in the 15th minute after Hardi Bujang received a through-ball down the middle to slot the ball past Indera custodian Mohd Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof.
They threatened again two minutes later but Reduan Hj Petara made a crucial tackle before Hardi could unleash his shot from inside the box.
Indera got their third of the game in the 23rd minute after a good ball over the top was received by Mohd Khayrun Salleh.
QAF goalkeeper Junaidi Akim came off his line to try and close him down but the latter rounded him to put the ball into the empty net.
Indera required an acrobatic save by Mohd Fakhrul to prevent Mohd Hardyman Abdul Lamit from scoring from 25 yards out in the 29th minute.
Indera scored immediately on the other end after Junaidi raced off his line to clear the goalkick only to miss his target, passing it to Hamizan Aziz, who would dribble the ball into an empty net.
Hazmizan struck again five minutes later for his second goal of the game, bringing the scoreline to 5-1.
Defender Reduan played striker in the 41st minute as he outpaced the QAF backline to bulge the net from the edge of the box to carry a 6-1 advantage into halftime.
Indera were more laid back after the interval but still got plenty of chances.
The scoreline could have been larger had it not been for Junaidi producing some good saves in between the QAF sticks.
QAF could have scored another in the 71st minute after Mohd Adie Arsham Mohd Saleh headed Hardi’s cross from the right.
However, Mohd Fakhrul did enough to see the ball bounce off the crossbar.
Indera almost added to their tally two minutes later but Md Khairul Anwar Abd Rahim saw his freekick from just outside the box denied by the woodwork.
Hamizan Aziz would score his hat-trick after toying with QAF’s defence before firing home from inside the box for in the 90th minute.

The Brunei Times

02 September 2014

Tosi delivers at deathTosi brace delivers maximum points

Sunday, August 31, 2014

DPMM FC go five points clear at the top of the Singapore League (S-League) heading into the third round after a 2-1 comeback victory over Tanjong Pagar United FC last night.
Rodrigo Tosi converted a penalty four minutes into injury time to claim all three points for the Brunei side.
The Brazilian bagged a brace for DPMM FC in the victory, bringing his tally to a league-leading 20 goals, one up on Kazuki Sakamoto of Albirex Niigata (S) FC.
The triumph puts DPMM FC on 46 points from 22 matches, followed by Warriors FC with 41 points.
According to updates on the S-League facebook page, Tanjong Pagar took the lead in the 22nd minute after Kamel Ramdadi fired the ball into the bottom corner at the Queenstown Stadium in Singapore.
Roy O’Donovan was brought down in the penalty box four minutes later but the offence was waved off by the referee.
DPMM FC almost equalised in the 33rd minute but Tanjong Pagar goalkeeper Aurelien Herisson managed to tipped the ball over the bar.
O’Donovan was taken off at halftime to make way for Shahrazen Said.
DPMM FC were putting plenty of pressure on offence but Herisson replied with impressive saves.
Brunei’s only professional team finally equalised in the 61st minute after Tosi rose the highest to head home a corner.
Adi Said almost gave DPMM FC the lead five minutes later but saw his header go over the crossbar.
Herrison was kept busy and once again came to the rescue of Tanjong Pagar in the 86th minute but he ultimately failed to keep his team level in the dying moments of the match.
The other game saw Harimau Muda B (Malaysia national under-21 football team) steal a 1-1 draw against Woodlands Wellington FC at the Woodlands Stadium in Singapore.
Andy Ahmad broke the deadlock for Woodlands in the 54th minute after tapping in the ball.
It looked like they were heading home with all three points before Syafwan Sahlan netted for Harimau Muda in the 88th minute.
The competition continues on Tuesday with Hougang United FC hosting Harimau Muda at the Hougang Stadium in Singapore.
Hougang United are on 33 points and require only a point out of the match to be in the top half heading into the split round.
Balestier Khalsa FC, who are on 30 points but with a better goal difference, will need the Malaysians to win to keep their hopes alive.
They will also need to beat Harimau Muda at the Pasir Gudang Stadium in Johor on Friday to seal their berth.
Three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers, Warriors FC, Home United FC and Albirex Niigata (S) FC are all joining DPMM FC in the top half for the next round.

The Brunei Times

Brunei open with Timor Leste

Thursday, August 28, 2014

BRUNEI will open their Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers against Timor Leste on October 12.
The Sultanate will meet host Laos on October 14 before facing Myanmar two days later.
They will end their campaign with a match against Cambodia on October 20, with all matches set to be played at the New Laos National Stadium in Vientiane.
The winner of the group will move into Group B while the runners-up will earn a spot in Group A at the November 22 to December 20 tournament proper which will be co-hosted by Singapore and Vietnam.
Defending champions and four-time winners Singapore, three-time champions Thailand and 2010 winners Malaysia are drawn in Group B.
Group A will have Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines battling it out for a place in the last four of the tournament.
The last qualifiers in Myanmar in 2012 saw Brunei start their campaign with a 1-0 loss to hosts Myanmar before beating Cambodia 3-2.
A 3-1 loss to Laos squashed Brunei’s chances of making it through the tournament, but the team would end on a high by defeating Timor Leste 2-1.
Myanmar progressed to the tournament after topping the five-team qualifiers in Yangon, with Laos also advancing as runners-up.
According to a previous report in The Brunei Times, the last time Brunei played in the tournament’s main draw was in 1996 in Singapore, when the country lost three games and won one.
Competing in Group B, Brunei lost to Singapore (3-0), Thailand (6-0) and Malaysia (6-0), defeating the Philippines 1-0 in their last match.
Singapore are the most successful team in the tournament after winning it for the fourth time two years ago in what was the ninth edition of the event.
They beat Thailand 3-1 in the first leg in Singapore and despite losing the second leg 1-0, they held on to clinch the cup – with coach Radojko Avramović becoming the tournament’s most successful coach after previous wins in 2004 and 2007.

The Brunei Times

23 August 2014

DPMM FC salvage draw

Friday, August 22, 2014

DPMM FC came back from two goals down to salvage a point following their 3-3 draw against Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore League (S-League) last night.
Rodrigo Tosi bagged a brace, which brings his tally to 18 goals in the league, and Adi Said scored in his second successive game for his third in the competition.
Goran Ljubojevic found the back of the net twice for Balestier with Kim Min-ho the other to get on the scoresheet.
The hosts had the best of starts after Kim gave them the lead in the third minute at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore.
They doubled their lead through Ljubojevic in the 21st minute.
DPMM FC made a double change by bringing on the duo of Adi and Helmi Zambin at halftime for the pair of Maududi Hilmi Kasmi and Ak Fakhrazzi Pg Hassan.
It paid dividends almost immediately with Adi, who notched six goals for Brunei in the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy, finding the back of the net just five minutes after entering the game.
The game was tied at 2-2 after Tosi scored his first of the game in the 65th minute.
The Tigers regained the lead in the 70th minute with Ljubojevic scoring his second of the encounter.
However, it was shortlived as Tosi replied just three minutes later to notch things up at 3-3 to see the teams share the spoils.
Both teams finished the game with 10 men after DPMM FC’s Joe Gamble and Balestier’s Syed Thaha were sent off just before the final whistle
The draw, which was the second straight for Brunei’s only professional team, sees them lead the 12-team table two points.
The other game saw Home United FC triumph 4-2 over Albirex Niigata FC at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore.
Kazuya Okazaki gave Albirex the lead in the second minute via a freekick before two goals by Lee Kwan Woo and a goal each by Fazrul Nawaz and Fazli Ayoha put the Protectors four up at halftime.
Kazuki Sakamoto found the back the net in the 72nd minute but it proved to be a mere consolation for Albirex.
Home United are now in third place with 37 points due to a better goal difference over Warriors FC.
Albirex are a point behind the duo.
Second-placed Tampines Rovers can displace DPMM FC at the top should they defeat Tanjong Pagar United FC at the Clementi Stadium in Singapore today.
The other match will see Woodlands Wellington FC go up against Geylang International FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Kick off is at 7.30pm.

The Brunei Times

19 August 2014

Battling Brunei crash out

Tuesday, August 19, 2014
BRUNEI’S 2-1 win over Malaysia was ultimately insufficient as they bowed out of the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy last night.
The defending champions needed a win with a two goal margin to qualify, and the 2-1 victory only secured third place for Brunei, on 10 points together with Vietnam and Malaysia, but behind on goal difference.

Mohd Nor Azam Azih gave Malaysia the lead early in the 18th minutes at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Centre-back Mohd Reduan Hj Petara equalised in the first-half before Najib Hj Tarif converted a penalty in the second-half to clinch a bittersweet victory for the defending champions.
Brunei lined-up with midfielder Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris back in the team, partnering Mohd Nurikhwan Othman and Ak Mohd Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos in midfield.
Both wingers Mohd Asnawi Syazni Abdul Aziz and Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir assisted lone striker Adi Said up front in attack.
Abdul Khair Hj Basri made his first appearance in the tournament playing in Mohd Nur Azees Ali’s place who got red carded in a game against Vietnam on Friday.
Both teams started slowly, with most of the ball being played in midfield.
Malaysia's Mohd Asri Mardzuki tested Brunei with a shot from 30 metres out, while Mohd Hendra Azam's sent a free-kick from the left that went straight into Malaysia goalkeeper’s arms.
The two shots were the only actions worth mentioning in the first 15 minutes of the game.
Malaysia finally broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Mohd Nor Azam fired from outside the penalty box, beating goalkeeper Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahim.
Brunei equalised just seven minutes later when Mohd Syawal Nordin fouled Aminuddin outside the penalty area to give Brunei a free-kick.
Malaysia’s goalkeeper Md Ilham Amirullah Razali got a touch on Adi’s free-kick before the ball bounced off the post in front of centre back Reduan Hj Petara, who was at the right place at the right time to tap the ball home.
Brunei should have been leading a few minutes later when Ak Mohd Yura Indera Putera made a run into the penalty box.
The Bruneian threaded in a through ball meant for Adi but Mohd Syawal made a vital interception to keep the score level at 1-1.
Mohd Hendra Azam should also have scored when he was set by Mohd Nurikhwan from the right just five minutes after the restart but the former would send his low shot a few inches wide off the post.
Adi was stretchered out injured in the 63rd minute following a tackle by Malaysian defender and the striker was replaced by Abdul Azim Abdul Rashid.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Abdul Hafiz Rahim made way for Azman Ilham Hj Mohd Noor just seconds later.
Mohd Najib made his second appearance of the tournament, replacing Mohd Hendra Azam in the 70th minute.
Brunei continued to dominate the game as they are pressing for the two-goal winning margin, and Reduan almost found the net after connecting with a cross from Mohd Asnawi Syazni in the 75th minute but goalkeeper Md Ilham Amirullah would make a brilliant save keeping the ball out.
Brunei eventually found the net in the 82nd minute when Mohd Najib converted the penalty sending goalkeeper Md Ilham Amirullah the wrong way.
Brunei at this point was launching wave after wave of attacks, with Mohd Najib and Mohd Asnawi Syazni making dangerous runs into the penalty area in the final few minutes.
The Malaysians defended bravely by making timely clearances and tackles to stop the attacks, and at the final whistle, Brunei was left to rue what could have been if they had taken one of the many chances presented to them.

The Brunei Times

16 August 2014

Adi keeps hopes alive

Saturday, August 16, 2014
BRUNEI withstood a dominant Vietnam side and came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw in Group B of the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy last night.
The two teams are still within reach of the semi-finals as the draw puts both teams on seven points from four games together with Malaysia, who will only play Singapore today.
Adi Said notched a brace for Brunei to bring his tally to a tournament-leading six goals, surpassing his five-goal tally from the previous edition two years ago.
Nguyen Phong Hong Duy and Hoang Thanh Tung got on the scoresheet for Vietnam at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Vietnam got off to a quick start and almost found a breakthrough as early as the fourth minute.
Nguyen Van Toan got the ball around Brunei goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Noor before centreback Reduan Hj Petara made a crucial tackle to prevent the shot.
Vietnam broke the deadlock four minutes later after Van Toan picked out Phong Hong Duy, who drilled a left-footed shot from the right edge of the box through the legs of defender Md Asri Hj Sapar into the bottom right corner.
Brunei were struggling to maintain ball possession as their opponents read their passes well.
In contrast, Vietnam were patient and moved the ball fluidly, leading up to their next goal-scoring chance in the 29th minute.
Nguyen Tuan Ang chipped the ball over the Brunei backline for Van Toan to chase but Azman Ilham did well to rush out and collect the ball.
Brunei finally got their first shot on target via a freekick from 25 yards out in the 34th minute and it proved to be the equaliser.
Adi struck it well over the wall and despite Vietnam keeper Tran Minh Toan going the correct direction, the ball took a dip and bounced into the empty net.
Vietnam responded almost immediately with Van Toan making another run behind the defence but Azman Ilham did well again to get off his line to grab the ball.
Brunei threatened in the 38th minute after Tran fumbled a Mohd Asnawi Syazni Hj Aziz cross from the left but he managed to gather the ball despite Md Aminuddin Zakwan Md Tahir chasing it down.
Vietnam took only three minutes after the interval to get back in front after captain Nguyen Cong Phuong picked out Hoang in the middle to easily fire past Azman Ilham to bring the scores to 2-1.
The Sultanate brought on Abdul Azim Abdul Rashid, who scored two goals against Singapore on Wednesday, to provide more firepower in the 55th minute.
Vietnam continued to dominate and were looking more likely to score again.
In the 61st minute, Cong Phuong picked out Van Toan on the left but the latter’s shot took a crucial deflection to see it go wide off the left post.
They threatened again five minutes later through Pham Trum Tinh but he failed to find the target.
The defending champions only managed their second shot of the encounter in the 71st minute after Adi got the ball to substitute Md Zulkhairy Hady Razali inside the box but the latter fired at the wrong side of the net.
The hosts equalised after a good one-two by Adi and Abdul Azim, allowing the former to slot the ball past the Vietnamese custodian in the 75th minute.
Brunei were down to 10 men in the 86th minute after Mohammad Nur Azees Awang Ali received his second booking for a tackle on Phong Hong Duy.
Vietnam almost took advantage two minutes later but Van Toan could only see his shot in a one-on-one situation against Azman Ilham fly inches off the right post.

The Brunei Times

12 August 2014

Brunei manager hails ‘magical’ Adi

Tuesday, August 12, 2014
BRUNEI manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff was full of praise for Adi Said who inspired Brunei to a 3-1 victory over Indonesia in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night.
The striker scored a hat-trick at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas as Brunei moved up to fourth in Group A with three points, behind third-placed Vietnam on goal difference.
Cambodia lead the group with six points, followed by second-placed Malaysia with four.
“I think Adi was fantastic, an excellent player, he played very well in the game, even the first game against Cambodia he played very good and he is now very valuable to us, the magic was there tonight for Adi,” said Hj Feisal during the post conference interview.
“But as we all know, we are one team, all the players worked very hard and they all worked well together in the game.”
The manager also praised goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Noor who made a number of crucial saves throughout the game.
“Goalkeeper had a very good game too, he made a number of good saves.”
“As we all understand Indonesia is one of the strongest team in the tournament, the finalist in 2012, and they have work together for two to three years now, the way they passed the ball and keeping their possession…I admire them,” continued Hj Feisal.
“But of course we cannot be complacent with this first win, I hope that all players will be able to recover before the next game, it is very important for them to recover as we only have one day rest before our next game,” he added.
Brunei made a number of changes in their first-eleven from their first game against Cambodia.
Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Zulkhairy Hady Razali were the most notable absentees in the game.
Muhd Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir and Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunus both started in the midfield for Brunei instead.
“The players played very well and I trusted them to last the 90 minutes and for me that lead to the victory,” said head coach Kwon Oh-son.
“Indonesia weak point is when they are coming back to defend from attacking and they were a bit slow to defend, seeing this we tried to counter attack.”
“Credit to the fans they were very wonderful tonight and thank you for their support,” he added.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, minister of Culture, Youth and Sports also lauded the performance of the Brunei players.
“Our players have shown an amazing performance and make the supporters as well as the country proud,” YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair told The Brunei Times soon after the match.
He expressed hope that such performance will be continued and InsyaAllah the team will move forward.
He said the presence of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam greatly boosted the spirit of the players. “The players have stronger drive to emerge victorious,” he said.

The Brunei Times

Brunei bounce back to beat Indonesia 3-1

Tuesday, August 12, 2014
BRUNEI bounced back from their opening day defeat to Cambodia on Saturday by defeating Indonesia 3-1 in Group B of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night.
Adi Said produced a heroic performance as a lone striker, bagging a hat-trick at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
[PHOTO: His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joins the crowd at HBT Brunei-Indonesia match]
[Related story: Malaysia prevail 2-0 against Vietnam]
[Related story: Steady Cambodia down S'pore 3-1]
“I did not expect to score all the goals tonight, but I keep on trying and pushing myself forward to score,” said Adi in an interview with The Bunei Times after game.
“I knew that we were trying to make it solid defensively and I need to work extra hard as I am the only striker playing upfront.
“To score three goals against Indonesia is something very special for me,” he added.
Brunei fielded Adi alone upfront, in a 4-5-1 formation with two natural wingers Mohd Asnawi Syazni Abdul Aziz and Mohd Asri Hj Aspar on both flanks.
They started with Mohd Nurikhwan Othman, Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunus and Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir in midfield.
Muhd Nurikhwan played a deeper role than Ak Yura Indera Putera and Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan, but the partnerships were fluid, and frequently switched around.
All four players are experienced and intelligent enough to make the fluidity work, and took advantage of the freedom to drift around the Indonesian penalty area.
Muhd Nurikhwan, who sat deep in midfield, got more and more time on the ball as Indonesia midfielders were caught too high up the pitch trying to support their striker.
The midfielder exploited this space by taking a bit of time before knocking some incredible long-range passes out wide, but also making a surprising number of forward runs to link up with the forwards.
Brunei started reasonably well closing down the midfield, getting into the faces of Indonesia midfielders, captain Evan Dimas Darmono and Paulo Oktavianus Sitanggang, early on.
The most notable system about Brunei’s attacks were the two wide players, Mohd Asri and Mohd Asnawi, making direct runs down the flanks with striker Adi making his diagonal run behind Indonesian defenders.
The key man however was Adi, who constantly made threatening runs between Indonesia's centre-backs.
His displayed superb control for his first goal in the ninth minute, latching on to a pass from midfield with his right foot, lifted the ball over an Indonesian's defender, before making his way into the penalty box and firing the ball past Indonesia goalkeeper Ravi Mudianto.
Adi doubled Brunei’s goal tally in the 40th minute. This time, he made a strong run at the Indonesian left flank to connect to a long ball.
As he skipped past Indonesian left-back Muhammad Fatchu Rochman, Adi sensed the Indonesian goalkeeper was off his line and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty box in the 40th minute.
With his confidence sky high, Adi made it 3-0 just three minutes later with a wonderful long range dipping shot from 30 metres out to beat the Indonesia’s goalkeeper.
Despite Adi being the hero for the team, the performance of his teammate, goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Mohd Noor, should not be overlooked as the goalkeeper made a number of stunning saves throughout the game to protect Brunei’s lead.
The goalkeeper was forced to make a brilliant one-handed save in the 71st minute when Indonesia’s Ilham Udin Armaiyn took a shot from outside of the penalty box.
Ilham however managed to find the back of the net just a minute later when he easily tapped in Evan’s cross from the left to beat helpless Azman Ilham in goal.
Substitute Mohd Zulkhairy Hady Razali, who came on in the 80th minute for Mohd Asnawi Syazni, should have scored Brunei’s fourth after being set up by Adi.
A swift counter attack initiated by Adi saw Mohd Zulkhairy going one-on-one with the Indonesian goalkeeper, but the striker squandered the chance by firing wide.

The Brunei Times