Under-19s set for AFC meet

Azri Metussin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, September 24, 2015

THE national Under-19 football team (Tabuan U-19) is set to compete in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship qualifiers in Yangon, Myanmar, next week.
Most of the players are comprised from the national Under-19 team and some are from the national Under-15 team that laced up for the country at the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Youth Championships and the AFF Under-16 Championships last month.
Talking to The Brunei Times during their training at the Field A of the Menglait Sports Complex on Tuesday, the team’s manager Awang Tamat Hj Budin said that they are ready for the tournament.
“Although the team has just started trained together, they are really playing well,” he said.
“We also had few friendly matches with the national team and a few local clubs, and the Under-19s performed well.
“It will be a really tough competition as we will be competing with teams that possess bigger physique and international experiences than us.
“However, we won’t give up easily and will give our best in tournament,” he promised
Speaking of their opponents in Group G - Hong Kong, Myanmar, Timor-Leste and Vietnam - the manager believed that Vietnam – who were last month’s AFF Under-19 Youth Championships 2015 runners-up in Laos - will be their strongest challenger.
“We are not quite sure about Hong Kong as we have never played them, but Vietnam will be the toughest team as they finished second in the recent AFF U-19 Championships - and we were also beaten 5-0 by them in that tournament,” said Awang Tamat.
The Sultanate will kick-off their campaign with a match against Timor-Leste at the Thuwunna Stadium on Monday and will face hosts Myanmar two days later at the same venue.
They take on Vietnam in their third match on Oct 2 before playing their last match of the qualifying round against Hong Kong four days later.
The winners of the groups and the five best runners-up from all groups will automatically qualify for the tournament proper which set to be held in Bahrain next year.
In the previous qualifying round two years ago in Thailand, the national Under-19 football team finished without a point from three games.
Brunei lost their first match to North Korea 6-0 before getting thrashed by Thailand 7-0. The nation ended the campaign with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Singapore.
The team will leave to Myanmar on Saturday.
Held every year since 1959, Qatar are the regional Under-19 champions after edging North Korea 1-0 in last year’s final played in Myanmar.

The Brunei Times

Kean disappointed with draw

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, September 18, 2015

DPMM FC coach Steve Kean was disappointed not to walk away with maximum points against Albirex Niigata (S) FC in their Singapore League (S-League) game on Wednesday night.
Kean watched his charges dominate the matchup but were held to a 0-0 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
Despite the disappointment, the Scotsman is looking at the positive side of things.
“I think when you set out a gameplan before the game and the players carry it out well... Then you can’t have any complaints,” Kean was quoted as saying on the S-League website.
“But we are disappointed with the point, although it’s a better point for us than for Albirex.
“From the balance of chances we are disappointed.
“Certainly from the balance of the game, because I thought we nullified them and we didn’t allow them to play,” he added.
With only eight games left in the season, the result sees DPMM FC, who are on 36 points from 19 games, remain four points clear at the top of the 10-team table from both the Japanese outfit and defending champions Warriors FC.
Kean hopes that they can keep the momentum going into the next game against the Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 football team) on Tuesday at the same venue.
“I think at this stage of the season we have set the standards well. How we go and play, that was tonight (Wednesday night) with our work ethics and discipline without the ball. That’s the first thing we need to demand from each other.
“If we can get the performance it will be hard for opposition to beat us. That’s the target for the next game, to play as well as we did with or without the ball and I’m confident we will get goals,” said the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
Albirex coach Tatsuyuki Okuyama was also disappointed they were unable to close the gap on the league leaders.
“This match was for us the chance to close the gap on DPMM FC, and I’m disappointed with the performance,” said Okuyama.
“We should have scored at least one goal and won today’s game, and I’m disappointed that we didn’t.
“I believe that we can still go on in the title race. We will just continue to work harder and keep winning the rest of the games and hope DPMM FC drop some points,” he added.
Albirex are the best defensive team in the competition having only conceded 11 goals to date.
However, they haven’t been impressive up front with 19 goals in as many games.
“For offence, I think we could have done better. I think we can be more accurate,” said the Albirex coach.
“Of course we want to score more goals, but DPMM FC are a very good opponent so that’s why we couldn’t create a lot of chances tonight,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Hougang United FC defeated Home United FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in last’s night sole game.
The Brunei Times

Kean heaps praise on star Sergio

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, September 13, 2015

THREE points in the bag was all that mattered for DPMM FC coach Steve Kean.
The Scotsman watched his charges produce a 2-0 win over Harimau Muda (Malaysia national Under-22 football team) in the Singapore League (S-League) despite not playing their best football.
Regardless, Kean was delighted to pick up maximum points to watch his side go four clear at the top of the 10-team table.
“I think it was a great three points but it wasn’t the best we have ever played… far from it,” said Kean in a post match interview.
“Sometimes you just have to be efficient in your game. We can play a lot better with the ball but credit to Harimau Muda as they had a lot of possession and kept attacking,” he added.
“I felt we managed our chances as there weren’t very many clear cut chances. I know we can play better but at this stage of the season it is about getting three points and a cleansheet like tonight (Saturday night) is even better,” continued the Scotsman.
Paulo Sergio was a big factor for the hosts creating the opener in the first half and netting a freekick in the second half to seal the win.
Kean heaped praise on the Portuguese forward, who has now found the back of the net three straight matches since coming back from a hamstring injury.
“I think he showed in his quality in deadball situations. He whipped in a ball that cannot be defended,” said Kean.
“The goalkeeper couldn’t go down the line of the ball because it has got a lot of pace on it and he was worried about players coming towards him for headers,” he added.
“It is a stunning effort. You can tell the crowd gets excited when you get this type of players on the ball. At the moment he is a match winner for us,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
On the other hand, Harimau Muda coach Razip Ismail was satisfied with the performance of his charges but was left disappointed they couldn’t get on the scoresheet.
“I think my players put up a good fight and they played very hard. The only thing is that 2-0 made the difference between us,” said Razip.
“We improved our game and were on top in the second half but the only thing is that we couldn’t convert our chances,” he added.
“We couldn’t score goals while they scored from the one or two chances they had,” concluded the Malaysian.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC go 4 points clear at top of S-League

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, September 13, 2015

DPMM FC moved four points clear at the top of the Singapore League after a 2-0 victory over Harimau Muda (Malaysia national Under-22 football team) last night.
The duo of Maududi Hilmi Kasmi and Paulo Sergio found the back of the net in either half to seal all three points at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
The Brunei side are now on 35 points from 18 games followed by Albirex Niigata (S) FC in second place heading into the final third of the season.
DPMM FC almost opened the scoring in the fourth minute with Rosmin Hj Md Kamis getting at the end of a Paulo Sergio freekick from the left but the ball went over.
They got another chance from a set piece five minutes later with Sergio delivering for Boris Raspudic at the far post but the Bosnian couldn’t get a touch to it.
Harimau Muda skipper Nazirul Hashim attempted a 30-yard freekick at goal in the 16th minute but his attempt floated over.
The visitors were on target in the 28th minute but the header off a corner went straight to DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof.
DPMM FC broke the deadlock in the 31st minute after Azwan Salleh delivered the ball into the box for Sergio, who took a quick one touch pass to send Maududi through on goal to slot it home.
The hosts got a similar attempt four minutes later but Azwan couldn’t get the right touch at the far post.
Harimau Muda were on target again in the 39th minute with Ashmawi Yakin driving a low shot from just inside the box but was saved by Wardun.
At the other end, Sergio fired at goal from inside the box was denied by Harimau Muda custodian Ramdhan Hamid.
DPMM FC had back-to-back chances to add to the tally in first half stoppage time.
Ramdhan fumbled an Azwan freekick but none of the players reacted quickly enough to pounce on the rebound and Rafael Ramazotti just missed the bottom of far post with a shot on his right foot to sum up the opening half.
DPMM FC had a chance to double their lead just three minutes after the interval but Ramdhan kept out Sergio’s attempt from the edge of the box.
Harimau Muda picked up their game and pressed their opponents to gain more ball possession.
They should have equalised in the 59th minute after Ridzuan Abdunloh Pula broke through on the left and Wardun came off his line to close down the shot.
The ball went across the face of goal but Akhir Bahari only managed to find the side netting of an open goal at the far post.
Another opportunity came begging for Harimau Muda in the 67th minute with Ridzuan putting a cross into the box but Akhir couldn’t keep his header on target.
DPMM FC doubled their lead in the 73rd minute with Sergio whipping in a freekick from 25 yards out that beat everyone.
The Portuguese forward delivered another dangerous deadball from the left six minutes later and was chested down by Ramazotti but blasted over.
Harimau Muda continued to press forward but never really threatened in front of goal to see the league leaders claim maximum points.
Top of the table clash is next for the Brunei side as they face off against Albirex at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Wednesday.

The Brunei Times

Rosdin: We deserved to lose

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

INDERA Sports Club (SC) manager Rosdin Hj Abdul Aziz admitted that the two-time DST Super League defending champions deserved their 2-0 loss to Lun Bawang in the final day of the DST Super League’s first round on Sunday.
Zaimi Awat gave the Temburong-based club the lead after converting from the penalty spot in the 35th minute of the first half, and Petrus Jumat netted the second goal in the 83rd minute to seal the victory for the 2014 DST Premier League champions.
The defeat was their second in the competition after losing 2-1 to league leaders Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) on Aug 21, but the manager remain positive that they can turn it around in the second round when they welcome all their key players back.
The club’s top scorer with seven goals, Hamizan Abdul Aziz, midfielder Mohd Nurikhwan Othman, centre-back Afi Aminuddin and first-choice goalkeeper Mohd Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof were among the players missing during the defeat against Lun Bawang at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
“I don’t want to take anything away from Lun Bawang. They were very good on the day and they defended very well in the first half,” said Rosdin in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“We made some mistakes. There was some miscommunication between the defenders and the goalkeeper that led to the penalty, and we just could not come back after that.
“We missed quite a number of players through suspension and personal reasons in the game, and these players play a very important role in the team.
“Hamizan, our striker, was suspended for having three yellow cards… Meanwhile, our midfielder Mohd Nurikhwan was working on the day.
“Our centre-back Mohd Afi was out because of injury while our first goalkeeper Mohd Fakhrul was out for personal reasons.
“I don’t want to sound as though I am making excuses, but these players are the backbone of the club over the past years and we were always going to have a tough time without them,” added the manager .
For Lun Bawang, the victory was only their second in the league and they currently sitting ninth place with seven points, ahead of bottom dwellers Kilanas FC who have yet to register any points in the league following nine defeats.
Meanwhile, Indera are five points behind two time runners-up MS ABDB who are currently at the summit with 24 points.
“We are now five points behind the league leaders MS ABDB, and the pressure now is on them to stay ahead,” said Rosdin.
“We are not going to make it easy for them as we will chase them until the end when we have all our players back in the second round,” he added.
Najip I-Team are also not far behind are in third spot with 18 points while Wijaya FC are fourth with 17 points.
Both Tabuan Muda (national Under-23 football team) and Jerudong FC are on 14 points.
IKLS FC occupy seventh position with nine points while eighth-placed Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) are a point back.
The second round starts on Friday when Wijaya FC host MS ABDB at the Berakas Sports Complex.
The game is scheduled to kick-off at 8.15pm.

The Brunei Times

‘Team need more exposure’

Azri Metussin

bandar seri begawan

Sunday, August 30, 2015

THE national Under-19 football coach Kwon Oh-son believes that Brunei need to get more international exposure to improve their performances.
The national Under-19 team ended their campaign in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) U-19 Youth Championship without any win.
“I think the team need more exposure to international matches in the future,” said Kwon in an interview with The Brunei Times at the International Airport in Berakas yesterday.
“These are good players, but they are lacking in match experience outside Brunei,” he said.
“We were competing with teams who have been exposed to more international matches ahead of the tournament.
“We are still left behind as the level is very different in terms of skills, game play and tactics,” said the Korean.
“However, this is a good experience for the team as they know the kind of level they need to maintain while playing at the international level,” he added.
“The most important thing now is to keep the team together, keep on training and gain more exposure,” the coach added.
Brunei kicked off the tournament with a narrow loss to the Philippines 1-2 last Saturday, followed by another defeat against Cambodia (5-0) on Monday.
In the third game, hosts Laos smashed Brunei 5-0 on Wednesday and Brunei had a disappointing end when they went down 6-0 to group A leaders Thailand on Friday.
Yesterday’s match saw Vietnam thrashing Singapore 6-0 in a Group B match.
The competition will continue today with Thailand facing Vietnam in the first match.
Meanwhile in another Group A match Laos will take on the Philippines at the Laos National Stadium.

The Brunei Times

DST FA Cup registration begins

bandar seri begawan

Sunday, August 30, 2015

THE National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) has opened registration for the upcoming 2015 DST FA Cup.
The tournament is open to all DST Super League and DST Premier League clubs as well as the first 10 non-League teams which have registered with their respective District Football Associations and NFABD. The participation fee is set at $150.00 and the registration fee at $50.00. The participation and registration forms along with the rules and regulations document can be obtained from the NFABD House during office hours (9:00 am – 5pm) except on Saturdays and Sundays. Completed forms must be submitted back to NFABD House by 5pm on September 9.
More information can be obtained by contacting NFABD at 2380047 Ext 11. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) are the two-time defending champions after defeating Najip FC 2-0 in the final.

The Brunei Times

10-man DPMM FC slip to third defeat of season

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, August 30, 2015

TEN-MAN DPMM FC succumbed to only their third defeat of their Singapore League (S-League) campaign with a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Balestier Khalsa FC last night.
The setback at the Toa Payoh Stadium snaps their three-game winning streak and is also the second time that the Tigers upended the Brunei side – winning by the same scoreline at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on May 1.
DPMM FC remain top of the table with 32 points from 17 matches and lead by just one over second-placed Albirex Niigata (S) FC, who have played a game more. Balestier are now up to third spot with 29 points and on better goal difference from defending champions Warriors FC after they drew 1-1 against basement dwellers Geylang International FC at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore in the other game last night.
Brunei’s only professional team got off to a relative good start but the hosts took full advantage from the seventh minute after DPMM FC sweeper Boris Raspudic was made to leave the pitch for a bloodied nose from a previous aerial challenge.
Miroslav Kristic then had back-to-back chances but couldn’t put his attempts on target. The Tigers took the lead in the 13th minute after a good ball by Kristic sent Yusiskandar Yusop through but DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof was to his equal to produce a stop.
However, the rebound landed for Robert Pericic to score from five yards out.
The match finally got back to equal playing field right after with Raspudic reinserted back into the game.
With time and space inside the box, Ignatius Ang had a good chance to double the lead in the 19th minute but blasted over.
Rafael Ramazotti got an opportunity to equalise for the visitors in the 29th minute but Balestier shotstopper Zaiful Nizam dived down his left for a good save.
The Brazilian forward came close again 39th minute after a good ball over the top by Md Hendra Azam Md Idris sent him through but Zaiful came off his line to clear the danger.
Kristic tried one from about 35 yards out two minutes later but only straight into Wardun.
The Tigers went forward again in the 43rd minute as Ang broke down the left and into the box before putting the ball in the middle for Kristic. The Croatian forward took his time but was unfortunate to watch his shot bounce off the underside of the bar.
DPMM FC should have equalised in the 58th minute after a good ball by Paulo Sergio into the box for Shahrazen Said at the far post but the latter couldn’t steer his header on target.
Instead the Tigers doubled their lead on the hour mark off a quick counter attack to see Kristic get the better of three DPMM FC players to put it past Wardun off the post.
Shahrazen found Sergio inside the box in the 68th minute but the Portuguese forward couldn’t get his header from three yards out past Zaiful. Shahrazen threatened down the left in the 75th minute after getting past two markers before firing wide off the left post.
Things got from bad to worse for DPMM FC as they were reduced to 10 men after Joe Gamble was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Tarik Cmajcanin.
It was all Balestier from then on and they should have added to the scoresheet late on.
Pericic rounded Wardun before putting his shot at goal but his effort was cleared off the line by Brian McLean in the 88th minute.
Ang got the better of Wardun but his shot from inside the box was denied by the inside of the vertical two minutes later.
DPMM FC were given a consolation with Sergio chipping Zaiful late into stoppage time.
The Brunei side will now take a break and head back home for their next against Harimau Muda (Malaysia national under-22 football team) on September 12.

The Brunei Times