Wijaya FC hit six against Najip Bakes

By Khairil Hassan

WIJAYA FC crushed Najip Bakes FC 6-0 in the Brunei DST Super League on Saturday at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Mohd Yaziz bin Haji Mat Yakof scored the first goal in the 16th minute, followed by the second in the 26th goal from Marhazif Ahad. Pengiran Anaqi Sufi Pengiran Haji Omar Baki added Wijaya FC’s lead in the 71st minute and the fourth goal a minute later. Md Ikmal Hakim Haji Md Yunus scored the fifth goal in the 74th minute, before Marhazif Ahad netted his second goal of the game in the 89th minute.

DST Super League: Indera SC, Wijaya FC settle for draw in six-goal thriller

by Fadhil Yunus

INDERA SC avoided a second consecutive defeat after battling back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Wijaya FC in the DST Super League at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.

The title contenders have picked up just one point out of a possible six, having already seen their undefeated record ended after a defeat to Kasuka in the previous match.

Indera’s new signing Iner Sintany Putra continued his good scoring form with three goals in the last four league games after opening the scoring in the ninth minute.

However, Norfariz bin Sayang, who is also enjoying a prolific run, turned the game on its head with goals in the 29th and 49th minute.

Marhazif bin Ahad made it 3-1 for Wijaya FC in the 64th minute but Asri bin Haji Aspar scored twice in the last 10 minutes to rescue a point for his side.

In the other match, Kota Ranger FC picked up their first points of the season after breezing past IKLS FC 5-1 at the Berakas Sports Complex.

Muhd Asyraffahmi bin Norsamri played a starring role after bagging a hat-trick in the second half with Hardy anak Bujang and Abu Bakar Mahari also on the scoresheet.

Kumin bin Haji Bini managed a scant consolation goal six minutes from time for the newly promoted side.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dst-super-league-indera-sc-wijaya-fc-settle-for-draw-in-six-goal-thriller/

Indera SC emerge Sumbangsih Cup winners

by Fadhil Yunus

INDERA SC vice-captain Amirul Hakeem bin Haji Kasim scored the winner in the second period of extra time to give his side’s their second DST Sumbangsih Cup title during the 2-1 victory over MS ABDB at the rain-soaked Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.

Mohamed Zulkhairy bin Razali had given the reigning DST FA Cup winners the lead in the 39th minute but the DST Super League holders MS ABDB equalised through Mohammad Khairul Mee bin Mail in the 81st minute.

Indera SC had the chance to double their lead when Mohamed Zulkhairy latched onto a delicious ball from the centre circle but the goalscorer sliced his shot wide.

MS ABDB scored instantly when Mohammad Khairul Mee fired home from close range in the season’s curtain-raiser.

Indera SC’s new signing Petrus bin Jumat played a neat exchange with captain Hazwan bin Hamzah and confusion in the MS ABDB backline nearly cost an own goal though they were satisfied to win a corner.

DST Sumbangsih Cup final champion Indera SC in a group photo. – FADHIL YUNUS

MS ABDB won a free-kick but they fired wide as they looked in search of a late winner.

After a goalless first period in extra time, Indera SC found the winner in the second minute of the second period of extra time.

The DST FA Cup champions changed corner kick takers in the last moment and that move looked to pay dividends. Amirul Hakeem powered home a clean header in the far post which MS ABDB goalkeeper Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari could not keep out. MS ABDB missed a glorious chance to take the game into penalties after a player blasted the ball wide having been teed up by a teammate from the byline.

Indera SC Head Coach Mohd Darus bin Tanjung was visibly pleased with his charges after beginning the season in triumph.

“I feel very proud as the head coach and I am confident that Indera SC will make more efforts to strengthen and become stronger in all areas,” said Mohd Darus in a post-match interview.

DST Assistant General Manager of Group Corporate Communications Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni presented the prizes.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/indera-sc-emerge-sumbangsih-cup-winners/

DPMM FC appoint Stoke City’s former coach Adrian Pennock

by Fadhil Yunus

DPMM FC have announced the appointment of former Stoke City first-team coach Adrian Pennock as their new head coach for the upcoming 2019 Singapore Premier League season in Singapore, according to their website.

Pennock will succeed Rene Weber at the helm after the Brazilian had guided the Brunei-based outfit to a third place finish and the final of the Singapore Cup.

The appointment came after the Gegar Gegar men secured third place in the league following a 3-1 win over Young Lions in the final game of the season.

Pennock was part of Tony Pulis’ coaching staff during his reign as manager of Stoke City in the summer of 2011 and enjoyed a stint in the English Premier League.

The Ipswich native will be the second head coach in a space of two years who boasts experience in the English top flight to manage DPMM FC after Steve Kean who served the club for four seasons.

Pennock, who helped avoid National League side Barrow from relegation last season, became a hit with the supporters during his playing days with Gillingham where he spent six years.

He began his managerial career at Welling United from 2003 to 2005 and took the hot-seat at Forest Green Rovers after his time with the Potters. Pennock returned to the Priestfield Stadium as manager 14 years after his spell as a Gillingham player in 2017.

One of his finest career highlights was undoubtedly being named captain for the play-off final in 2000 which saw the Gills promoted to the Football League First Division for the first time in their history.

The 47-year-old was also in the books of Bournemouth from 1992 to 1996 where he became a regular for the Cherries.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-fc-appoint-stoke-citys-former-coach-adrian-pennock-2/

Singapore Cup Preview: History-seekers DPMM out to ruin perfect Albirex

SINGAPORE, 4 OCT 2018 – Albirex Niigata FC (S) are looking for an unprecedented fourth straight RHB Singapore Cup triumph when they take on Brunei DPMM FC on Saturday evening at Jalan Besar Stadium.

BACKGROUND The White Swans have won the Cup three times in a row and look set to retain the title, especially after going through the entire season unbeaten in all competitions.

However, DPMM Head Coach Rene Weber is calling on his squad to create history themselves by winning their first Singapore Cup.

“The opponents haven’t lost any games; they are three-time champions of the Cup but this is football, anything can happen,” Weber said.

“We can respect the opponents but that means we have to play harder than them — that’s respect.”

At the other camp, Albirex Head Coach Kazuaki Yoshinaga is refusing to take anything for granted despite his side’s unblemished record, noting that their opponents are enjoying a good run of form.

“We do not think of any past records,” he said. “For us, what we achieved in the past remains in the past. Our players and ourselves will give our best.

“DPMM have been unbeaten for ten games and Rene Weber is a very good coach for DPMM. He has helped to improve a lot of players there but we will prepare well and try to win.”

TEAM NEWSDPMM will have a largely full squad to choose from. Albirex will miss Taku Morinaga due to suspension, while Shuhei Hoshino is available for selection after returning from injury.

FORM GUIDE
Albirex: WWWDW
DPMM: WWWDD

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
07/08/18: DPMM 1-3 Albirex – Singapore Premier League
03/06/18: Albirex 5-0 DPMM – Singapore Premier League
14/04/18: Albirex 2-0 DPMM – Singapore Premier League
16/09/17: DPMM 0-1 Albirex – Singapore Premier League
16/06/17: Albirex 4-0 DPMM – Singapore Premier League

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR
Shuhei Hoshino – Albirex
With second top-scorer Morinaga out, club top scorer Hoshino is expected to return to the line-up. The striker will be looking for that one goal to take his overall tally to 20.

Shah Razen Said – DPMM
Leading by example from the front is Shah Razen Said. He may not have scored as many goals as he would have liked this season, but he is still a threat with his masterful dribbling and direct runs.

WHAT ELSE THEY SAID
Albirex head coach Yoshinaga: “Our players showed their mental strength and other strengths to win their last game, we have one more game and we want the players to give their best and win the final.

“Although there are no local clubs in the final, but we always considered ourselves a local club and we have a lot of Singaporean supporters. We will fight hard for the supporters to win the final.”

DPMM head coach Rene Weber: “We hope to win the final and write our history into the books.

“Three days to recover before a match is tough, but it is tough for Albirex too. We must believe in more of our ability, and I hope to see that on Saturday.

“We want to forget about the last game. It’s not impossible for us to win on Saturday.”

Get your tickets for the game at fas.org.sg/tickets and watch Albirex clash with DPMM atfas.org.sg/live2!

http://www.fas.org.sg/competitions/singapore-cup-preview-history-seekers-dpmm-out-ruin-perfect-albirex/

AFF Suzuki Cup - Brunei 1-0 Timor-Leste

https://www.facebook.com/affsuzukicup/videos/276975616249113/?notif_id=1536408098852741&notif_t=live_video

Brunei win 1-0 , but Timor-Leste qualify for AFF Suzuki Cup group stage after 3-2 in total after two matches.

Tickets on sale for Brunei AFF qualifying clash

By James Kon

MEMBERS of the public are welcome to support and watch the second leg of the AFF Suzuki Cup qualification match between Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on September 8.

Tickets will be available from today until tomorrow from 9am-5pm at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium’s Sport Association Room No 1 at the VIP parking area and at the ticketing booth near the Aquatics Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex. On the matchday, the ticket sales will be extended until 9.15pm at both locations.

In Tutong District, the tickets are available at the Tutong Sports Complex, and for residents in Belait District at Mumong Sports Complex. For residents in Temburong District, tickets can be purchased at Temburong Sports Complex.

Details of the ticket sales were revealed in a press conference yesterday at the Lecture Theatre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium by executive members of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD).

Tickets are priced at BND8 for covered area, and BND5 for the open air seatings.

Present at the press conference were Acting Deputy President of NFABD Pengiran Haji Aliudin bin Pengiran Haji Tajuddin, who is the co-chair of the organising committee with Acting Deputy Director of Youth and Sports Department Pengiran Anak Haji Sofian bin Pengiran Anak Haji Ibrahim; Secretary General of NFABD Roslin bin Suhailee; Head of Ticket Sales and Gate Entrance Haji Abdul Razak bin Haji Ibrahim; Head of Media Bujang bin Haji Japar; an Information Department representative Pengiran Ikram bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad and a representative from the Royal Brunei Police Force.

Officials at the press conference yesterday. – KHAIRIL HASSAN

Pengiran Haji Aliudin said, “On the match day that falls on September 8, members of the public can obtain tickets at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium’s Sport Association Room No 1, as well as the ticketing booth near the Aquatics Centre of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex. Tickets are on sale from 9am to 9.15pm on matchday.”

He also reminded members of the public to purchase the tickets early to avoid disappointment. The entrance to the stadium will open two hours before the match at 6.15pm to allow fans avoid long queues.

To prevent counterfeit, the tickets possess security features and scanners will be put at each entrance point to detect counterfeit tickets. Supporters are urged to keep their tickets when going in and out of the stadium.

Head of Ticket Sales and Gate Entrance Haji Abdul Razak said, “The tickets have high security features. Before entering the stadium, each ticket will be scanned. If the ticket shows red from the scan, the ticket is counterfeit. Spectators will need to follow the signage to the covered seats and open air seats. If a spectator wants to go out of the stadium, his/her hand as well as the ticket will be marked with official stamp.”

A total of 12,000 tickets are available for the match, with another 8,000 on standby.

Spectators are not allowed to bring restricted items such as canned and bottled drinks, umbrella, any types of weapons, fireworks/firecrackers as well as musical instruments like flute. It is also a restriction to smoke or vape around the area of the stadium.

NFABD Deputy President Pengiran Haji Aliudin hoped that members of the public will arrive in large numbers to support the national team and boost the morale of the players.

After losing 3-1 to Timor Leste in the first leg, Brunei need to win with a margin of two goals to qualify into the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Meanwhile, at the conference, a question was raised on the status of the upgrading works of the stadium, to which Pengiran Anak Haji Sofian replied, “The upgrading works on the stadium’s track are expected to be completed by September 6, while the football field is always ready. All work will be completed by September 6.”

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/tickets-on-sale-for-brunei-aff-qualifying-clash/

ASC2018 QR: Home advantage to Brunei, says Timor Leste coach

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (7 Sept 2018) – Timor Leste are prepared for anything Brunei will unleash against them as they attempt defend their lead in the AFF Suzuki Cup second leg qualifying match at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium here tomorrow night.

But with Brunei chasing down a two-goal deficit after their 3-1 loss in their first leg in Kuala Lumpur last week, Timor Leste are fully aware of the enormous challenge that lies ahead of them. 

“Brunei have the advantage at home, their fans will give power to their players and that will undoubtedly make it tough for us,” said Timor Leste coach Norio Tsukitate. “But if Brunei levels the score here, it will really become very difficult.”

Norio’s concerns are well-founded. Despite the defeat, Brunei had proven, especially in the second half last week, that they were a capable side. With home support and fewer errors, they will indeed pose a serious threat tomorrow.

To ensure they deliver their best and advance, Brunei have been working on their mistakes to get their act together to outdo their opponents in the second leg. “Since returning, we have been working hard on our weaknesses and also looked at the mistakes. We will come back strong tomorrow,” vowed Brunei coach Kwon Oh Son at the pre-match Press Conference today. “Our players are fit and prepared for the match.”

Brunei can’t afford to make any mistakes and must take the fight to their rivals tomorrow if they hope to advance to the final round. Asked what were his plans against the hosts, Norio said this: “Our players must give a 100 percent performance, that’s our strategy.”

In the first leg last Saturday, striker Henrique Wilson Da Cruz Martins cracked the Brunei defence twice in the first half before Azwan Ali made it 2-1 in the second. Silveiro Garcia then added a third to put his team in a stronger position for the return encounter.  

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/home-advantage-to-brunei-says-timor-leste-coach/

Timor Leste 3-1 Brunei (AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 : Qualifying Rounds – 1st Leg)

Minister urges national team to make impact at AFF Suzuki Cup qualifier

By James Kon   

NATIONAL football players must stay focussed in a display of team dynamics when they take on Timor Leste in the two-leg qualification match for the AFF Suzuki Cup on September 1.

This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin in a motivational speech to the national football team at the Brunei International Airport yesterday.

“This advice has been reiterated by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, on many occasions.

“We believe that the national team have trained hard and shown high commitment. During the game, be confident that as a team, we can defeat Timor Leste. It is not impossible to beat Timor Leste, as our national squad did in 2012, when we managed to lift the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) in the same year.”

The minister also welcomed the inclusion of players from DPMM FC, while thanking His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office who is also the Chairman of DPMM FC, for allowing these players to join the national team.

“We wish the squad all the best in Malaysia, in the hope that they will do us proud,” the minister said.

Led by coach Kwon Oh Son and manager Kamarul Arifin bin Mohammad Harif, the national squad headed for the AFF Suzuki Cup qualification match comprise players selected from the DST league: Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johan, Muhammad Arif bin Ali Rahman, Muhammad Ali bin Aminuddin, Hazwan bin Hamzah, Mohammad Khairil Shahme bin Suhaimi, Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan bin Mohd Tahir, Muhammad Razimie bin Ramli, Mohammed Zulkhairy Hady bin Razali and Hamizan Aziz bin Sulaiman.

The DPMM FC players absorbed in the national team are: Md Wardun Yussof, Haimie anak Nyaring, Mohammad Helmi bin Haji Zambin, Reduan bin Haji Petra, Abdul Mu’iz Sisa, Mohammad Najib bin Haji Tarif, Awangku Mohd Fakharrazi bin Pengiran Haji Hassan, Mohammad Shafir bin Haji Mohd Efenddy, Awangku Yura Indera Putera bin Pengiran Yunos, Mohammad Nurikhwan bin Othman, Muhammad Azwan bin Ali Rahman, Mohammad Shahrazen bin Said and Adi bin Said.

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah, who led the national youth team in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy this year, will not be joining the national squad in Malaysia, but is expected to play in the second leg on September 8 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

In an interview, coach Kwon said, “Group training for the local players started in early June, and on July 24, the team underwent centralised training. Thirteen DPMM FC players joined the team in the last phase, which is all right, because as professional players, they easily adapted to the team.

“There was no problem in the team preparation; the players got along well together. They are mentally strong and ready to win against Timor Leste.”

The first leg of the match will take place at the Cheras Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, after the original venue in Dili, Timor Leste, was plagued with concerns over floodlighting, despite being close to match readiness.

Changing the venue, said Kwon, “is a huge advantage for us, because flying to Dili is a really long journey, with a transit through Bali or Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia is close and is looked upon as our second home, so I hope that the players can adapt well to the venue.”

On the Timor Leste team, he said, “They have players with good attacking skills, but if we can dominate in the midfield, we can build up our attacking chances. Our players are hungry for success. They want to show the best of Brunei football to local fans, by winning both legs of the qualification matches and proceeding to the group stage of the AFF Suzuki Cup. We will take every game as the finals.”

Kwon also conveyed his gratitude to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for allowing DPMM FC players to join the national squad and to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah for supporting the team.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/minister-urges-national-team-to-make-impact-at-aff-suzuki-cup-qualifier/

ASC2018 QR: Timor bank on youth; Brunei aim for full points

PETALING JAYA (31 Aug 2018) – While Timor Leste will be banking on their youth for the qualifying round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018, Brunei DS are aiming for the full points when the two sides clash.

The first leg of the qualifying round of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 will be held at the KLFA Stadium tomorrow night with the return tie to be played a week later in Bandar Seri Begawan.

At the pre-match Press Conference this afternoon at Wisma FAM in Petaling Jaya, Norio Tsukitate the head coach of Timor Leste felt that the youth will be the key to his team’s campaign.

“A handful of our players played at the Asian Games in 2018 in Jakarta and they have earned a lot of valuable experiences,” said Norio.

“Their fitness will also be at a good level which means that they will be invaluable to our team’s strength as they will provide the power alongside the experienced players we have in the team.

“The team has been together for the last four months with the intense preparation being in the last month. So I would say that we are quite well prepared to win our place in the final rounds of the AFF Suzuki Cup.

n the meantime, Brunei DS will be relying on the tried and tested to carry them through as they aspire to make the finals rounds of the meet.

“The team is basically the same team from the last few years where this time, we trained for about two months together,” said Brunei DS head coach Kwon Oh Son, who has been the on and off tactician for the Sultanate side for the last several years.

“The important factor here is cohesion and I believe that we have the strength to win here in Kuala Lumpur so as to be prepared for the second leg.

“We have been training very hard for the past month and we are excited to play this game. We played some local friendlies but no internationals , so we hope that it will be enough.”

Following a change in format for the 2018 edition, only two teams as against four in the 2016 edition will play in the qualifiers.

The winner of the two-legged qualifiers will earn a spot to the final rounds of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 where they will be place in Group B against Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore.

Group A Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/asc2018-qr-timor-bank-on-youth-brunei-aim-for-full-points/

DPMM FC come back to draw against Warriors

by Fadhil Yunus  

DPMM FC recovered from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Warriors FC in the quarter-final first leg of the Singapore Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.

The visitors took the lead through 18-goal forward Jonathan Behe who struck a sublime free-kick in the eighth minute.

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber has identified the lethal striker as a main threat ahead of the game and he asserted their claim with an early strike.

Ignatius Ang doubled the lead for the Warriors through a stunner from outside the box in the 35th minute after being picked up by a team-mate on the flanks.

However, the Gegar Gegar men pulled one back with Brian McLean steering the ball home after it rebounded off the goalpost in the 65th minute.

Azwan Ali prevented the ball from going out the by-line and found Volodymyr Pryimov who knocked the ball into goal but his effort was denied by Warriors goalkeeper Mukundan Maran with a fine stop.

But there was little that he could do when the ball brushed against the post as McLean pounced to get DPMM FC on the board.

DPMM FC forward Volodymyr Pryimov restored parity for the designated hosts following a show of good teamwork in the 84th minute.

DPMM FC in-form forward Adi Said brilliantly skipped his marker before releasing the ball to the Ukrainian who fired with aplomb to rescue his team from a deficit.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-fc-come-back-to-draw-against-warriors/

Weber praises hat-trick hero Azizi

By Fadhil Yunus 

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber heaped praise on hat-trick hero Abdul Azizi Rahman during the 3-1 victory over Hougang United in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium recently.

“Azizi is a good player. I think he should have been here earlier than this season. He has speed, he has good aerial ability and he has a good fighting spirit,” said Weber during a post-match interview.

“At Jalan Besar Stadium (in Singapore), he did well and Azizi deserved to score. He is a good guy, train every day and keep his level of training very high,” he added.

The head coach has seen a recurring theme of missed opportunities which prevented his team climbing high up the table.

“The main point is today we created a lot of chances. I count that in the first half we had six chances to score but anyway, we scored three.

“I am happy with the three points but I am not happy with how we lost chances. In the last five games, we lost at least 12 chances to score.

The Brazilian admitted that his charges, who are now five points adrift of second-placed Tampines Rovers and Home United, could have been in a better position in the table had they converted their chances.

But the coach expressed his satisfaction of returning to winning ways as they look to close the gap on their rivals.

“We are happy to be coming back with a victory and I hope we can beat Warriors in the RHB Singapore Cup. It is our target now to be second or third. We fight for that,” said the former Atletico Mineiro assistant manager.

Asked how he rates his team’s chances of snatching second place in the final stretch of the league, “If you look in the table, you have one opponent which is direct in the chase, Tampines Rovers. That can be the game to decide our position.

“We must win against Tampines and Young Lions at home and away against Warriors and Balestier Khalsa.

“We lost some points because we could not score. But we create chances. All coaches around the world are unhappy when the team do not create,” he added.

The Gegar Gegar men will be engaged in cup duties against Warriors in a first-leg tie on Thursday and will only be returning to league action on September 15 against their cup opponents.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/weber-praises-hat-trick-hero-azizi/

Brunei’s AFF venue changed to neutral ground

by Fadhil Yunus

THE venue for Brunei Darussalam national football team’s much-anticipated first leg match against Timor Leste in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup Qualification Round has been changed to Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras, Malaysia on September 1 which was confirmed by organisers, according to a report from the AFF website.

The first leg was originally scheduled at the National Stadium in Dili, Timor Leste but the venue has been plagued with concerns over floodlighting despite being close to match readiness.

The second leg of the qualification round will be held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on September 8 with the winning team over the two-legged qualification round matches earning a berth in the group stage of the tournament in November.

They will join the defending champions in ‘Group B’ along with Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore.

Group ‘A’ is made up of Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.

The opening round of the group matches will be held on November 8 with the final on December 15.

The tournament will officially start with Cambodia taking on Malaysia while Laos will meet Vietnam on November 8.

Brunei Darussalam’s first appearance in the tournament came in 1996 where they registered one win against the Philippines 1-0 courtesy of Irwan.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/bruneis-aff-venue-changed-to-neutral-ground/

DPMM head coach rues missed opportunities after Home loss

by Fadhil Yunus

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber has emphasised that any team who fail to convert their opportunities will be doomed to a defeat after his side slipped to a 2-1 loss to Home United FC in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Saturday night.

The Gegar Gegar men were mostly on top in the first half but their missed opportunities were punished with Home United taking the lead on the stroke of half-time before doubling their lead a minute into the second half.

“If we have five or six chances and you don’t score, you must lose. In football, the main point is to score,” said Weber in a post-match interview with the Bulletin.

“I think we have at least four opportunities and as we did not make the most of it, you must lose the game. No one team around the world have four opportunities and win,” he said.

“I think if I analyse the game, no-one make more chances like DPMM FC. It is about concentration and using the qualities that we have to score.”

DPMM FC winger Azwan Ali enjoyed bright spells during the game during his return to the starting line-up after a lengthy layoff and Weber was quick to highlight his qualities.

“Azwan Ali is a quality player. The last game (against Tampines Rovers FC) was strategic for him to have 45 minutes under his belt. Now, he came back in a good level.”

Weber was unsatisfied with how the first half panned out which led to the setback of conceding a goal on the stroke of half-time.

“I’m not happy with how we played in the first half which is why we suffered the goal at the end of first half.”

The head coach accepted that they must take risks to go out on attack and take out a central midfielder with Hendra Azam making way for Shafie Effendy and Helmi Zambin withdrawn for Abdul Azizi Rahman.

“Some teams around the world play from one defender to another and in one ball movement, they score. In football, you must use your opportunity to score.”

Asked about their chances of finishing second after Tampines Rovers FC’s 4-1 victory over Geylang International FC, he replied, “It was a key game (against Home United) for us but we still have two additional games to play. But we must win and if you don’t win, you’re just waiting.

“We must continue the next game and keep our heads up and follow our way to be in the top four,” he said.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-head-coach-rues-missed-opportunities-after-home-loss/

Brunei drawn in Group ‘B’ in AFF meet

 By Fadhil Yunus  

BRUNEI Darussalam have been drawn in Group ‘B’ in the 2018 Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship in Indonesia next month.

The junior Wasps will be competing alongside two-time winners Myanmar, Malaysia, Timor Leste and Cambodia.

They will begin their campaign against Cambodia on July 2 before meeting Timor Leste on July 4 and Malaysia on July 6.

The young Wasps will conclude their group stage play against Myanmar on July 8.

Myanmar and AFC Championship- bound Malaysia, who came close in lifting the title on five occasions as finalists, have been penned as favourites to advance from the group having progressed in the previous tournament with ease. Brunei Darussalam finished fourth in the last edition after recording one win and three losses also in Group ‘B’.

Thailand are the defending champions after beating Malaysia 2-0 in the final at the Thuwunna Stadium in Thailand last year.

The venues of the tournament are Gresik and Sidoarjo and Brunei matches will be based at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik.

Brunei, who will be making their eighth appearance, have never gone past the group stages.

The AFF tournament will also serve as preparation for the quartet of Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam ahead of the continental-level AFC Under-19 Championship in Indonesia in October.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/brunei-drawn-in-group-b-in-aff-meet-2/

DPMM FC look to return to winning ways against Home

By Fadhil Yunus

DPMM FC are hoping to return to winning ways against Home United FC side in the Singapore Premier League at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore tonight.

The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men missed the chance to go second after the Young Lions drew in their last league appearance but could leapfrog Balestier Khalsa, who play on Sunday.

The Brunei-based outfit are facing the AFC Cup Asean Zone finalists who recently stunned Indonesian giants Persija Jakarta over two legs for a second time this season.

However, the Protectors have undergone a rough patch in the league having only managed two wins in seven matches and are also in search of a win in three appearances.

DPMM FC will be looking to exploit their back-line who alongside Geylang International FC have the worst defence in the league after shipping 20 goals.

Both sides have met earlier this season with DPMM FC enjoying a home win and it is no surprise that they will be looking for a repeat of such performance.

DPMM FC centre back Brian McLean will be hoping to give them a good fight as they did earlier this season during the six-goal thriller.

“It was a fair result (1-1 against Young Lions), we didn’t really create enough opportunities for ourselves to score,” McLean told the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) website.

“We are the masters of complicating things instead of doing the simple things well. Now we just need to focus on the recovery and get our mentality right for this tough, tough game.”

The Brunei side have a tough run of games which also includes a clash against table toppers Albirex Niigata (S) next Sunday.

“We are in the midst of a tough run of away games, but you can’t use it as a negative because that’s the fixtures. No doubt Home are a quality team and that’s why they’re in the AFC Cup Zonal final,” said the former Hibernian man.

“But it’s up to us to replicate the way we played against them at home earlier in the season and give them a good fight,” he added.

DPMM FC will have to buck the trend at the Bishan Stadium having not won in regulation time in their last six visits since their return to the Singapore Premier League in 2012.

However, Rene Weber’s charges are unbeaten in their last four matches and have clawed their way back from falling behind on three separate occasions.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-fc-look-to-return-to-winning-ways-against-home/