Brunei club make U-turn after FAS considers to new rules but move draws flak.

Brunei DPMM have announced that they will continue to play in the S-League next season.

Last week, the club had posted on their website that they were exploring the possibility of leaving Singapore's professonal football league to join Indonesia's top-tier league.

CNN Indonesia reported that the club had met officials from the Football AssociationIndonesia last week to discuss the matter.

Sources had revealed that DPMM were concerned that the FAS S-League revamp plans on imposing age quotas and a reduction in the number of foreign players would hurt their ability to be competitive.

But on Monday,the 2015 S-League champions removed the post, announcing instead that they will stayin the competition for the next season,which starts in March.

The Straits Times understands that the U-turn came about as the FAS considers allowing DPMM to sign four foreign players -twice the number local clubs are allowed.

Sources also revealed that there will be no age restrictions placed on the rest of the playing roster.

This raised eyebrows within the football fraternity as the FAShad consulted local clubs on the matter and, if DPMM are given special concesson,that will appear to go against the natonal body's plans to focus on youth development.

An age quota aimed at giving younger players more exposure will be imposed on the six senior local clubs next season while Japanese side Albirex Niigata, the league's other foreign side, will also be subjected to restrictions.

For a 21-man squad, two-time defending champons Albirex must have nine Under-21 players,nine Under-23s and only one player of any age.They will also be allowed to sign two U-23 Singaporeans.

The FAS did not confirm the DPMM's announcement, but in response to ST's queries, a spokeman said: "In view of the announced changes to competition rules,the FAS is in discussions with DPMM on their participation in the 2018 domestic professonal league.

"An announcement will be made in due course."

But ST understands that some S-League clubs have called for the FAS to allow DPMM to field only two of their four imports at any time in a match,while others have requested that local clubs eb allowd to sign a third foreign player. 

Some in the fraternity believe that having four foreign players will give DPMM a huge advantage but Warriors FC general manager Paul Poh is unfazed.

"I can understand that the U-23 move is a Singapore development programme and we can't enforce it on Brunei DPMM if they feel that their youth is not ready," he said.

"We can work with the number of foreign players that they have been allowed to sign.They have been our partners for so long and we should move to keep them with us."

Poh is confident that S-League clubs can compete with DPMM because of a shift in players' mindsets.

"My personal view is that (with the new regulations) players now understand that they have to work hard.I believe that if they do,they can be good as a foreign player."

Others were not so competitive.

Speaking on condition on anonymity,a former S-League club official scoffed at the new rules.

"There's one set of rules for local clubs, one for the Young Lions,one for Albirex, and another for DPMM - they are making a mockery of the league," he sad.

'The league title will be a two-horse race between Albirex and DPMM because the rules for local clubs will definitely weaken them." 

http://www.eteamz.com/dpmmfc/news/

Clarification

IN REFERENCE to the story published on December 23, titled ‘DPMM establish contact with PSSI on Liga 1’s interest’, the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) clarified that NFABD Acting General Secretary, Roslin Suhailee, was the only official representing Brunei at the FIFA Summit in Hong Kong.

The NFABD also clarified that the possibility of DPMM FC competing in Indonesia’s Liga 1 was not on the summit’s agenda. The NFABD is not aware of the interest of DPMM FC wanting to participate in the PSSI League.

The NFABD’s Acting General Secretary was only approached by PSSI’s Vice President and General Secretary during breakfast stating that they were approached by the Football Association Malaysia (FAM) mentioning the possibility of DPMM FC joining the Indonesian Liga 1.

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/clarification-10/

DST FA Cup draw held, to start January 2018

THE Brunei DST FA Cup 2017 will commence in January 2018, as revealed during the Tournament Draw and Managers’ Meeting for the cup tournament yesterday, at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam’s (NFABD) House in Berakas.

The meeting was led by Haji Mohd Noor bin Haji Hamid, Executive Committee of NFABD.

Eight teams from the Premier League including the invited Tabuan Muda U-16 played in the first round. Premier League’s Champion Setia Perdana and four other teams qualifed into the second round and will play teams from the Super League.

In the second round draw, Indera SC will face IKLS FC; Lun Bawang will meet Jerudong FC; Wijaya FC will take on BSRC FT; and Najib i-Team against Kasuka FC.

Premier League’s reigning champion will test their grit against Brunei’s Tabuan U-16. MS PDB will entertain Kota Rangers FC, and Menglait FC will reel against DSP United. Tabuan Muda ‘A’ will be slotted to face FA Cup’s defending champion, MS ABDB. All matches will start in January 2018 with the exact dates to be announced soon.

As an additional local ground rules, five substitutions will be allowed during the knock-out stages of the tournament.

Team managers in a group photo with NFABD’s Executive Committee. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/dst-fa-cup-draw-held-to-start-january-2018/

Brunei fall to Kyrgyzstan 4-0

BRUNEI lost 4-0 to Kyrgyzstan in their second game of the Aceh World Solidarity Cup in Aceh, Indonesia yesterday.

“The team fought hard today with full commitment and strong determination to move the ball forward as we were unable to play possession football due to the heavy rain,” said head coach Stephen Ng.

“We will regroup, recover and prepare to give our best in our last game against Mongolia,” he added.

According to a press release, Brunei end their campaign with the match against Mongolia tomorrow. The team fell 4-0 to hosts Indonesia in their first game of the four-team invitational tournament last Saturday.

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/brunei-fall-to-kyrgyzstan-4-0/

National team leave for Aceh World Solidarity Cup

THE national football team left for Aceh, Indonesia, today to compete in the Aceh World Solidarity Cup.

In the invitational four-team tournament hosted for the first time, Brunei face Indonesia on Saturday, Kyrgyzstan on Monday and Mongolia on Wednesday.

“The team will be using this tournament as a means to expose and assess more players for next year’s ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers against Timor Leste and the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT),” said head coach Stephen Ng.

“The tournament also serves as an opportunity for new and younger players to step up their game after playing well in their respective DST (Super League and Premier League) clubs this year as seven players in the squad are Under-20 and will be available for selection for next year’s HBT,” he added.

Present at the Brunei International Airport to wish the team off were National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Acting Vice President Hj Madli Mohd Yussof and other NFABD officials.

Source: NFABD

Brunei confirm participation at Tsunami Cup

The National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) will be participating at the Tsunami Cup in Aceh, Indonesia, hosted by the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI).

The four-team invitational tournament will run from November 29-December 8 and is being held to commemorate the earthquake and tsunami tragedy which hit Aceh on December 26, 2004.

Apart from hosts Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic and Mongolia will also be competing in the tournament.

http://www.nfabd.org/press-release/2017111301.htm

Brunei ends AFC U-19 run on a positive

by Fadhil Yunus    

BRUNEI Darussalam national under-18 team collected their first point at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-19 Championship qualifiers after a 2-2 draw against Timor Leste at the Paju Public Stadium in Paju, South Korea yesterday.

Brunei Darussalam national under-18 coach Takao Fujiwara named one change to the side which lost 1-0 to Malaysia with midfielder Muhammad Hanif Farhan Azman coming in for Muhammad Nazhan bin Zulkifle.

Timor Leste broke the deadlock after Danilson Conceicao Araujo opened the scoring in the 13th minute but Brunei drew level through a fine strike by Hafiz bin Herman in the 34th minute.

The young Wasps went ahead through Muhammad Hanif Aiman Adnan in the 55th minute but Timor Leste found an equaliser after Araujo converted a spot-kick two minutes later for his second of the game.

“It was a difficult game today, but the players have fighting spirit – and they fight for their country,” Takao was quoted as saying according to a press release by NFABD.
“It may only be a point, but it is not something small for us.”

“All the players fought until the end, so I am very proud of all the players and officials,” he added.

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/brunei-ends-afc-u-19-run-on-a-positive/

BRUNEI CLINCH FIRST WIN

Philippines and Brunei, who were already out of contention to reach the knockout stage, entered the match looking to finish the tournament with a win after suffering consecutive losses, and they were evenly matched from the get-go. 

Brunei ended their goal drought with Maziri Maidin scoring their first goal of the tournament in the seventh minute with his shot from the second penalty spot. 

Muhammad Naqib doubled their advantage after the break in the 24th minute, before Faiz Hasnan added a third with a boot in from close range five minutes later. 

Azim Boll Hassan etched his name on the scoresheet courtesy of Raimi's through pass into the box. 

A minute from time, Faiz scored his second to hand Md Yunos' side a happy ending to their AFF Futsal Championship campaign. 

Photo: ASEAN Football Federation

http://www.the-afc.com/afc-futsal-championship-2018/vietnam-maintain-perfect-record-brunei-clinch-first-win

DPMM run riot against Young Lions

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (15 October 2017) – Brunei DPMM ran riot against Garena Young Lions as they secured a 7-1 win in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan last night.

The duo of Rafael Ramazotti and Adi Said claimed a hat-trick each while Daud Gazale netted the other. Substitute Armin Maier scored a consolation for the developmental side.

The hosts dominated the matchup right from the start and should have gone ahead in the 26th minute.

Adi rifled a superb freekick from 25 yards out only for Young Lions goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad to tip over.

Ramazotti came close from the ensuing corner but nodded just wide.

DPMM went in front just before the halftime whistle with Ramazotti’s back header off a corner bulging the net.

The Brunei side came out storming in the second half and should have doubled their lead just seconds in but Zharfan denied Ramazotti with an impressive double save.

However, there was nothing the 20-year-old could do in the 50th minute with Ramazotti heading home Adi’s pin point cross from the left.

It was 3-0 three minutes later with Daud Gazale sending Adi through on goal to score.

Ramazotti then completed his hat-trick the next minute with Adi’s ball falling into the middle for him to poke past Zharfan.

Gazale got on the scoresheet in the 64th minute after his shot from outside the box was deflected into goal.

The Young Lions should have pulled one back two minutes later but substitute Zulqarnaen Suzliman’s effort came off the crossbar.

Instead over at the other end, Hendra Azam’s ball sent Adi through again to see him slot it past Zharfan to make it 6-0.

The Young Lions reduced the deficit in the 76th minute with DPMM goalkeeper Awangku Mu’izzuddin called into action to push out Yeo Hai Ngee’s freekick but the second ball fell for Armin to score.

DPMM continued the onslaught and Adi completed the victory four minutes later after nodding home a corner at the near post for his hat-trick. – S.LEAGUE

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/2017/10/dpmm-run-riot-young-lions/

Coach lauds Wijaya’s best league performance

by Fadhil Yunus

Wijaya FC head coach Mahdini bin Mohamad hailed his charges’ performance as the best he had seen undoubtedly this season following an emphatic 4-0 victory over Tabuan Muda ‘A’ in the DST Super League at the Berakas Sports Complex last night.

The head coach was pleased with his side’s performance after putting up more than a fight in handling their opponents’ well-known aggression.

Wijaya climbed to third place in the DST Super League standings, a point above Indera SC but having played more games, after recording their eighth league victory this season.

Tabuan Muda ‘A’, who only had one league victory to their name this season, missed the chance to go seventh and remain hovering around the bottom two.

“This is the best game we’ve seen them played tonight. All this time we have seen them played I have never seen them played like this including past seasons,” said Mahdini in a post-match interview with the Sunday Bulletin.

“We know that Tabuan Muda is aggressive but tonight we were more aggressive than them. We’re (Wijaya) the ones who win the ball off them,” continued Mahdini.

“Tabuan Muda stepped up their game but we stepped up even more,” said Mahdini whose side scored three goals in a 13-minute blitz.

“We will try our best to enhance our game that we’ve displayed tonight in the upcoming games,” he said.

Mahdini added that he saw a transformation in performance from all players compared to previous matches adding that his management were surprised to see how they fared.

“We don’t even look at it if they win or lose because tonight’s game is the best we’ve seen from Wijaya,” concluded the head coach.

Md Marhazif bin Ahad opened the scoring in the 57th minute before Pengiran Anaqi Sufi Pengiran Haji Omar Baki doubled the lead after reacting the quickest to poke home after seeing his initial shot bounced off Tabuan’s goalkeeper Md Haziq Hazwan bin Wahid.

Erni bin Abd Hakim put the game to bed with an absolute screamer in the 85th minute but goalkeeper Md Haziq Hazwan was partially at fault after playing the ball dangerously to a team-mate.

Md Haziq Hazwan was also substituted after conceding the goal with Awangku Md Amirul Hakim bin Pengiran Haji Zulkarnain taking his place. Abd Hakim Mohd Wusliano completed the misery for Tabuan Muda with his side’s fourth of the night deep in injury time.

Tabuan Muda ‘A’s Md Salleh received a booking after a heated verbal confrontation with the linesman after questioning his call not to award a throw-in in his team’s favour.

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/coach-lauds-wijayas-best-league-performance/

IKLS promoted to DST Premier League with win over DSP United

by Fadhil Yunus

IKLS FC joined newly-crowned Brunei DST Premier League winners Setia Perdana FC after being promoted to the Brunei DST Super League following a 2-1 victory over DSP United at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

IKLS climbed from fifth spot to the final automatic berth for promotion via goal difference as this year’s DST Premier League runners-up ending DSP’s hopes, who needed a single point to pip BSRC FT, on the night.

BSRC FT, who knew that they had no hope of progress, dropped outside the promotion places in third and pushed DSP United, who led for good periods in the second tier, to fourth.

Md Norhidayatullah bin Haji Zaini produced a wonderful solo run into the box before slotting home past goalkeeper Md Hafiz Ikhwan bin Hasmali in the 18th minute before guiding the ball home from a Zool Hasbemi bin Haji Bahmin’s cross in the 31st minute.

Md Norhidayatullah also struck a fierce shot shortly after netting his second of the game but Md Hafiz tipped the ball away for a corner.

Md Norhidayatullah, who needed one more goal to win the top scorer award outright, nearly completed a hat-trick after his deflected shot was parried away by Md Hafiz which then struck the woodwork.

IKLS survived a tense finish after Abd Hafiz Azmin nodded home a corner and after five minutes of injury time they held on for the win and promotion to the DST Super League.

Champions-elect Setia Perdana, who were already promoted regardless of last night’s result, were confirmed as DST Premier League winners joining the likes of Lun Bawang in 2014, Kota Ranger in 2015 and Al Idrus Junior in 2016.

Setia Perdana team manager Haji Lalim bin Haji Piut was modest in his assessment of his team’s performances this season after highlighting that luck favoured their team adding that the contenders were also equally worthy of a place in the top flight.

“DSP have really good and experienced players but they had lesser luck. The competition from other teams is quite stern but luck favoured us more than them.”

Haji Lalim also tipped DSP to win the title after spending quite a considerable time at the top of the Brunei DST Premier League.

He has also labelled his team as “underdogs”.

It was worth the wait for the team manager, his management and his charges after seeing multiple attempts to snatch one of the automatic places stopped in recent seasons.

“I feel touched because our success had finally showed fruit from the cooperation of all the players. Hopefully, in the coming times we can be more successful,” he said.

The guest of honour at the closing match and the prize presentation ceremony was the Assistant General Manager, Technical Division of DST, Christopher Phan.

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/ikls-promoted-to-dst-premier-league-with-win-over-dsp-united/

AFC U-16 CHAMPIONSHIP 2018 QUALIFIERS GROUP F: HONG KONG 1-2 BRUNEI DS

Brunei Darussalam - thanks to striker Mohammad Aminuddin Masri's (picture above) brace - came from behind to beat Hong Kong 2-1 in their AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Malaysia Group F qualifying tie at the Fu Jen University in New Taipei City on Friday.

It was Brunei's second win of the Qualifier, having beaten Macau 4-0 on Matchday One. However, Brunei lost their next two matches to Chinese Taipei (2-1) and DPR Korea (9-0).

For Hong Kong, it was their second defeat after having lost 2-0 to Chinese Taipei in their opener. They beat Macau 5-0 in their second match.

On Friday, Hong Kong looked headed for a win after Tung Willis Siu Hang have them the lead from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. It was a case of Brunei suffering a double blow as defender Mohammad Aisan Aisamuddin Abdullah Mohammad Aiman was also red-carded.

Hong Kong, however, failed to build on that in the second half and allowed Brunei to claw their way back into the tie when Masri scored the equaliser in the 60th minute. 

Masri then turned hero when he scored Brunei's winner a minute from full time to ensure his team ended their campaign on a winning note.

Photos: AFC

http://www.the-afc.com/u-16-championship-2018/qualifiers-group-f-md4-hong-kong-brunei-chinese-taipei-dpr-korea

U18: Big win for Vietnam in opener

YANGON (7 Sept 2017) – Vietnam scored a big opening win in their campaign in Group B when they thumped Brunei DS 8-1 on the fourth match day of the AFF Under-18 Championship here at the Thuwunna Stadium.

With Brunei having beaten the Philippines in their first game in the group two days earlier, there were expectations that they would at least give Vietnam a hard fight in the match that was affected by the persistent rain yet again.

But in the end, Vietnam were just too organised as they scored three goals in the first half before adding further goals after the breather for the comprehensive win.

“It is our first game played under heavy condition,” said Le Xuan Tu afterwards. “We still have several more matches to play, so we have to be careful (with player selection).”

Xuan Tu was the first to get on to the score sheet when he headed home the cross from Truong Tien Anh in the 15th minute.

Tien Anh then rocked the Brunei post with a stiff grounder in the 24th minute before Vietnam added the second goal two minutes later with a close range effort from Nguyen Hong Son.

Brunei managed to pull a goal back when Muhammad Nur Asyraffahmi Norsamri capitalised on a defensive mistake in the 44thminute as Tran Van Cong then restored Vietnam’s advantage moments later for them to take a 3-1 lead going into the second half.

Vietnam then took full control of the game after the break as they pushed Brunei back into their own half before piling on the goals off Xuan Tu (74th minute), Dang Van Toi (77th), Nguyen Khac Khiem (78th and 90th) and Mai Sy Hoang (89th).

“We tried to match Vietnam as much as possible but they just had too much quality with their technical ability and physical endurance,” added Asyraffahmi.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/2017/09/u18-big-win-vietnam-opener/

U18: Wadud’s header gives Brunei opening win

YANGON (5 Sept 2017) – A header just after the hour mark from defender Abdul Wadud Ramli gave Brunei their opening 3-2 win over the Philippines in the first game of Group B of the AFF Under-18 Championship here at the Thuwunna Stadium.

“We are of course very happy to pick up our first full points which is really our first international win,” said striker Muhammad Abdul Mateen Said. “Now we have to prepare well for our next game.”

In spite of the threat of rain, both teams took to the game in high spirit as they were on the offensive from the get go.

It was the Philippines who got onto the score sheet first with Mariano Suba punishing the mistake from Brunei defender Mohamad Azirul Asmadi Aji to score past keeper Muhd Amirul Hakim Zulkarnain.

But the lead was just for less than a minute as Abdul Mateen ran in from the right for a fabulous grounder beyond the reach of Philippines keeper Jessie Semblante.

Going into the second half, it was Brunei who pushed ahead where a dangerous run was met with a foul on Muhammad Nur Asyraffahmi Norsamri, who then got up to blast his team into the lead with a well taken penalty.

The Philippines upped the tempo in search of the equaliser and in the 55th minute, they drew level with a fabulous header from captain Fidel Tacardon who nodded home a Robert Wilson corner.

However, Brunei seemed to be a little more determined on the day as Wadud then provided them with the winning header from a Muhammad Nur Asyraffahmi cross in the 65th minute.

The Philippines threw everything they had soon after with the hope of drawing the game to steal at least a point, but it was not to be as the score stood all the way to the finish.

“We made some mistakes and that gifted the game to Brunei,” said Suba. “Now we have to made the corrections in training to make sure that we get better for the next match.”

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/2017/09/u18-waduds-header-gives-brunei-opening-win/

SEA Games Team return to Brunei

NATIONAL coach Kwon Oh-son wants Brunei to come back stronger at the next SEA Games after returning without a point from this year’s edition in Kuala Lumpur.

Brunei started off with a 2-1 loss to hosts Malaysia before a 6-0 defeat to Myanmar and a 4-0 loss to Laos. The team completed their Group A campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Singapore on Wednesday before returning to Brunei early today morning.

“Overall the performance was there, but the results were disappointing,” said Kwon.

“We gave a good fight in the games against Malaysia and Singapore, but we were not as focused or as confident in the games against Laos and Myanmar.

“We cannot stop here. A lot of these players are eligible to play at the next SEA Games in 2019, so we have to maintain this team and try harder then,” added the South Korean.

Present at the Brunei International Airport to welcome the team home were National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Acting Vice President Hj Madli Mohd Yussof and other NFABD officials.

“I want to congratulate you as you gave it your best at the SEA Games, although there are some other things which need analysis and more work,” said Hj Madli.

“Praise has to be given for your performances against Malaysia and Singapore… And I hope you will keep training hard to produce improved results in the future.”

http://www.nfabd.org/press-release/2017082601.htm

Manager proud of players

BRUNEI’S manager Ah Chua Bangau praised the national Under-22 team’s depth after their slim 1-0 loss to Singapore in their last 2017 SEA Games match on Wednesday.

The defeat meant Brunei finished bottom of the five-team Group A table without a point to their name, but Ah Chua said there were some positives to take from the match at the Selayang Municipal Stadium in Selangor.

“We started with all of our substitutes and two of our first-11, and the players who were given the trust to play tried their best - although there were some nerves,” he said.

“I am proud of the players because they were able to carry out the tasks handed to them by the coach (Kwon Oh-son).

“Overall the team competed well and were able to prevent Singapore from scoring in the first half.

“Singapore launched many attacks but they were saved by our goalkeeper Muhammad Ishyra Asmin Mohd Jabidi, who was named Man of the Match.

“We were also able to create a few chances but they were not converted,” he added.

Brunei held Singapore at bay until the 75th minute, when a cross into the box hit Brunei’s Khalid Wassadisalleh Hj Mahmud’s thigh and bounced past Muhammad Ishyra.

Filling in for Haimie Anak Nyaring, Muhammad Ishyra was a solid presence in the Brunei goal and produced key saves late in the first half and early in the second half to deny Singapore’s attacks.

Though Singapore mounted many attacks in the second half, Brunei’s organised defence prevented Singapore from scoring and were unlucky to concede the own goal.

Tomorrow’s semi-finals will see Malaysia take on Indonesia and Thailand face Myanmar.

The final is set for Tuesday.

http://www.nfabd.org/press-release/2017082502.htm

Malaysia vs Brunei: Hosts search for comfortable start

SEA Games (Group A) | Shah Alam Stadium | Mon 14 Aug | 8.45pm

By Vijhay Vick

THE LOWDOWN

The hosts’ first match and they will be out to ensure there are no slip ups in the SEA Games gold medal hunt, which though a tall order is what the Malaysia Under-22s are aiming for.

Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore will look at their matches against Brunei as must wins with the biggest score line possible to get a high goal difference, but Brunei will not be easy to break down.

Australia struggled to break this Bruneian squad at the AFC Under-23 qualifiers in July, only managing a 2-0 win. Myanmar and Singapore, however, put three and four respectively past them.

Malaysia may be tempted not to field their strongest 11 because of the clash with neighbouring rivals Singapore just two days later. Several players in the squad did not look comfortable playing two matches in three days at the qualifiers in Bangkok last month.

Yet there should be enough strength in the squad, whether it is a weakened line-up or not, for the Malaysians to prevail. A nervy start is what Malaysia Under-22 coach Ong Kim Swee repeated reminded his players to avoid.

Malaysia only managed a 1-0 win in the 2015 opener against Timor Leste in Singapore. The Malaysians lost their cool in the match and Nazmi Faiz Mansor was sent off for spitting at an opponent. He later received a six-match ban and was sent back from the Games.

TEAM NEWS

N. Thanabalan is the only player not available for selection due to a knee injury. The attacker underwent a MRI scan and is expected to be ready to face Singapore on Wednesday.

Penang forward S. Kumaahran is back in training after reporting to camp with a hamstring injury. He could, however, only see action from off the bench as options are plenty with the likes of Jafri Firdaus Chew, Akhyar Rashid and Syafiq Ahmad all in good condition.

Rotation will be key because of the scheduling and Ong could be tempted to rest players although it is the opening match as following clashes against Singapore and Myanmar are expected to determine Group A’s outcome.

Malaysia need to be at their best against Singapore and Myanmar.

KEY PLAYER: SYAFIQ AHMAD

The Kedah youngster was lively against Indonesia in the AFC Under-23 qualifiers and his absence against Thailand in the following match was felt as Malaysia lacked the creativity up front to make the most of the little possession they had.

Syafiq is expected to start on the left side of a three-man forward line and he tends to drop to the fill the vacuum between central midfield and the attack.

Syafiq also tends to run with the ball, skipping past defenders with his quick feet to open up space.

FACTS & FIGURES

• Brunei are largely a squad in progress. Only seven members of the squad are ineligible for the next games while Malaysia have seven eligible for the 2019 edition.
•  This is the third edition running both teams were drawn in the same group. Malaysia defeated Brunei 2-0 in 2015 and 2013.
•  Malaysia defeated Brunei 5-0 when the two countries met in the opening match when Malaysia last hosted the Games.

FFT PREDICTION

Malaysia 3 Brunei 0. The region’s minnow may be rigid at the back but the host are expected to run clear winners.

https://www.fourfourtwo.com/my/features/malaysia-vs-brunei-hosts-search-comfortable-start

Think positive, says Prince Sufri

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (8 August 2017) – His Royal Highness Prince Sufri Bolkiah, the President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) has advised the nation’s SEA Games-bound athletes to think positive ahead of the biennial championship.

The 29th edition of the SEA Games will be held on 19-30 August 2017 although football will start earlier on 14 August.

“Think positive and remain focussed,” said Prince Sufri. “You have to think positive, and that you can play (against) any team. Try your best and show them what you’ve got. We want to play and show other countries we have a good team.

“Also, control your temper.”

For men’s football, Brunei Darussalam have been placed in Group A against Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos and Singapore

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/2017/08/think-positive-says-prince-sufri/

Shahfiq late strike sinks DPMM

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (27 July 2017) – Substitute Shahfiq Ghani netted a late winner to give Geylang International a narrow 1-0 win over Brunei DPMM in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Monday night.

With the win, the Eagles leapfrogged Hougang United into fifth place in the nine-team table on 21 points having played a game more than Warriors FC.

On the other hand, the defeat was the tenth of the season for the Wasps as they sit second from bottom with only four points from 12 games played.

The hosts had a chance to grab the lead in the 11th minute after Shahrazen Said headed Azwan Ali Rahman’s corner to the far post but Adi Said failed to get a touch to it.

Geylang went on the attack four minutes later but winger Gabriel Quak could only head over.

Ricardo Sendra was on target in the 22nd minute but was foiled by DPMM custodian Awangku Mu’izzuddin who was there for the save.

Geylang goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari then denied Shahrazen and fortunately for them the ball ended at the wrong side of his right hand post.

The visitors came close to breaking the deadlock just before half-time but Quak’s effort was came off the upright.

Adi had a good opportunity to put the hosts in front three minutes after the interval but his shot went inches wide.

Quak sent a freekick from the right to the far post on the hour mark but Sendra failed to connect on it before Azwan Ali volleyed over from inside the box at the other end moments later.

Steve Kean’s side were presented with an opportunity to open the scoring in the 62nd minute after Yuki Ichikawa had handled the ball inside the box

Daud Gazale stepped up to take the ensuing spotkick but Syazwan dived low to his left to deny the former his first goal in DPMM colours.

Shahfiq was then introduced in the 66th minute after second-half substitute Min Thiha was stretchered off after being on the pitch for less than 20 minutes.

DPMM had back-to-back chances with Adi heading straight at Syazwan before Azwan Ali put another over in a space of a minute.

However, it was the Eagles who went in front in the 81st minute after Faritz Hameed was given space to dribble into the box from the left.

He then put the ball into the middle for Shahfiq to head home and claim all three points from the encounter.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/2017/07/shahfiq-late-strike-sinks-dpmm/

Shah United set to make AFF debut

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam’s futsal club Shah United is set to make their debut in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Futsal Club Championship after being reportedly drawn in Group ‘A’ alongside Thai Port FC of Thailand, Permata Indah Manokwari of Indonesia and a representative from Myanmar.

The championship, which is held annually, will be held tentatively from July 2-8 in Bangkok, Thailand.

According to Arena Futsal Malaysia, Group ‘B’ pit Australia’s East Coast Heat, Vietnam’s Sana Khanh Hoa, Melaka United of Malaysia and Vientiane Capital of Laos.

The groupings of the teams have not been officially released in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) website but Indonesia-based web portal Bolalob has provided a preliminary draft.

According to the website, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

The website has also released a provisional fixture list with Shah United set to begin their campaign against a Myanmar league representative on July 2 before meeting Indonesian outfit Permata Indah Manokwari a day later.

http://borneobulletin.com.bn/shah-united-set-make-aff-debut/

Update :

Official match schedule :

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v2/competitions-2/aff-futsal-club-championship/aff-invitational-futsal-club-championship-2017/

RAMPANT PROTECTORS SEE OFF WASPS IN THRILLER

Written by: Darren Ho

Home United are hot on Albirex Niigata (S) heels at the summit of the 2017 Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League after an impressive performance, defeating Brunei DPMM 9-3 at Bishan Stadium on Thursday night.

Faris Ramli was as his stunning best, netting four goals, while assisting three others as teammates Stipe Plazibat, Khairul Nizam, Adam Swandi and Song Uiyoung also got their names on the scoresheet for the hosts.

DPMM had Rafael Ramazotti, Shah Razen Said and Adi Said to reduce the deficit, but it was Home who would ease to a comfortable victory and seal all three points in this encounter.

It has been a crucial, yet congested week for Aidil Sharin’s side who are in their quest to finish top of the S.League, while battling in the AFC Cup Zonal semi-finals in midweek.

Yet, the Bishan-based side, who are one foot in the final, made no mistake in their S.League commitments to push on both fronts.

Both teams kicked-off the first-half with vicious intent to get their noses in front.

The visitors made their first attempt to prise an opening inside four minutes when wide man Azwan Ali flight a dangerous cross from the left to pick up Adi in the box, only to be denied by Hassan Sunny who was right on point when he sprung to intercept with a save.

It had been the worst possible start in Steve Kean’s regime as DPMM coach this season and their woes were compounded when the Protectors scored six within the space of twenty-five minutes before half-time.

Home broke the deadlock after 21 minutes when Shamil Sharif delivered a delightful cross for Faris to take a first touch before elevating his shot past the onrushing Alijanda Sitom to take the lead.

Faris clinched his second nine minutes later, tapping in a low cross from Plazibat who timed his delivery to perfection from the right flank.

The pair would switch roles three minutes later as Faris became provider when he picked up a loose ball in the penalty box to connect with Plazibat who rolled the ball past Alijanda at his far post.

The Protectors’ number nine did score his second just moments later as Faris once again dinked a clever ball from the middle for Plazibat to run in and chip over Alijanda, making it 4-0 in the 36th minute.

But the Singapore International wa not done yet as he produced another assist for Nizam, delaying his run from a Home counter attack, to slot in a pass to his club and International teammate to place the ball into the bottom corner.

Faris did eventually seal his hat-trick on the stroke of half-time as he darted his shot from the 12-yard box for the Protectors to lead by six at the break.

Aidil’s side picked up exactly where they had left off after the restart and went further ahead when Adam blast in a finish from close range after teeing up with Faris’s cross, before DPMM

would cause a few moments of concern when Ramazotti broke through the Home’s defence with a simple finish to get their fightback underway.

On the other end, Song would restore Home’s seven goal cushion as his shot behind the box took a deflection off Ramazotti, finding its way into the net, before Faris rounded the goalkeeper to score his fourth of the night.



Just past the hour mark and both sides would make changes on their own. Steve Kean was desperate to bring in players to score at the front, while Aidil was keen on resting key players for their next AFC cup match in midweek.

DPMM substitute impact Shah Razen would put Kean’s faith in him to good effect as he ghosted into the box to punish Hassan in conceding his second, before his provider Adi slammed his free-kick from 20 yards to seal the final scoreline at 9-3.

Play continued to fluctuate from end to end as Irfan Fandi made a brilliant effort to track back and prevent Ramazotti from his second when the Brizilian chipped past the onrushing Hassan to see his effort clipped off the goal line by the young Singapore defender.

With this result, Home remain in second spot, two points behind Albirex who have a game in hand, while DPMM languish in eighth.

Brunei DPMM Head Coach Steve Kean: “I’m gutted for the players. We’ve worked hard for the past two weeks. We didn’t thought it was that easy scoring against us.

“But we didn’t deserve any point. We were very open and each time the ball went forward, we had our hearts in our mouth because we actually don’t have defenders and we’re struggling in defence.

“Sometime you have to rebuild a team and for the last three years, we’ve won most of our games but we’ve lost a couple of players and had to replace midfielders with defenders.

“It’s unfair to criticise our midfielders who had to draw back as defenders but we need to get in local defenders for help at the back this transfer.”

Home United: Hassan Sunny (GK, C), Irfan Fandi, Afiq Yunos, Juma’at Jantan (Luqman Bin Ismail 59’) , Hariss Harun, Song Uiyoung (Izzdin Shafiq 63’), Shamil Sharif, Adam Swandi, Faris Ramli, Khairul Nizam, Stipe Plazibat (Amiruldin Asraf 77’)

Brunei DPMM: Alijanda Sitom (GK), Zeljko Savic (Reduan Petara 40’), Azwan Saleh, Azwan Ali, Hendra Azam (Nurikhwan Othman 78’), Najib Tarif, Maududi Hilmi Kasmi, Rosmin Kamis (C), Aminuddin Zakwan, Rafael Ramazotti, Adi Said