MS ABDB are champions

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) team celebrate after winning the DST FA Cup at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night. Picture: BT/Nadzirah Malek-Webb

 Nadzirah Malek-Webb

bandar seri begawan

Sunday, December 20, 2015

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) successfully secured their third DST FA Cup title after beating Indera Sports Council (SC) 3-2 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night. The match, which was initially interrupted in the fifth minute due to heavy rain, resumed 35 minutes later.
The army men broke the deadlock in the sixth minute through Sld Mohd Aliuddin Awg Hj Besar. Indera conceded once again in the 12th minute when a header from SLD Razimie Ramli left little chance for the goalkeeper. Abd Azizi Ali Rahman scored the third one in the 26th minute.
Indera managed to pull one back in the 70th minute. Mohd Asri Hj Aspar scored from the penalty.
Indera scored their second goal in the injury time, thanks to Muhd Nur Ikmal Damit.

The Brunei Times

MS ABDB to meet rivals Indera in final

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, December 17, 2015

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) can make it three straight DST FA Cup titles after beating Tabuan Muda (national Under-23 football team) 2-1 in last night’s semi-final.
The win sees the two-time defending champions through to Saturday’s final against rivals Indera Sports Club, who went past IKLS FC 4-1 in Tuesday’s semi-final.
Sld Razimie Ramli gave MS ABDB a 62nd minute lead at the Tutong Sports Complex, and though Md Nur Syazwan Halidi evened the scores five minutes later, Sld Razimie’s second goal in the 75th minute earned the DST Super League titleholders a shot at another trophy this year.
MS ABDB topped the DST Super League with 49 points this season. Indera were second on 42 points and Najip I-Team third with 36 points.

The Brunei Times

Kean not worried if import quota reduced

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, December 3, 2015

DPMM FC coach Steve Kean is not too worried about talk of a reduction in the import quota for the Singapore League (S-League) next season - especially since he has plans to bring in two of the club’s Under-19 players.
Channel NewsAsia last week reported that there will be a reduction in the quota of foreigners for S-League clubs from five to three next season, and though Kean feels it may be difficult for S-League champions DPMM FC to adjust, he is not losing any sleep over it.
DPMM FC can boast of having the reigning S-League top scorer Rafael Ramazotti in their ranks, and the understanding the Brazilian formed with Portuguese forward Paulo Sergio was instrumental in DPMM FC winning the S-League for the first time this season.
Also key to the club’s success this year was Irish midfielder Joe Gamble and the cohesive centre-back partnership of Bosnian Boris Raspudic and Northern Ireland’s Brian McLean.
“We’re not stressing at all. I have sat down with the chairman and spoke about who we want to keep,” said Kean in an interview with The Brunei Times at a meet and greet session at The Mall in Gadong yesterday.
“It is difficult because what happens (if the quota is reduced) is that the emphasis is on the local players
“The imports are to fill the holes of the locals but now the lads will have to step up. But I’m ecstatic as I feel we’ve got the best locals.
“We will give an offer to the first (import) we want to keep, and if they don’t accept, somebody else will.
“But I believe everybody wants to stay with us because we are the best team.
“Regardless, I believe we will have a brilliant team for next year,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
The Scotsman also revealed that two players from the Under-19 side, which was formed in June, will be inserted into the first team roster next season.
DPMM FC will take a break before getting back on the training ground on Jan 9 to prepare for next season, and Kean said he is also looking at some friendly matches for the team in Kuala Lumpur.
“I’m bringing in two Under-19 players into the first team squad,” said the 48-year-old.
“Maybe it won’t be about replacing anyone since we are losing imports. This is also to show that the Under-19 team… Is a real pathway to the first team.
“We are probably going to KL to play three or four games in the first week of February.
“Our pre-season has always been good and it doesn’t matter when the games are. (More) important is what we do during the off season,” he concluded.
Kean arrived in the Sultanate back in Nov 2013 and led the club to their best season to date this year.
DPMM FC clinched their maiden S-League title on Nov 21 and equaled their best finish in the Singapore Cup with a third-place finish on Friday.
However, it was their worst showing in the Singapore League Cup this year as the three-time champions failed to make it out of the group stages for the first time in five attempts.
Despite only being formed in June, the Under-19 team - which is trained by Kean and was one of his priorities when joining the club two years ago - has already made their mark by clinching a four-team tournament in September.
They won all three of their games, scoring 18 goals and conceding only two.
Playing in their competitive debut, the team defeated Brunei Polytechnic 4-2 in the final on Sept 20.
They started their campaign by beating the Brunei Sports School Soccer Academy (BSSSA) 11-0 and went on to record a 3-0 win over Sports School Under-15.

The Brunei Times

Kean praises players

Yee Chun Leong

SINGAPORE

Saturday, November 28, 2015

DPMM FC coach Steve Kean heaped praised on his players for a job well done after they finished off their best season to date.
The team defeated the Philippines’ Global FC 3-1 in the Singapore Cup third-place playoff yesterday after capturing their maiden Singapore League (S-League) title last Saturday.
“I’m very pleased because it is always a long off season. It is always nice to finish on a high and find some energy from somewhere,” said Kean in a post match interview.
“It has been a long season for us and the lads really need a good rest. I think emotionally as well from the last league game, where we had the biggest crowd in the club’s history... It saps the energy,” he added.
“But the players have been absolutely fantastic and gave every single ounce of energy. They have improved and it has been a good season for us,” continued the Scotsman.
The former Blackburn Rovers manager also felt that the bar has been set high for them and expects a tougher season ahead with new rules set to be implemented.
“Like I said to the boys, sometimes it is not about who you play against, it is about playing to your standards and we have set them high,” said the DPMM FC coach.
“We will continue to try and improve. It is going to be difficult as the league will be much more competitive with more players available for the clubs in Singapore to snap up,” added Kean in reference to the LionsXII being out of the Malaysian Super League next season.
“The quota of the foreign players reducing will see everybody become more competitive, but I think in the long run it will be good for the league,” he continued.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC finish third

Yee Chun Leong

SINGAPORE

Saturday, November 28, 2015

DPMM FC equalled their best finish in the Singapore Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Philippines’ Global FC in the third-place playoff yesterday.
The win concludes the best season to date for Brunei’s only professional team after they claimed their first Singapore League (S-League) title last Saturday.
Md Hendra Azam Md Idris and Paulo Sergio gave DPMM FC, who also finished third last year, a two-goal lead in the first half before Dennis Villanueva pulled one back early after the restart.
Boris Raspudic then got his name on the scoresheet to seal the win at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
DPMM FC had a chance to grab the lead in the seventh minute after good pressure by Sergio to dispossess a Global defender.
The Portuguese forward fired at goal after getting in the box, but his attempt was denied by goalkeeper Patrick Deyto.
Another opportunity came begging in the 13th minute after a clearance by Deyto went straight to Rafael Ramazotti, but the latter’s shot was just inches wide.
A good one-two by Mark Hartmann and Mario Clarino in the 16th minute allowed the latter a shot at goal but DPMM FC custodian Wardun Yussof pulled off a good stop.
Hartmann tried one from range five minutes later but Wardun was to his equal for a save.
Global skipper Misagh Bahadoran released Hartmann in the 24th minute but he couldn’t place his attempt on target.
DPMM FC grabbed the lead fours minute later with Md Hendra Azam scoring off a - from the edge of the 18-yard box.
Global could have equalised in the 34th minute after Villanueva got at the end of a Hartmann free-kick, but his effort was just wide.
The Brunei side had a good chance to double their advantage in the 40th minute with Sergio through on goal, but he couldn’t get the better of Deyto.
DPMM FC were awarded a penalty two minutes later after Boris Raspudic’s header was kept out by Deyto before Daisuke Sato cleared using his hand.
Sergio stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards out to make it 2-0.
Global pulled one back just four minutes after the interval with Sato getting past two markers on the left before sending a cross for Villanueva to head home at the near post.
The Filipino side had the momentum and Villanueva found the back of the net again in the 63rd minute again only to be flagged offside.
DPMM FC restored their two-goal cushion two minutes later after Global failed to clear a set-piece.
Deyto had kept out a Brian McLean effort from inside the box but Ramazotti gave chase and put the ball to the middle for Boris Raspudic to poke home from close range. Hartmann tried one from a tight angle in the 75th minute but his shot was deflected wide.
The Global forward had another chance in the 85th minute but his header went straight at Wardun - summing up their game.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC triumph

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, November 22, 2015

THIRD time's the charm for DPMM FC as they clinched their maiden Singapore League (S-League) title with a 4-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa FC last night.
Having finished runners-up in 2012 and last year, DPMM FC became only the second foreign side - with Etoile FC of France being the other - to win the competition.
The Brunei side ended their campaign with 52 points while Tampines Rovers FC, who were held to a 1-1 draw against Harimau Muda (Malaysia national under-22 football team) at the Jurong West Stadium in Singapore, will finish second four points back.
Paulo Sergio netted a hat-trick in the first half before Rafael Ramazotti netted one late on, to finish as the league’s topscorer with 21 goals to his name, in the victory at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas. DPMM FC coach Steve Kean felt that it was one of the best performances from his charges all season and hailed Sergio for his showing.
“I do (think that is one of the best performances). It is always nice to leave that to the one that really matters,” said Kean after the triumph.
“Not only is he (Sergio) a difference maker, it is his work off the ball. He was absolutely outstanding.
“When you got a player in your team with that quality and got everything, I’m delighted he finished off the season like this,” added the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
When asked on how he summed up the season, Kean replied: “I think we’ve matured a lot as a team. “We are the fittest team, showed tactically and technically we can keep the ball and cause teams problems no matter what they do whether they are physical or they play on the counter attack,” he added.
“We are beginning to understand all of that and we have improved as a club over the past couple of seasons,” continued the Scotsman.
DPMM FC came out firing on all cylinders and grabbed the lead in the 13th minute with Sergio's shot from inside the box deflected off Emir Lotinac past Balestier goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.
The advantage was doubled five minutes later with Ramazotti sending Sergio through and the Portuguese forward cleverly chipped Zaiful.
Balestier almost pulled one back in the 30th minute with Ignatius Ang firing from 12 yards out but DPMM FC custodian Wardun Yussof was to his equal for a good save.
Ramazotti was sent through on goal in first half injury time and the Brazilian rounded Zailful but Sergio got to the ball first to blast it home to complete his hat-trick.
Sergio had a chance to add to his tally two minutes after the interval but his shot from outside the box went straight to Zaiful.
Skipper Rosmin Hj Md Kamis chipped the ball to send Ramazotti through on goal in the 56th minute but the ball was cleared away by a Balestier defender just before firing from close range.
The Tigers were completely taken out of their stride by the DPMM FC defence and were unable to play their usual long ball tactics.
The hosts held the ball well and completed the rout in the 86th minute with Sergio putting the ball in the middle to see Ramazotti slot home from inside the box.
On the other hand, Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic felt DPMM FC were simply the better team.
“Congratulations to DPMM FC for winning the championship. They deserved it and I think they were the best team in the league this year,” said Kraljevic.
“They were hungrier and had more fighting spirit. They worked really hard and we conceded one goal. We needed to win to finish top three and we opened the game a little which allowed them to get behind us,” he added.
“We lost the ball in the danger area and they scored the second goal. The third goal in the last minute of the first half killed the game.
“We tried passing the ball but it wasn’t working. DPMM FC were sharper and faster than us. They were just the better team,” concluded the Croatian.
DPMM FC will now shift their focus to their Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Home United FC at the Yishun Stadium in Singapore on Tuesday.

The Brunei Times

http://www.bt.com.bn/sports-national/2015/11/22/dpmm-fc-triumph

S- League Champions

Indera, Tabuan Muda replay confirmed

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, November 21, 2015

TWO-time DST Super League champions Indera Sports Club (SC) have been successfully granted a replay against Tabuan Muda (the national Under-23 team).
The match last month was called off after 61 minutes when Indera captain Shahrin Hj Momin was sent off for a second yellow card, leaving the team with just eight players.
The referee stopped the game and told both teams the match could not continue if one side has only eight players in the team – which is against FIFA’s ‘Laws of the Game 2015/2016’.
In the rule book, Law 3 states that “A match is played by two teams, each consisting of not more than eleven players, one of whom is the goalkeeper. A match may not start if either team consists of fewer than seven players.”
National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) have confirmed in a press yesterday that the match will now be played tomorrow at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas at 4pm tomorrow.
Indera coach Hj Omar Hj Jamil was delighted with the decision made by the governing body and felt that NFABD made the right move.
“NFABD are fantastic for giving us the rematch and we feel that the decision is fair to both teams,” he said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“We had a lengthy appeal and we understand why it takes time for NFABD to decide - though we wished they had given us more than two days to play.
“We now have to focus on these last two games - we want to finish the season second. We can only hope that we win against Tabuan Muda, and hopefully we can have a good season-ending match against MS ABDB (the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council),” added Hj Omar.
Indera are second with 38 points - 10 points behind the newly crowned DST Super League champions MS ABDB – while Najip I-Team are third with 36 points.
Meanwhile, Tabuan Muda coach Stephen Ng Heng Seng declined to comment on the decision.
The team beat the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) 5-1 at the Balapan Track and Field yesterday – and remain fifth with 27 points.
Wijaya FC defeated Najip I-Team 5-4 at the Berakas Sports Complex in yesterday’s other game and remain fourth with 28 points.

NFABD confirm IKLS FC pull out
Meanwhile, the press release also confirmed IKLS FC’s withdrawal from the DST Super League and DST FA Cup competitions.
There were no reasons stated behind IKLS’s withdrawal, and the newly promoted team’s representative could not be reached for a comment.
IKLS are ninth with nine points from three wins and 12 losses since the season started in April. NFABD also stated that all points IKLS have earned during the campaign are nullified.
IKLS FC were due to face eighth-placed Lun Bawang tomorrow.
The Brunei Times

DPMM FC eyeing first S-League title tonight

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, November 21, 2015

DPMM FC are using last season’s heartbreak as the extra push to win the Singapore League (S-League) title for the first time when they host Balestier Khalsa FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas at 8.15pm in their season-ender tonight.
The side suffered the biggest slip up the league has ever seen last year after they were unable to take advantage of their eight-point lead at the top of the table going into the final round.
They finished runners-up after losing five of their last seven games - including a 2-0 loss to Tampines Rovers FC in a must-win match on the final day, allowing Warriors FC to claim the title.
Title contenders Tampines Rovers FC, who are only two points behind DPMM FC, will kick off against Harimau Muda (Malaysia national Under-22 football team) at the same time at the Jurong West Stadium in Singapore, and only victory will suffice for the five-time S-League champions if they are to make it title number six tonight.
Winning by a two-goal margin will see them lift the trophy should DPMM FC be held to a draw.
“When you have been so disappointed, you have to carry that the whole close season. It is a horrible feeling,” said DPMM FC coach Steve Kean after a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
“I hope that provides the extra little bit of motivation to make sure that this year we finish and enjoy the close season.
“We are hungry and ready. There is a real appetite to win this game,” continued Kean.
The 2012 title race went down the wire as well – and there was disappointment for DPMM FC who ended second to Tampines after dropping 2-0 to Balestier in a must-win game for them on home soil, with the Stags winning the trophy after skipper Fahrudin Mustafic converted a panelty to give them a 1-0 win over Harimau Muda.
DPMM FC are up for a difficult task tonight as Balestier are the only side to have beaten DPMM FC both home and away so far this season. The Tigers inflicted the first defeat on DPMM FC with a 2-1 victory on May 1 and won by the same scoreline in their second encounter on August 29.
DPMM FC last defeated the Tigers in April last year when they won 4-1 on home soil. DPMM FC are coming off a two-week break with their last match on Nov 6 - a 3-1 victory over Warriors.
Kean knows what to expect from Balestier and hopes his charges can deliver.
“It is not a case where Balestier will come here to play any different to what has been successful for them,” said the Scotsman.
“We know they are going to be direct, aggressive and physical - but what we must focus on is to be patient with the ball.
“We want to dominate possession and make sure that for the majority of each half, we have more possession - which means we deal with fewer long ball and set plays,” added the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
“It is about us that we can play at our maximum… Pass the ball, keep the ball and create chances.
“When our front three of (Rafael) Ramazotti, (Paulo) Sergio and Azwan Ali (Rahman), I don’t think there is more a potent threat in the league. It is about getting the ball to them with quality, and not just smashing it so that they can finish,” continued the 48-year-old.
On the other hand, Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic is aiming for a top-three finish ahead of Albirex Niigata (S) FC.
“Our main priority is a top-three finish. It is a good achievement if we can do it,” Kraljevic told The Brunei Times yesterday.
“If before the season started I knew I we would finish in the top-three, I would be very happy. We’re close to it.
“There is a good chance for us as the boys are in good fighting spirit. Teamwork has also been a big part of our success and that ifs what has got us to where we are.
“We have to watch out for Azwan Ali, Paulo and Rafa… their key players in attacking.

“They are also dangerous in their set pieces with (Boris) Raspudic and (Brian) McLean coming forward. We will have to be careful against them.
“We have beaten them two times this season and they are within their first title. There is a lot of pressure on them.
“But no team can come here being confident. DPMM FC are top of the table and they have got the advantage,” added the Croatian.
Kick off is at 8.15pm and entrance is free of charge. Free t-shirts will also be handed out on a first come, first serve basis while stocks last.
The Brunei Times

No charge to watch DPMM FC’s last game

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

SINGAPORE-League (S-League) leaders DPMM FC yesterday announced that Saturday’s season-ender against Balestier Khalsa FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas will be free of charge.
Kick-off is at 8.15pm, and DPMM FC are favourites to win the S-League for the first time as they have a two-point lead over second-placed Tampines Rovers FC, who face Harimau Muda (Malaysian national Under-22 football team) at the Jurong West Stadium in Singapore at the same time.
Nothing will stop DPMM FC from clinching the title should they defeat Balestier, but Tampines will need to win by a two-goal margin should the match in Brunei end in a draw for DPMM FC.
T-shirts will be handed out to spectators on a first come first serve basis, and there are also 25 lucky draw prizes up for grabs including three return tickets – with the destination yet to be determined – sponsored by Royal Brunei (RB).
DPMM FC are looking to avoid history repeating itself as the 2012 title race went down the wire as well – and there was heartbreak for the club.
Brunei’s only professional team ended second to Tampines after dropping 2-0 to Balestier in a must-win game for them on home soil, with the Stags winning the trophy after skipper Fahrudin Mustafic converted a penalty to give them a 1-0 win over Harimau Muda.

The Brunei Times

Kean happy pressure is off DPMM FC

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, November 8, 2015

DPMM FC coach Steve Kean was pleased with his players’ ability to put the pressure back on Tampines Rovers FC in the Singapore League (S-League) title race.
The Brunei side are on the brink of capturing their maiden title after shrugging off defending champions Warriors FC 3-1 at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore on Friday night.
The victory knocked both Balestier Khalsa FC and Albirex Niigata (S) FC out of the title race while Tampines, who have two games in hand, will need three straight wins for a chance to lift the trophy.
DPMM FC are now on 49 points followed by Balestier with 44 points. Albirex, who have a game in hand, are third another two points back while the Stags are on 41 points.
Tampines will face off against Home United FC tonight before taking on the White Swans on Friday and completing their campaign on Nov 20 against Harimau Muda (Malaysia national Under-22 football team).
A single slip up in any of those fixtures will see the championship come to Brunei even before DPMM FC kick off their final match against Balestier at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Nov 21.
“We played really well especially in the first half. We did what we could do, and that is to put the pressure back on Tampines,” said Kean in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday when contacted.
“It is a big step for us (to win the title) as Tampines will have to take maximum points from their remaining matches, and having to play with only a couple of days rest is tough,” added the Scotsman.
Just like the Brunei side, the Protectors and Albirex are also semi-finalists in the Singapore Cup which will resume on Nov 24.
Kean is glad that they are the sides standing in the way of the five-time league champions.
“I’m glad that Home and Albirex are the teams playing these two games. From my point of view, the coaches wouldn’t want to rest their players for too long (before the Singapore Cup second leg),” said Kean.
“I don’t see it happening since the 24th is still a long way and they would want the players to maintain the fitness,” added the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC will have a two-week break before their final league game, and Kean felt that it came at the right time - especially since they have to play Home in the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-finals three days later.
“We have played so many games and there are small injuries like (Paulo) Sergio with his hamstring, Sairol (Hj Sahari) with a tight hamstring and Rosmin (Hj Md Kamis) with a sore knee,” said Kean.
“We need this time and make sure that the players will be 100 per cent before the next game.
“Hopefully we won’t need anything, and we hope the fans will come on down for the big match,” he added.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC have one hand on S-League title

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, November 7, 2015

DPMM FC took a huge step towards their first ever Singapore League (S-League) title after downing defending champions Warriors FC 3-1 last night.
The victory at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore knocks both Balestier Khalsa FC and Albirex Niigata (S) FC out of the title race - leaving Tampines Rovers FC the only side still within reach of the S-League trophy.
DPMM FC are now on 49 points with a game left while Balestier are on 44. Albirex are third with 42 points and a game in hand while Tampines have 41 points with two games in hand.
Tampines still have Home United FC, Albirex and Harimau Muda (Malaysia national Under-22 football team) left on the schedule, and any slip up will automatically see DPMM FC crowned champions before they face Balestier at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Nov 21.
According to the S-League’s Twitter feed, DPMM FC grabbed the lead in the eighth minute after a poor clearance by Warriors goalkeeper Daniel Ong fell for Paulo Sergio to slot home.
The Warriors had a chance to open the scoring in the 18th minute but Hafiz Rahim headed over Miroslav Pejic’s corner.
DPMM FC doubled their lead four minutes later after the Warriors gave the ball away deep in their own half, and Sergio threaded the ball for strike partner Rafael Ramazotti to score his league-leading 20th goal of the competition.
Pejic fired a shot from just outside the box in the 31st minute and it was deflected inches wide off Sairol Hj Sahari.
DPMM FC should have added to the scoreline in the 41st minute after Ong denied Azwan Ali Rahman and the rebound rolled towards an unmarked Maududi Hilmi Kasmi - who blasted over.
The Warriors were given another let off two minutes after the interval when Sergio sent in a low cross but Azwan slammed his effort against the post.
Another chance went begging for DPMM FC in the 50th minute after a mix-up between veteran defender Daniel Bennett and Ong led to the ball being given away to Sergio.
The Portuguese squared it for Joe Gamble, though the Irishman was unable to beat Ong.
It was 3-0 seven minutes later with Boris Raspudic heading home Azwan’s corner.
A poor throw by Syaqir Sulaiman gifted DPMM FC the ball in the 58th minute, but Sergio couldn’t make them pay the price by firing over.
The Warriors threatened in the 73rd minute but Syaqir headed over from close range.
At the other end, Sergio got the ball to Maududi four minutes later but he fired straight at Ong.
Sergio picked out Ramazotti (pic) at the far post in the 79th minute, but the Brazilian headed just wide.
The Warriors were given a glimmer of hope the next minute after Brian McLean diverted a Thomas Beattie cross into his own net, but it was a mere consolation.
Over at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 football team) came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Geylang International FC.
In the night’s other match, Harimau Muda recovered from an opening minute deficit to beat Hougang United FC 2-1 at the Hougang Stadium.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC in drivers seat

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, November 6, 2015

IT IS straightforward for DPMM FC now - win two games, and the Singapore League (S-League) title is theirs for the first time.
The Brunei side are back in the drivers seat after Balestier Khalsa FC edged Tampines Rovers FC 4-3 at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore last night.
The Tigers, who are now second on 44 points, closed the gap on the league leaders to two points with only a game remaining – a season-ending meeting against DPMM FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Nov 21.
Tampines, who are stuck on 41 points with a game in hand, have been pushed down to fourth in the table after Albirex Niigata (S) FC came from behind to beat Home United FC 2-1 at the Yishun Stadium in Singapore in last night’s other game.
The Japanese outfit are only four points adrift of DPMM FC with two games left.
Brunei’s only professional team can knock both Balestier and Albirex out of the title race with a win over the defending champions Warriors FC at the Choa Chua Kang Stadium in Singapore tonight.
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean felt that Balestier’s win over Tampines was a plus for them and that victory against Warriors might be enough to lift the title.
“It was a good result,” said Kean in an interview with The Brunei Times last night.
“What we need to do now is play with a calm head and not get too excited.
“If we win tomorrow (Friday), it could be enough before we get to the last match as Tampines would have played their games in hand - so we know what to do,” he added.
DPMM FC are coming off back-to-back defeats for the first time this season after losing to the Stags 1-0 at home on Oct 28 and Geylang International FC 2-1 on Tuesday.
The Brunei side defeated the Warriors in their first two meetings this season – 3-1 on April 24 and 2-0 on August 19.
However, there has been a big change as Alex Weaver is no longer the coach.
When asked on what to watch out for, Kean replied: “Warriors have got nothing to lose and the danger is that they have got a new coach.
“They will have a different way of playing and can be unpredictable.
“It is all about us. We were excellent in the first half against Geylang and in the last 15 minutes.
“We will respect our opponents and we just to have to play at our maximum,” concluded the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
Azwan Ali Rahman will return after serving a one game suspension for his fourth yellow card of the season.

The Brunei Times

Cambodia beat Brunei

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

THE national football team went down 6-1 to Cambodia in a friendly match at the Phnom Penh Olympic Stadium last night.
The Wasps trailed 3-1 at halftime and Keo Sokpheng added to the scoresheet for Cambodia in the 54th minute after getting the better of two defenders inside the box to fire past goalkeeper Pg Mohd Muizzuddin Pg Ismail.
Prak Mony Udom should have added to the tally two minutes later but Pg Mohd Muizzuddin did enough to see the former fire the ball across the face of goal.
It was 5-1 in the 61st minute with Udom squaring the ball for Sokpheng to score from inside the box.
The Sultanate were on target in the 75th minute with Ak Md Fakharazzi Pg Hj Hassan unleashing a good shot from the edge of the box, but Cambodian custodian Um Serieirath dived down for the save.
Cambodia completed the rout with Soeuy Visal heading home Udom’s corner two minutes into stoppage time.
Interim national football coach Mike Wong Mun Heng, who is also the National Football Association of Brunei Darssualam (NFABD) Technical Director, was using the match to see how the players fare on the international level as they look to build the national squad for next year’s AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup qualifiers.
On the other hand, Cambodia were using the friendly match as preparations for their next fixture in Group E of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan on Nov 12 before hosting Japan five days later.
They are winless in the group after five matches and are already out of contention to make it into the next round.
Brunei’s last international match saw them lose 5-1 to Singapore at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore on June 6.

The Brunei Times

Cambodia Hits Brunei For Six

Cambodia saw off the threat of Brunei in yesterday evening’s international friendly at National Olympic Stadium, in a game which saw the typically goal-shy hosts hit the back of the net on a satisfying six occasions.

Cambodia, captained by Thierry Chantha Bin, went behind in the game’s early stages after the Bruneian forward Abdul Azizi Ali Rahman put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute against the run of play. However, Cambodia, with the rousing cacophony of support urging them on, leveled through Prak Mony Udom in the 20th minute before going ahead through returning hero Va Sokthorn at the half-hour mark. One further goal from Mony Udom was added to the tally as halftime loomed before a double from Keo Sokpheng and a late Souey Visal effort gave the Angkor Warriors a handsome home victory.

http://www.khmertimeskh.com/news/17425/cambodia-hits-brunei-for-six/

Friendly : Cambodia 6-1 Brunei

Brunei did not field any DPMM Fc players

National football team off to Cambodia

THE national football team departed the Sultanate yesterday for their friendly match against Cambodia tomorrow. Cambodia have invited the Wasps for a friendly in preparations for their remaining matches in the second round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Brunei, who will be coached by National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Technical Director Mike Wong Mun Heng are currently ranked 187th in the world while Cambodia are one position higher. Courtesy of NFABD

Wijaya bounce back to hold Lun Bawang

bandar seri begawan

Sunday, October 25, 2015

WIJAYA FC came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Lun Bawang in the DST Super League at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Amir Bujang netted in the 21st and 30th minutes to give Lun Bawang a two-goal cushion heading into halftime.

Ak Anaqi Sufi Pg Hj Omar Baki grabbed one back in the 56th minute before Khalil Saab equalised four minutes later to see both teams share the spoils.
The matchup between the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) and Jerudong FC at the Tutong Sports Complex was halted in the 66th minute due to inclement weather.

The Brunei Times

DPMM FC open up six-point lead

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 24, 2015

DPMM FC produced a clean sweep of Harimau Muda (Malaysian national Under-22 football team) in the Singapore League (S-League) after a 2-0 victory to go six points clear at the top of the standings last night.
The Brunei side are now on 46 points with four games remaining. Second placed Balestier Khalsa FC are on 40 points while Tampines Rovers FC are a further three points back but with two games in hand.
Goals from Brian McLean and Rafael Ramazotti (pic) in the first half sealed the win at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.
For Ramazotti, it was the third straight S-League game the Brazilian has netted and he is firmly atop the S-League goal scoring charts with 18 goals in his debut season with the club - with second-placed Fazrul Nawaz of Warriors FC on 15.
According to the S-League’s Twitter feed, DPMM FC came out aggressively and in the second minute Maududi Hilmi Kasmi raced towards goal but produced a weak shot - resulting in an easy save for Harimau Muda custodian Farhan Abu Bakar.
Azwan Ali Rahman tried one from distance three minutes later but his attempt was saved by Farhan. They got another opportunity in the eighth minute with Paulo Sergio through on goal but the Portuguese forward blasted his attempt over.
DPMM FC were given a let off in the 19th minute with Adam Nor heading Syazwan Andik’s free-kick, only to watch it crash off the bar. The visitors broke the deadlock on the half hour mark after McLean headed home Azwan Ali’s free-kick.
DPMM FC doubled their lead just six minutes later after Farhan gave the ball away to Ramazotti to smash home.
Sergio tried to curl one in off a set piece in the 44th minute but Farhan punched clear.
Harimau Muda almost pulled one back four minutes after the interval through skipper Amirul Hisyam but his long range attempt was denied by the post.
It nearly ricocheted back into goal, but DPMM FC shotstopper Wardun Yussof got hold of it.
DPMM FC had a chance to add to the scoreline off a counter attack in the 58th minute but Maududi’s shot was saved by Farhan.
Adam attempted a dipping shot from 30 yards out in the 63rd minute but it was tipped over by Wardun.
Sergio and Ramazotti played a quick one-two in the 79th minute for the former to shoot at goal but Farhan denied him.
Harimau Muda were reduced to 10 men after Amirul Hisyam picked up his second yellow card in stoppage time for a tackle on DPMM FC captain Rosmin Hj Md Kamis, who was forced to be substituted after the challenge.
Meanwhile, last night’s other match between Geylang International FC and Hougang United FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore was cancelled due to haze.

The Brunei Times

Brunei to face Cambodia in Nov 3 friendly

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 24, 2015

THE national football team have been invited to play a friendly match against Cambodia on November 3.
“It’s during the FIFA calendar for international friendlies and Cambodia invited us for a friendly as part of their preparations for their remaining matches in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers,” NFABD (National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam) general secretary Hj Muhd Zamri Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani told The Brunei Times on Thursday.
Cambodia are currently at the bottom of Group E in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers after going winless in five matches and are already out of contention to make it into the next round.
Their latest setback was a 2-1 loss at the hands of Singapore on Oct 13 at the Singapore National Stadium.
Their next match will be against Afghanistan on Nov 12 before hosting Japan five days later. They will close out the group against current leaders Syria on March 24 next year.
Brunei - who will be coached by NFABD Technical Director Mike Wong Mun Heng - are currently ranked 187th in the world while Cambodia are one position higher.
The Wasps last saw action in a friendly match against Singapore on June 6 when they lost 5-1 at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore.
The Sultanate’s road to Russia ended in the first round of qualifiers in March after a 2-1 loss on aggregate to Chinese Taipei.

The Brunei Times

MS ABDB champions

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 24, 2015



MS ABDB celebrate winning the DST Super League at the Tutong Sports Complex last night. Picture: BT/Nadzirah Malek-Webb

THE Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) clinched the DST Super League title for the first time after crushing bottom dweller Kilanas FC 6-1 at the Tutong Sports Complex last night.
With 45 points, the army men have an insurmountable 13-point lead over two-time defending champions Indera Sports Club – who are second with 32 points. MS ABDB have two games left and Indera four, with both teams facing each other in the season-ender on Nov 16.
Taking a 1-1 lead at the break, the army men came out firing on all cylinders in the second half and Kilanas could find no reply.
When interviewed by The Brunei Times, MS ABDB’s interim manager Major (A) Razanol Hardi Abd Razak refused to accept credit for the win, instead saying he was just carrying the team that was built by MS ABDB manager Major (A) Pg Md Farisan Pg Hj Metassan - who last month left for a one-year stay in Mindanao, Philippines, with the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
“Kudos to Kilanas FC for giving us a very tough game, especially in the first half. They definitely kept their promise by giving us a good challenge,” said Major (A) Razanol.
“Major Pg Farisan gave me a fantastic team to manage, so most of the credit should go to him.
“At the end of the day, it’s the players who worked hard the most - and they have done fantastically! We won this title and it’s all about the teamwork we have.
“We have two more games to go, and of course, we want to conclude the season with a bang.”

The Brunei Times

Indera admit title race is over

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, October 22, 2015

TWO-time DST Super League defending champions Indera Sports Club (SC) have thrown in the towel in their bid to retain their crown despite their 4-0 win over Najip I-Team on Tuesday night.
Indera SC moved up to second with 32 points but are still 10 points behind leaders the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) with four games remaining, with Najip I-Team now dropping down to third with 30 points.
The army men – who have three games remaining – sit on top of the 10-team table with 42 points, and a win against Kilanas FC at the Tutong Sports Complex tomorrow will seal their first DST Super League title.
Indera head coach Hj Omar Hj Jamil said that their chances of catching up with the army men look to beyond their reach, instead saying that a runners-up position seems more likely.
“I have to be realistic this time," Hj Omar told The Brunei Times yesterday.
“I know I said last week that we will not give up. We are not, but giving up and being realistic is different.
“We showed in our previous games - when we were down 3-1, we came back to win 4-3 - that we will keep on fighting until the end.
“That’s our motto. However, MS ABDB are very strong and consistent in their form, and it’s hard to catch up to them. It’s not easy to defend the title, it’s even harder to win it again (this season).
“They just need one more win and the title is theirs.
“They’re up against Kilanas on Friday and I don’t think they will drop points. However, this is football and anything can happen,” he added.
Hj Omar went on to state that their goalkeeper crisis in the first round of the season hindered their title defence.
“We suffered two goalkeeper injuries that cost us a lot of points in the first round of this season,” said the coach.
“Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof and Ak Omar Nur Aqamaddin were our first two choices, and when they both got injured, that really hit us hard.
“We recruited Mohammad Bakhtiar Hj Mohd Hussin and Mohammad Ahsanuddin Hj Mohd Dani last month and it has improved our goalkeeping issues, but I fear it may not be enough.
“Ahsanuddin is our first choice and he’s doing a fantastic job, but we need to change our tactics for next season.
“It's too early to think about that now since we have four games left, and we will give our all.
“We want to push for the DST FA Cup as we have not won that yet. We have a lot of work to do and we have to consider all of our games as finals.
“Our next game is against Tabuan Muda (the national Under-23 team) on Sunday. It won’t be an easy match so we need to focus on that.”

The Brunei Times

Big win for MS PDB

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 17, 2015

THE Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) won their first-ever afternoon DST Super League match after a 6-0 thumping of IKLS FC at the Berakas Sports Complex yesterday – their biggest win in this season’s league.
MS PDB's win sees them remain seventh in the 10-team league with 16 points from 15 games, a point adrift of Jerudong FC – who are sixth with 17 points from 13 games.
IKLS, meanwhile, are eighth in the table with nine points from 14 games.
MS PDB head coach Sgt Sahrin Mohmad Jaya highlighted that playing in the afternoon contributed to their big win as they are used to similar conditions during training.
“This was our first afternoon match since we joined the DST Super League, and we won big. Our players trained everyday during the day, we never train at night,” he said.
“We were excited when we found out that we were going to play in the afternoon, and surely enough, we won 6-0 - our biggest win so far,” he added.
MS PDB broke the deadlock in the 10th minute with PC Muhd Zul Khairee Hj Mohd Salleh after he chipped the ball over IKLS FC’s goalkeeper Md Amirul Akim Bini.
MS PDB found their momentum after the first goal, and had a header into the net from APO Mohd Bohari Mohammad Hasan in the 14th minute after a cross from PC Mohamad Fazizzul Hussin ruled offside.
However, MS PDB extended their lead to 2-0 in first half stoppage time after PC Zulhamzi Hj Awang scored after a cross from APO Mohd Bohari.
The second half saw a more confident IKLS FC defend well until MS PDB’s APO Mohd Syarafuddin Hamdi Hj Talip bag the third goal for the policemen in the 69th minute.
An IKLS FC comeback was extinguished when MS PDB’s APO Mohd Syarafuddin scored his second goal of the day in the 78th minute after an assist from PC Mohd Zul Khaire Hj Mohd Salleh.
PC Muhd Zul Khairee scored his second in the 84th minute after a solo run into the box which left Md Amirul Akim no chance.
IKLS FC’s relegation fears were apparent after a careless challenge inside the box from defender Ak Ammar Syafie Pg Hassanudin on MS PDB’s PC Zulhamzi earned the policemen a penalty, and MS PDB’s goalkeeper APO Pg Mohd Muizzuddin Pg Ismail made it on the scoresheet by taking the penalty just before the whistle blew.
Sgt Sahrin applauded IKLS FC for giving them a challenge and said he is now focused on getting his team to finish at least sixth.
The DST Super League will continue tomorrow with three games at 4pm.

The Brunei Times

Sergio boost for DPMM FC

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 17, 2015

PAULO Sergio has been cleared to play when leaders DPMM FC face off against Home United FC in the Singapore League (S-League) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas at 8.15pm tonight.
The Portuguese forward has been bogged down by a recurring hamstring injury which he suffered in August and had to be substituted at half-time in the first leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final against Home on Oct 2.
DPMM FC coach Steve Kean is glad to have Sergio, who found the back of the net four times in the past six games in all competitions, back in the lineup ahead of the match against the Protectors.
“All credit to him (Sergio) and especially the medical staff who have worked very hard over the past 10 days to get his hamstring recovered,” said Kean in an interview with The Brunei Times after a training session yesterday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“He is at 100 per cent but he might not be able to play the whole game as he will need to be careful near the end. He is looking sharp and it’s always good to have him back.
“What he brings is real energy in the front line and it is where we start to defend from. He always puts the defenders under pressure and makes them rush the passes,” he added.
“When we get the ball, he is so dynamic and explosive to cause problems in behind the defence. It is definitely nice to have him back on the pitch and he is the main provider for Rafa(Rafael Ramazotti),” continued the Scotsman.
DPMM FC, who are on 39 points from 20 games, only have a two-point gap but two games in hand from second placed Balestier Khalsa FC after Robert Pericic netted in the 87th minute to give the Tigers a 1-0 victory over Albirex Niigata (S) FC last night at the Toa Payoh Stadium.
It will not be an easy task against Home as the last two S-League encounters this season ended with both teams sharing the spoils – a 2-2 draw at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on March 21 followed by a 0-0 stalemate at the Yishun Stadium on July 22.
DPMM FC did get the better of the Protectors with a 3-2 result at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Oct 2, ending a 10-game unbeaten run for the Protectors in all competitions dating back to June 22.
However, Home dominated ball possession and had the bulk of the chances in the match – something that is uncommon for DPMM FC.
“We have to make sure we get more possession. In the previous game we surrendered possession quite easily,” said Kean.
“We didn’t hold on the ball like our normal quality. We were trying to force the game a little bit we were trying to get in with one pass. Against a team like Home you need to secure the first few passes then push them back.
“Psychologically, playing at home we want to get the ball and get the crowd behind us,” added the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
“Home are a good side on the counter attack but our defending, as a team not just the defensive unit, has been very good.
“It isn’t something we focused too much on and we try to be us who will have the ball more.
“We will work really hard to get it back high up the pitch,” continued Kean.
On the other hand, Home are in sixth position and 13 points away from the leaders.
Home coach Philippe Aw is glad to be playing the Brunei side once again so soon and is looking to prevent them from running away further at the top of the table.
“In a way, it’s good we are playing them again so fast,” he told DPMM FC Matchday Magazine. “The team are all very disappointed as we knew that was a game we should not have lost because of our performance. The boys know it.
“So it’s good that we’re playing DPMM FC again.
“They are trying to run away with the league but we’re not giving up on it and we’re going to Brunei to grab three points,” he added.
The Protectors will be without the suspended Sirina Camara for the encounter.
Meanwhile, Warriors FC watched their chance on retaining the title take a hit after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Young Lions (Singapore national under-23 football team) at the Jalan Besar Stadium lat night.
The other match saw Harimau Muda (Malaysia national under-22 football team) defeat Geylang International FC 2-0 at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.

The Brunei Times

Nat’l Under-19 team lack experience

Azri Metussin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, October 15, 2015

THE national Under-19 football team’s (Tabuan Under-19) manager Tamat Hj Budin stressed that Brunei needs to play more international matches to improve.
The sultanate ended their Group G campaign at the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship qualifiers last week without a single win, conceding a total of 18 goals while failing to find the net even once during the Sept 28-Oct 5 tournament held in Yangon, Myanmar.
“The players showed good spirit and commitment during training, but I have to say they are still lacking match experience - especially at the international level,” he told The Brunei Times last week.
“Other teams have been playing in a lot of international championships and friendly matches so they are familiar with the environment, and we need to follow that so that our players will know what to expect and will be ready next time,” he added.
According to the manager, not all of the players were from the national Under-19 football team.
Around nine players were not able to join the competition due to their O-Level examinations, so they were replaced by players from the national Under-15 football team just 15 days before the competition.
“Most of our players are really young and only started to play together recently, so it was difficult to play against teams that have been playing together for the past three to four years,” said Tamat.
“Even both of our goalkeepers were from the Under-15 squad, and the goals we conceded were mostly from their mistakes.
“There is a lot of improvement that needs to be made in terms of teamwork, passing skills, ball control and mentality if the players are to compete at this level.
“It is really important that the squad we have keep on playing together so they can build good teamwork,” concluded the manager.
Brunei opened the tournament with a 4-0 loss to Timor Leste on October 28 followed by another defeat to Myanmar with the same scoreline two days later.
They lost their third match of the tournament after they got thrashed 5-0 by Group G leaders Vietnam last Friday.
The nation concluded the tournament in disappointing fashion after they suffered a 5-0 defeat to Hong Kong in their final group match.
The 10 group winners joined the five best second-placed sides in the group join hosts Bahrain in qualifying for the tournament proper which will run from Oct 13-30, 2016.
Qatar won the last edition of the tournament in 2014 after beating North Korea 1-0 in the final in Myanmar.

The Brunei Times

Malaysia beat Brunei in AFF Futsal C’ship opener

Azri Metussin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, October 9, 2015

THE national futsal team kicked off their campaign at the 2015 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Championship in Bangkok with a 9-1 loss to Malaysia yesterday.
Brunei fell to Malaysia 6-1 in last year’s edition in Kuala Lumpur and were unable to improve on their previous outing, falling behind as early as the 32nd second during yesterday’s game at the Bangkok Futsal Arena.
“The players were not fully focused and made many simple mistakes tonight which gave our opponents many chances,” national futsal team coach Azmanuddin Hj Gillen told The Brunei Times yesterday.
“They showed good spirit during the game, but unfortunately Malaysia were playing really well and were very organised,” added Azmanuddin of the team led by Brazilian Marcelo Serpa.
According to AFF’s official website, Malaysia scored their first goal within 32 seconds through Ahmad Fawzul Mohammad.
Aizad Daniel doubled the lead five minutes later and Faizul Jefry Zaini – the only scorer for the Sultanate – pulled one back in the ninth minute.
However, Muhammad Fitri Yatim restored Malaysia’s two goal lead two minutes later and Fawzul scored again in the 12th minute to make it 4-1 before the interval.
Malaysia scored three goals in three minutes with Fawzul kicking things off by completing his hat-trick in the 25th minute.
Aizad Daniel would make it 6-1 a minute later before Akmarul Nizam Mohd Idris bagged Malaysia’s seventh goal in the 28th minute.
Saiful Nizam Mohamd Ali got his name on the scoresheet in the 30th minute and Mohammad Awang Eisa added more misery for Brunei after he scored an own goal in the 35th minute.
In the other Group A game of the day, Timor Leste beat Singapore 6-3.
Brunei will continue their campaign today against Timor Leste and will face Singapore tomorrow before playing their last Group A game against defending champions Thailand on Sunday.
In last year’s previous edition in Malaysia, Brunei lost to Timor Leste 2-0 at the Stadium Melawati in Shah Alam.

The Brunei Times

National Under-19 team finish AFC qualifiers winless

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

THE national Under-19 football team (Tabuan Under-19) ended their Group G campaign at the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship qualifiers with a 5-0 defeat to Hong Kong yesterday – leaving them without a win or a goal to their name in the tournament.
It was the fourth consecutive loss for Brunei at the competition in Yangon, Myanmar, where they conceded 18 goals.
They were also winless in the previous edition of the qualifiers two years ago in Thailand, losing all three of their matches conceding 16 times and scoring once.
Chan Pak Hei scored the opener for Hong Kong in the 39th minute at the Youth Training Centre yesterday and the advantage was doubled just two minutes later with Ngan Cheuk Pan netting.
Harima Hirokane made it 3-0 in the 49th minute and Hong Kong were four goals up with Ngan netting his second of the game in the 58th minute. Cheng Chin Lung got his name on the scoresheet in the 73rd minute to complete the rout.
The Sultanate started off this year’s campaign with a 4-0 loss at the hands of Timor Leste last Monday before falling by the same scoreline to Myanmar two days later.
They were out of contention to qualify for the tournament proper after getting hammered 5-0 by Vietnam on Friday.
Vietnam completed the group flawless with four wins after edging Myanmar 1-0 courtesy of a Ha Duc Chinh goal in yesterday’s other match.

The Brunei Times

DPMM End Home's Four-Month Unbeaten Run

Written By: Kenneth Ho

Brunei DPMM put a halt to Home United's unbeaten streak after a Singapore Cup semi-final first leg 3-2 win at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday evening.

The Protectors had not lost a game since 22 June, where they went down 2-0 to Albirex Niigata (S) in the StarHub League Cup. Since then, they went on a ten-game unbeaten run.

Against DPMM, their unbeaten record in all competitions looked intact with both sides tied at 2-2.

That was until Rafael Ramazotti popped up with a late winner in the 86th minute, to give DPMM a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg.

However, Home will have every right to feel aggrieved about the result after dominating the game and creating a truckload of chances.

DPMM took an early lead when Paulo Sergio stole in to slot the ball past Home goalkeeper Shahril Jantan in the eighth minute.

But they were soon placed under immense pressure by the Protectors, and credit had to go to goalkeeper Wardun Yussof for keeping DPMM in the lead.

Ambroise Begue could have levelled matters in the 18th minute but he lashed wide in front of goal while Ken Ilso was denied by Wardun minutes later.

The goalkeeper continued his fine performance after the break by denying Azhar Sairudin and Ilso again.

Wardun's goal was finally breached in the 56th minute, as Azhar beat him with a low shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

Home then took the lead two minutes later, as Ambroise Begue connected with Ken Ilso's cut-back to rifle the ball home.

The Protectors' joy barely lasted five minutes though, with a blunder by Shahril giving DPMM their equaliser.

The goalkeeper appeared to have had Azwan Ali's free-kick covered, but the ball somehow squirmed under him.

Both sides appeared to be heading for a draw, until Ramazotti managed to head in Maududi Hilmi's cross to break the Protectors' hearts.

Brunei DPMM: Wardun Yussof (GK), Sairol Sahari, Brian McLean, Azwan Ali, Paulo Sergio (Azwan Saleh 46’), Joseph Gamble, Maududi Hilmi, Rosmin Kamis (C), Aminuddin Zakwan, Rafael Ramazotti, Helmi Zambin

Home United: Shahril Jantan (GK), Song Uiyong, Juma’at Jantan (Sufianto Salleh 80’), Noh Rahman (C), Abdil Qaiyyim, Azhar Sairudin (Stanely Ng 66’), Ken Ilso, Yasir Hanapi, Ambroise Begue, Ang Zhi Wei, Kamel Ramdani

http://www.sleague.com/match-report/singapore-cup/2015/october/2015-10-02/brunei-dpmm-fc/

National Under-19 team knocked out

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, October 3, 2015

THE national Under-19 football team (Tabuan Under-19) are out contention for the 2016 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship after a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Vietnam in their Group G qualifier yesterday - with all the goals coming in the first half.
It was the third straight defeat for Brunei, who have yet to find the back of the net after having let in 13 goals at the tournament in Yangon, Myanmar.
Ho Minh Di opening the scoring in the second minute at the Youth Training Centre. The lead was doubled courtesy of Lam Thuan in the 25th minute and it was 3-0 in the 34th minute via Tran Duy Khanh.
Vietnam were four goals up two minutes later with captain Pham Trong Hoa getting his name on the scoresheet. It was 5-0 just before the halftime whistle with Ho notching his second of the game.
The team will close out their campaign in the five-country group against Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The Brunei Times

National Under-19 football team fall to hosts Myanmar

Azri Metussin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, October 2, 2015

THE national Under-19 football team (Tabuan U-19) succumbed to their second straight defeat in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Championship qualifiers after they fell 4-0 to Myanmar on Wednesday, at Youth Training Centre, Yangon.
Brunei previously lost to Hong Kong by the same scoreline in their opener on Monday.
According to the AFC website, hosts Myanmar took the lead in the seventh minute through Zin Phyto Aung’s penalty kick.
Myanmar then caused woes for Brunei with two quick-fire goals from Ye Yint Aung and Htoo Kyant Lwin in the 27th and 29th minute.
Aung Zin Phyo only took 60 seconds into the second half to add another goal for Myanmar to put the game beyond Tabuan U-19’s reach.
The Sultanate will continue their campaign against Vietnam today before playing their last game of the qualifying round against Hong Kong on Tuesday.
The last qualifier in Thailand in 2013 saw the national Under-19 football team end the tournament without a point.
They started off with a 6-0 loss to North Korea 6-0 getting hammered 7-0 by Thailand. They finished with a 3-1 loss at the hands of Singapore.

The Brunei Times

Brunei lose to Timor Leste at AFC Under-19 C’ship qualifiers

Azri Metussin

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

THE national Under-19 football team (Tabuan U-19) kicked off their campaign at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-19 Championship qualifiers with a 4-0 loss to Timor Leste on Monday, with all the goals coming in the first half.
According to AFC’s official website, Timor Leste broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through Rufino Gama at the Youth Training Centre, Yangon.
Nelson Viegas doubled the lead for Timor Leste two minutes later before Henrique Cruz made it 3-0 in the 28th minute.
Timor Leste completed the rout four minutes later with Nelson Viegas scoring his brace.
The Sultanate will play hosts Myanmar today and Vietnam on Friday before concluding the qualifying round against Hong Kong on Tuesday.

The Brunei Times

Wijaya FC: We want consistency from NFABD

Nadzirah Malek-Webb

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

WIJAYA FC team manager Mahdini Hj Mohamad has voiced his frustrations with the inconsistent rule changes in the DST Super League and highlighted that these rules should only be changed after the season concludes.
Wijaya are fourth in the 10-team table after Tuesday night’s 3-1 win over Jerudong FC, but Mahdini feels that certain changes are affecting their performance as well as other clubs in the league.
“We are quite frustrated with the inconsistency from the National Football Association Brunei Darussalam (NFABD). They have been changing rules to apparently suit one club, but not to others, and we wonder why?” he said in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“During the latest transfer window we registered a 17-year-old Australian who’s based here and has shown great potential as a striker, but it was rejected.
“NFABD told us that it’s Football Federation Australia’s (FFA) law to not allow players who are under 18 to sign for a club internationally.
“Fair enough, but why can’t we sign him when he turns 18? We expect NFABD to be precise in their code of rules, so we don’t place high hopes in the players only to disappoint them when we can’t actually recruit them.
“There was a rule a while back that limits a club to only one international player on the field. Then all of a sudden we saw one club place two of these players in their game.
“We asked NFABD about it and they said ‘It’s a new rule we just implemented’.
“In the middle of the league season? That’s not right!” he fumed.
The former Wijaya FC player also claimed that the national governing body for football is not communicating well with all the clubs, especially with their website updates and player suspension lists.
“One of our players, Jamrin Hj Johari, was booked for the third time in our game against IKLS FC in week two of the second round, and we expected him to not play in the game against the Royal Brunei Police Force Sports Council (MS PDB) in week three,” said Mahdini.
“We placed him in our squad list in our game last night (Tuesday night) against Jerudong FC and we received a call from NFABD telling us that he’s still under suspension.
“We were puzzled and challenged them, and they come up with an unacceptable statement that they have not updated their suspension list.
“We expected a more professional approach from them because it has affected the player’s morale. We are not afraid to voice our opinions and our frustrations if it means it will make NFABD realise what they need to improve.
“This is after all not just for us but for football in Brunei.”

The Brunei Times

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