Global Demolished By DPMM In Seven-Goal Rout

Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Roy O’Donovan’s hat-trick helped Brunei DPMM to a 7-0 thumping of Global FC in their RHB Singapore Cup tie at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday evening as they qualified for the quarter-finals in style.

Also getting onto the scoresheet were Rodrigo Tosi who grabbed a brace, as well as substitutes Shahrazen Said and Azwan Saleh as Global’s run in the competition came to a premature end.  

Weakened by the absence of players away on international duty with Philippines, the Global defence found it hard to contain a deadly DPMM strikeforce comprising Tosi and O’Donovan. 

DPMM on the other hand were missing Roberto Alviz who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury as captain Rosmin Kamis started on the bench with Joe Gamble and Hendra Azam starting in the heart of midfield.

The opening exchanges saw the two teams cancel each other out and chances were at a premium as the first chance of note came after only 31 minutes.

It was O’Donovan who sent a looping header over from Helmi Zambin’s cross before Boris Raspudic headed wide off Hendra’s corner delivery minutes later. 

O’Donovan then should have scored to put his side ahead on 39 minutes but could only fire straight at Jose Pascual after latching onto Tosi’s through pass.     

The restart saw Global come out of the break strongly as they fashioned two decent chances in the space of two minutes through Mark Hartmann although none found the net.

However, it did not take long for the deadlock to be broken as it did in the 58th minute when an unmarked Tosi headed Sairol Sahari’s deep cross past a rooted Pascual with the floodgates opening thereafter.

O’Donovan doubled the lead for the designated visitors a minute later after he was sent racing clear, lifting the ball beyond the onrushing Pascual.

It was then three goals to the good for the Wasps when Tosi netted with another header for his second of the night on 71 minutes before a defensive mix-up seven minutes later saw O’Donovan bulge the net again to make it 4-0.

The misery was not over for Leigh Manson’s side though, as there was still time for more goals.

Azwan’s low shot was deflected into the bottom corner on 80 minutes and O’Donovan then completed his hat-trick at the end of regulation time, leaving a defender in his wake before calmly slotting past Pascual.

The scoring was completed in stoppage time when Shahrazen fired past Pascual from 20 yards to cap off an impressive second-half performance from DPMM who will join the likes of defending champions Home United and Tampines Rovers in the last eight of the Singapore Cup.

sleague.com

Majra United pull out

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, May 31, 2014

MAJRA United have withdrawn from the 2014 DST Super League and might even cease operations as a football club entirely.
The reason for the pull out was triggered by Majra’s May 13 game against the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) when Majra captain Faizal Mohammad was found guilty of assaulting the referee and was subsequently banned from all football activities for five years starting from May 14.
The National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) charged 2011 DST League Cup champions Majra $500 for negligence in managing the team and their fans during the match.
MS ABDB were awarded a 3-0 victory based on Article 57 of NFABD’s Disciplinary Code, a decision that was deemed unfair by the club’s assistant manager Hj Mahadi Hj Matzin.
“The decision was made without calling the player (Faizal) and the club’s management, and now our fans are also being held responsible - and that is a bit unfair,” he said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“We have decided that we are pulling out of the league this year and asked permission from NFABD on this matter.
“I am not sure what the status of our club is now, but we might not be coming back to the local football scene anymore.
“For now, our players can move to other clubs to continue their football,” he added in the interview.
In a previous report in The Brunei Times, Hj Mahadi said that the club should not be held responsible for the behaviour of their supporters.
“We cannot control the things that are happening outside of the pitch,” he said. “The organisers should look into it and provide security for every match in a big tournament such as the DST Super League,” he added.
Majra’s withdrawal will cause huge changes to the league table and the remaining fixtures.
The Brunei Times contacted NFABD yesterday and they confirmed Majra’s withdrawal from the league. They have also said that the new league table will be released in due course.
Majra were ninth in the 10-team table with five points before their withdrawal.
The last updated table has defending champions Indera Sports Club (SC) currently leading the standings with 29 points from 11 matches.

The Brunei Times

Warriors snap DPMM FC’s win streak

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, May 23, 2014

DPMM FC saw their seven-game winning streak come to an end after losing 1-0 away to second-placed Warriors FC in the Singapore League (S-League) last night.
Hafiz Rahim’s free-kick mid-way through the first half was the difference between the two sides at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
The loss resulted in the gap at the top for DPMM FC trimmed to only four points.
They are still locked on 31 points while Warriors are now on 27.
It was also the first in 13 matches that the Brunei-side have failed to find the back of the net.
DPMM FC captain Rosmin Hj Md Kamis felt that luck was not on their side, which resulted in their second defeat of the season.
“I thought we were unlucky as our opponents scored via a free-kick. Everybody missed the ball and it hit the post before going in,” said Rosmin in an interview with The Brunei Times after the match.
“We played according to the game plan like we usually do and we also had our opportunities but failed to convert them. It was just not our day.
“We still top the table so there is no need to panic. The team spirit is still there,” he added.
According to the match report on the S-League website, DPMM FC had a good chance in the early going through marquee signing Roy O’Donovan in the 13th minute - but saw his effort saved by Warriors goalkeeper Hassan Sunny in a one-on-one situation.
The Warriors custodian was on hand to parry Roberto Alviz’s free-kick at full-stretch the next minute.
It was in the 22nd minute that Hafiz curled in the free-kick - which he won at the edge of the box - off the post for the sole goal of the encounter.
The home side dominated the remainder of the first half but were unable to add to their lead. Nicolas Velez came closest a minute before the interval after getting at the end of Kevin McCann’s cross.
The former sent his header towards goal, which DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun fumbled but managed to claw out to safety.
Azwan Ali Rahman almost equalised for the visitors in the 54th minute, but Hassan was up to the task to save his shot from inside the penalty area.
Hafiz almost added another for the Warriors in the 69th minute but Wardun did enough to keep his attempt out.
Brunei’s only professional team will now take a break from the S-League with their next game only on June 6 against Home United at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
DPMM FC will open their Singapore Cup campaign against Philippine side Global FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore next Saturday.
The other game saw Home United come back from a goal down to beat Geylang International FC 4-1 at the Bedok Stadium in Singapore.
Kento Fukuda gave Geylang a good start after finding the back of the net in the 16th minute.
The lead was cancelled out by Kwon Dakyung in the 31st minute before Fazrul Nawaz gave Home United the lead six minutes later.
Kwon notched his second of the game in the 42nd minute to bring the scores to 3-1 at halftime.
It was only in the final minute that Fazrul was able to make it 4-1 for Home United.
The victory saw Home United leapfrog three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers into third place with 24 points.
The Stags, who are on 22 points, will only play their game today as they take on the Young Lions (Singaporean Under-23 football team) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The other match will see fifth-placed Albirex Niigata (S) FC head to Pasir Gudang in Johor to face against Harimau Muda B (Malaysian Under-21 football team).


The Brunei Times

Dominant Lun Bawang crowned champs of DST Premier League

Lun Bawang players celebrate after being crowned DST Premier League champions at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night. Lun Bawang beat Tunas FC 3-2. Picture: BT/ Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh 

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Sunday, May 18, 2014

LUN Bawang were crowned champions of the DST Premier League last night, ending their campaign with their 100% win record intact after defeating Tunas FC 3-2 last night at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
The Temburong District based club were trailing 1-0 in most of the first-half before Mohd Shafiq Abdullah Elan equalised just before the half-time whistle.
Mohd Azril Mohd Ali would put Tunas ahead again in the 79th minute but Zaimi Awat would level the score 2-2 two minutes later.
Christopher Anak Ambon would make sure Lun Bawang finished the league with a maximum of 21 points when he headed home the corner kick from the right.
Speaking to The Brunei Times after the match, Lun Bawang manager Mohd Amirul Afif Abd Rahim Talal was full of praise of his players.
“They were fantastic throughout the tournament,” said Mohd Amirul Afif.
“This is our first time winning the title in a national tournament and what makes me very proud is that we were unbeaten in the league and won all the games,”
“We conceded in most of the matches throughout the league, but we still managed to come back and win… that showed how big the spirit was in the team,”
“We have a balanced squad in all departments and all players contributed in the win, but our senior player Idris Lupat has been a very important figure in the team with his experience and good control of the game,” added the manager.
Mohd Shafiq of Lun Bawang won the top goalscorer award, while teammate Muhd Nursyazwan Halidi bagged the best player of the tournament award.
Lun Bawang will be promoted to the DST Super League next season and will be joined by second-placed IKLS who finished the league with 16 points.
Lun Bawang kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 win over IKLS.
They edged Brunei Shell Recreational (BSRC) FT 3-2 in the second game before defeating Perkasa 2-1.
Lun Bawang continued their great form with a 3-1 win over Setia Perdana before cruising past Kota Rangers 3-0 and followed that up with a 4-3 win over Rimba Star.
Present as the guest of honour to award the prizes was DST Board of Director member Abdul Latiff Pehin Orang Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Md Yusof.
The Brunei Times

Five Year Ban for Majra skipper Faizal

Five Year Ban for Majra skipper Faizal

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (16 May 2014) – Majra United captain Faizal Mohammad has been slapped with a five year ban by the National FA of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) for assaulting a referee in their DST Super League match against Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) in mid-week.

MS ABDB were leading up until the 59^thminute, when the award of penalty resulted in a violent reaction from Faizal. The game at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas was then abandoned.

MS ABDB were awarded with a 3-0 victory while Majra United were fined BND 500 (USD 399.30).

NFABD statement reads: “we take a serious view on the incident and will not condone such behaviour”.

aseanfootball.org

DPMM FC dismiss report of Kean leaving

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Saturday, May 17, 2014

DPMM FC dismissed the report that claimed head coach Steve Kean is set to leave the club for Thailand Premier League side PTT Rayong.

Singapore’s Goal.com reported on Thursday that Kean who signed for DPMM FC at the start of the season will head to Thailand next week to meet with representatives of the club.
The Brunei Times contacted the club manager Pg Waslimin PSJ Pg Hj Abdul Momin yesterday but calls made to the team’s manager, Ali Hj Momin, were not answered.

“We do not know anything about this,” said Pg Waslimin.

“I have read the report about it (Kean moving to Thailand) but as for now I can tell you that Steve Kean is still the head coach for DPMM FC and he is still under contract with us.”

“We are doing well now in the league (Singapore League) and I think this report is just trying to cause disorder. For now we are only going to focus on our football,” he added.

Kean is not the only one claimed to be leaving DPMM FC with Roy O'Donovan subject to similar rumours.

Goal.com reported that another Thai Premier League side, BEC Tero Sasana, are keen to sign the striker who has scored 11 times for DPMM FC so far this season.

PTT Rayong who are third from bottom in the 20-team Thai Premier League is currently managed by the former England International Peter Withe.

The club only managed to win one game out of 12 matches this season.

DPMM FC, meanwhile, are enjoying their best form in the S-League.
The Brunei side have won 10 games out of 12 matches and currently sit at the top of the table with 31 points, 10 ahead of second-placed Warriors FC.

DPMM FC beat Albirex Niigata 2-1 on Wednesday with goals from Rodrigo Tosi and O'Donovan at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

DPMM FC will travel to Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore on Thursday to play against the Warriors FC.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC host Albirex tonight

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

DPMM FC are in search of their seventh straight win and looking to extend their lead at the top of the Singapore League (S-League).
Brunei’s only professional team are set to kick off the second half of the season against Albirex Niigata FC today at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
DPMM FC are currently enjoying a seven-point lead at the top of the 12-team table with 28 points while their closest rivals Warriors FC and three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers are both on 21 points.
More impressive is that DPMM FC have netted 30 goals, with 22 at home, and conceded just five in 11 games.
The Brunei side had beaten the Japanese outfits 1-0 in their season opener, courtesy of a Rodrigo Tosi penalty in the first half at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore back in February.
Having notched a winning debut then, DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean knows what to expect from their opponents and is hoping things will run accordingly.
“Our (recent) performances have been better than the (early games) as there was no flow to the start of the (earlier) games. Our challenge is for us to play well for the whole game against a team like Albirex,” Kean told The Brunei Times when met during a training session yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“We cannot afford a slow start. We need to be at a good pace early and get hold of game.
“If we can put all the bits we have been working on all week together then we should put up another good performance,” added the former Blackburn Rovers coach.
“Albirex are a good football side and built to play from the back. I don’t expect them to play direct football as they are a team that like to pass the ball and work their way up the pitch.
“They have got good players. They are technically very good and it is a challenge for us to get enough ball possession to create more chances,” continued the Scotsman.
The trio of Tosi (calf), Roberto Alviz (knee) and Azwan Salleh (groin) are deemed fit having recovered from their injuries.
The only concern for Kean is that Bosnian defender Boris Raspudic is suspended for the encounter, having picked up his fourth yellow card of the season in the last game against Tanjong Pagar United FC.
“It is always a concern when you lose a defender considering we have had many cleansheets,” said Kean.
“It is unfortunate for Boris but this is part of the game. Good thing is that we only have one player suspended,” he added.
Albirex head coach Okuyama Tatsuyuki believes they can give the home side a strong challenge.
“DPMM FC are a strong team and we will have to prevent them from playing their usual game,” said Tatsuyuki.
“I’m satisfied with the result despite losing 1-0 at that point but we can challenge them tomorrow (Wednesday). Our players have gotten better after the first meeting.
“We have been preparing ourselves and we need to stop their key player Rodrigo Tosi from scoring. This year all their players are good and we are not focused on only one or two of them,” he added.
“It is interesting to watch them play and we are excited to play against them as well,” he concluded.
Kick off is at 8.15pm.

The Brunei Times

Indera SC add to advantage

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

DEFENDING DST Super League champions Indera Sports Club racked up their ninth win in 11 matches when they went past Liang Lumut Recreation Club Football Team (LLRC FT) 2-1 last night.
They now enjoy an eight-point lead over their nearest rivals, the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB), who moved to second thanks to a 6-1 win over Kilanas FC on Sunday night.
Indera have 29 points from 11 games, the policemen 21.
LLRC FT are still sixth in the 10-team table, though a win for the Belait-based side could have seen them leapfrog fifth-placed Wijaya FC – who are only two points above them on 17 points.
Mohd Zulkhairy Razali gave Indera a 19th minute lead at the break, but LLRC’s Ak Mohd Haikal Pg Zaidi would force a stalemate seven minutes after the restart at the Tutong Sports Complex.
In the end, Mohd Ikhmarol Izzat Hj Omar’s 71st minute strike was enough for the titleholders to secure all three points.


The Brunei Times

Singapore Cup : DPMM FC vs Global Fc (Philippines)

The RHB Singapore Cup 2014 Preliminary Round Draw is shown below. Please note that the details of the schedules of matches will be released at a later time.

Pool A:
Harimau Muda vs Tampines Rovers FC
Woodlands Wellington FC vs Geylang International FC
Tanjong Pagar United FC vs Hougang United FC
Warriors FC vs Balestier Khalsa FC

Pool B:
Svay Rieng FC (Cambodia) vs Albirex Niigata (S) FC
Home United FC vs Nagacorp FC (Cambodia)
Global FC (Philippines) vs Brunei DPMM FC
Loyola Meralco Sparks FC (Philippines) vs SHB Champasak FC (Laos)

Coach Kean: We should have scored more goals

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Friday, May 2, 2014

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean felt that his team should have scored more goals in their 2-0 victory over Woodlands Wellington FC in the Singapore League (S-League) on Wednesday night.

Woodlands were reduced to ten men in the 13th minute when Walid Lounis was sent off after bringing down Rodrigo Tosi inside the penalty box.
Tosi would convert from the spot kick to give DPMM FC the lead.

Azwan Ali Rahman would fire the second goal from distance to defeat Woodland’s goalkeeper Yazid Yasin at the Woodlands Stadium in Singapore.


“I think we deserved to score more goals,” Kean was quoted on the S-League official website after the match.

“I told my players to pace up at half-time because the game was very slow.

“Woodlands lost a man early and that changed the whole game. It was tough for them and the rhythm was changed,” Kean said.

Striker Roy O’Donovan came close to scoring after the restart but his shot struck the post.
Tosi also missed his chance to score a brace, scooping the ball over the bar from inside the penalty box.



Hj Mohd Subhi Hj Abdillah Bakir who captained the team in the game echoed Kean’s sentiments.

“It was a great game and we are happy with the result… Woodlands are a good team but they lost one player early in the game and we made good use of the advantage,” said Hj Mohd Subhi in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

“There are still more games to play in the league and we must take it one game at a time and must not lose focus.

Woodlands now sit ninth in the league with 11 points and their head coach Darren Stewart admitted that his side was second best on the night.

“DPMM are a good team, they scored fantastic goals and there was never a case of us coming back into the game. We were playing with ten men against the best team,” said Stewart.

“It was a pleasing performance because we wanted to keep the scoreline at what it was and we somehow did it, but of course it would have been better if we had pinched something to maybe get back into the game,” he added.

The Brunei Times