Playing in the AFF Suzuki Cup will bring Brunei together says Stephen Ng

The 22-year wait for Brunei Darussalam to return to the AFF Suzuki Cup is literally a generation worth of heartbreak for a nation who could well lean on a core group of players to guide them through qualification who weren’t even born the last time they featured in the finals.

Indeed since participating in the inaugural edition way back in 1996, the Wasps have failed to get back to the tournament proper and the national coach, Stephen Ng, knows just how important it will be for Brunei to do so this time around.

“Qualifying for the finals of the AFF Suzuki Cup is important for Brunei in our development program as it will help to motivate more young players to work harder and for them to look forward to playing against teams at the top level of ASEAN football.

“Football is still the most popular sport in Brunei and it will definitely help bring people together in the nation to cheer for the country if we qualify once again for the tournament proper.”

To do so Brunei will need to see off an equally ambitious Timor-Leste outfit that have also only once before reached the finals but Ng is confident that some strong recent showings against the Timorese will hold them in good stead come September’s home and away matches.

“If you look at the latest FIFA rankings (Timor are 190 & Brunei Darussalam are 194) then you can consider that we are probably on a similar playing level and while we will continue to work hard to prepare we can draw confidence from two recent victories over them in the Solidarity Cup and the last round of Suzuki Cup qualification in 2016.”

“I’m sure it will be a very close game this time around as we need to manage qualification over the two home and away legs but we’re looking forward to qualifying.”

Ng will likely rely on several of the nation’s impressive young talents to complete that task and some solid showings at youth level have fortified the coach’s belief that the nation is on the right track, especially after the U16 squad knocked over both Macau and Hong Kong in last year’s AFC U16 Championships.

“Brunei has done well with young players in recent years and we want that to continue so we can strengthen the senior team with continuous youth development that flows from one level to the next.”

http://www.affsuzukicup.com/2018/news/brunei/471-playing-in-the-aff-suzuki-cup-will-bring-brunei-together-says-stephen-ng

DPMM FC recover from two goals down

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

DPMM FC denied Warriors FC their first win of the season in the Singapore Premier League after recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore last night.

Warriors, who were in search of their first league victory, scored in succession as a goal each from Kento Fukuda and Sahil Suhaimi was separated only by a minute from each other.

The visitors were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute as Volodymyr Pryyomov reduced the deficit for his fifth goal of the season.

The in-form Ukrainian found his second goal of the game to consolidate his position at the top of the scoring charts with six goals to his name.

The result cemented the ‘Gegar Gegar’ men in fourth place with seven points, eight points off the pace of league leaders Albirex Niigata (S), who had played a game more.

Suria Prakash, who came through the professional ranks of Balestier Khalsa, was one of the focal men in attack and his skillful touches drew DPMM FC players into committing a foul.

From the ensuing free-kick, Warriors striker Jonathan Behe, who was installed to the starting line-up could not get a header as DPMM FC put the ball to safety.

Sahil had quite an eventful half after getting himself in the books on top of scoring a goal and providing an assist after denying Mojtaba Esmaielzadeh the opportunity to break away.

DPMM FC forward Volodymyr made a lovely turn and pulled a good strike but it was a good height for Warriors goalkeeper to make the save.

The front three combined well with Adi Said the centre of their promising attacking play but Mojtaba blazed wide after he was unsettled by a Warriors defender.

Sahil shifted with the ball with his right leg enabling the DPMM FC defence to close him down and were unable to get the right shot away.

The counterattack nearly caught Warriors out cold after they stole possession as Volodymyr teed off his teammate but was crowded out by the hosts.

DPMM FC midfielder Azwan Salleh cushioned a header for Volodymyr who was closely marked before Azwan Ali Rahman fired the ball wide after arriving in time for the shot.

Adi Said was in a heap after Daniel Shafiq went in for a strong challenge as the Bruneian forward walked gingerly into the box.

Warriors conceded a soft free kick in promising area as Poh Yi Feng tugged Mojtaba’s shirt.

It was no surprise with the designated free-kick taker as Volodymyr, who already scored from a set-piece, struck a rasping drive which goalkeeper pushed the ball away to safety.

DPMM FC took a quick throw as the front unit combined but unfortunately one of the attackers could not find a touch to guide the ball into goal.

It was bad news for Kento Fukuda who suffered an injury setback and was stretchered off the field with Hafiz Sulaiman coming on as his replacement.

With the visitors dictating the tempo of the match, Behe did his defensive duties with a strong header as the hosts got the ball out of their half.

Warriors were closing ranks well and looking the runs of Behe who worked tirelessly on his own upfront.

However, the forward made a silly foul and invited more pressure for DPMM FC as they continued to build play though they had not been able to get things right in the final third.

Warriors had a respite after Hendra Azam switched play to Adi Said who was in an offside position. The home side had been living dangerously giving the ball away but DPMM FC were not able to capitalize from their mistakes.

With Warriors threatening a fast counter, Abdul Aziz Tamit demonstrated his reading abilities after coming first to the ball and putting the ball out for a throw.

Volodymyr punished the Warriors after he was allowed space and time to power the ball home after being set up by Adi Said.

Helmi Zambin tested goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar with a firm strike from outside the box but it landed straight at his arms.

Azwan Ali dinked the ball forward as Volodymyr sent his header wide in a quick build-up which also involved Helmi Zambin and Adi Said.

Helmi Zambin was given a final warning by the referee after downing Suria who showed nifty footwork.

Shamil Sharif’s free-kick then rattled against the woodwork with Haimie Anak Nyaring in full stretch.

Behe initiated a good team move with a neat touch allowing Ho Wai Loon through before switching the ball to Firdaus Kasman who crossed into the middle only for the visitors to diffuse the threat with a defensive header.

Warriors had a good chance after a player flicked the ball in the near post wide following another decent delivery by Shamil Sharif.

Behe evaded the challenges of Abdul Aziz and Brian McLean before firing his shot wide before creating another chance for himself though it was a weaker shot.

Suria delivered a ball into the far post but it was not a desired finish for his teammate who attempted an ambitious acrobatic kick.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-fc-recover-from-two-goals-down/

Brunei crash out of HBT

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

BRUNEI Darussalam National Under-21 team crashed out of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for Asean Youth Football Tournament 2018 after slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Myanmar in the final Group ‘A’ game at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

The young Tabuan’s exit from the competition drew parallels to the 2014 edition when they lost out on the competition by a single goal as a late leveller would have put them through.

Myanmar have been confirmed as group winners while Timor Leste took the runners-up spot while Singapore and Cambodia qualified from Group ‘B’ after the Angkor Warriors pulled off a 1-0 win they needed to advance.

The young Tabuan would have gone through with a win and they actually had the ball behind enemy lines as forward Faiq Jefri Bolkiah tried to lift the ball over a defender but there was no further harm since.

The hosts had to stay alert after Myanmar forward Zin Min Tun attacked the ball and rose high for a header but he was unsettled by the home defence.

The host nation avoided a scare after Muhammad Abdul Syakir misplaced his pass to the opposition midfielder Soe Lwin Lwin but fortunately the latter took a heavy touch.

Myanmar had a goal ruled out for offside but there was nothing wrong about their opener when they finally took the lead in the 35th minute.

The visiting forward Aung Kaung Mann released his shot which Brunei goalkeeper Ishyra Asmin Jabidi parried away only to the path of Zin who slammed his shot for the opening goal of the game.

The goal silenced the crowd and it nearly got worse after a free-kick from forward Lwin Moe Aung was deflected into the top corner which Ishyra pushed away for a corner.

Myanmar’s forward Aung Kaung then headed wide in the opening stages of the second half.

The visitors survived a scare after Than Htike Zin allowed the ball to roll into the path of Brunei forward Faiq Jefri Bolkiah but the latter could only hit his shot straight at the largely untroubled Myanmar goalkeeper Phone Thitsar Min.

The hosts were counting their lucky stars as Soe Lwin Lwin skied his effort wide after being played through though from a tight angle.

Myanmar substitute Pyae Sone Naing unleashed a fine drive from the edge of the box but it ended wide.

The Yadanarbon FC midfielder had another chance when his shot deflected off a Bruneian defender for another corner.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/brunei-crash-out-of-hbt/

Brunei beat Thailand to keep semi-final hopes alive

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (27 April 2018) – Hosts Brunei kept their hope for a place in the semi-finals of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2018 alive last night when they beat a confident Thai side 2-1 in a Group A tie at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

The home team, which had conceded a close 1-0 defeat at the hands of Timor Leste in their opening game of the group, came out with all guns blazing against the Thais.

And in front of more than 25,000 fans, Naziruddin Ismail nailed the opener in the 71st minute before Thailand grabbed the equaliser through the prolific Sittichok Paso.

But DPMM FC striker Yura Indera Putera Yunos then nailed the winner deep in injury time to give Brunei their first full points of the competition.

The win allowed Brunei to move up to second in the standings behind Myanmar, who had earlier beaten Timor Leste 2-0.

A goal in each half off Win Naing Tun in the 27th minute and then Hein Htet Aung in the 90th minute gave Myanmar their first win and the driver’s seat in the group.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/brunei-beat-thailand-to-keep-semi-final-hopes-alive/

Brunei lose to Timor Leste 1-0

By  Fadhil Yunus  

BRUNEI Darussalam National Under-21 Team began their campaign in Group ‘A’ of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for Asean Youth Football Tournament 2018 with a 1-0 defeat to Timor Leste at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.

Timor Leste midfielder Jose Maria Dos Reis’s penalty in the 20th minute separated the two sides.

The visitors were awarded a penalty after Ammar Syafie Hassanuddin was adjudged to have fouled captain Jorge Sabas Victor in the box and to make matters worse received a yellow card for his troubles.

Jose Maria stepped up and tucked away the ensuing penalty, sending Brunei goalkeeper Ishyra Asmin Jabidi the wrong way.

Faiq Jefri Bolkiah, whom just linked up with the squad last week, created the best opportunity for Brunei after volleying the ball into goal which was deflected by a Timorese defender.

The hosts were agonisingly close to pulling level after an unmarked Faiq powered a header from a corner but was cleared off the line with goalkeeper Fagio Augusto Da Silva beaten.

Timor Leste forward Henrique hits the side-netting after the ball fell to him much to the relief of the Bruneian rearguard.

With Brunei unable to find an opening, they lost possession enabling Rufino Walter Gama to burst clear and after his initial chance was lost he nearly got a second bite of the cherry only for his shot to be cleared away.

Brunei made a decent chance after Hanif Aiman Adanan sets up the ball for Naziruddin Haji Ismail whose attempt was deflected for a corner.

Brunei midfielder Azim Izamuddin Suhaimi then tried a shot from distance after a corner was played short but his shot was easily saved by Da Silva.

Timor Leste forward Walter Gama, who proved a livewire, then surged forward and fired a shot and fortunately it was dealt with by the Brunei defence away for a corner.

Timor Leste defender Nidio Ricardo Ferreira Alves was also provided an opportunity but his shot was blocked away for a corner.

The hosts tried to apply pressure in the closing stages of the game but Timor Leste held on for the victory.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/brunei-lose-to-timor-leste-1-0/

DPMM FC could have won by bigger margin, says head coach Weber

By Fadhil Yunus     

DPMM FC head coach Rene Weber has underlined the modesty of the scoreline against Geylang International FC during an emphatic 4-1 win in the Singapore Premier League at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Tuesday night.

Weber indicated that his charges could have won by a bigger margin following a bombardment of attacks in the opening minutes of the game, putting the visitors on the back-foot.

“We did well and we played to win. I think the result could have been larger. We lost too many opportunities but what’s most important is the three points,” Weber said in a post-match interview with the media.

The Brazilian sets a top four target in the league adding that they will build on from their aspirations once they are in the whereabouts of the initial target.

“I am happy that the team played for the win. It is not because of luck as we had more opportunities.

“The players also made sacrifices; Brian (McLean) made sacrifices, Hendra (Azam) with pain made sacrifices as well as Suhaimi (Sulau) who played with sacrifice.

“Sportsmen ought to make sacrifices to help the team. Today we did well and I congratulate the players,” he added.

Despite the magnitude of the victory, the coach stated that it was not an easy game especially dealing with the long ball approach from Geylang.

The team’s new-look attacking workforce signalled promise and has gelled instantly with the foreign imports impressing.

Despite each of his attacking options having a hand in three of the goals, Weber, however, credited all the components of the team.

“I don’t only talk about the offensive side of the game as the defence side of the game also did well. I want to talk about our team and we had good teamwork today which is very important,” the head coach said.

Meanwhile, his opposite number Geylang’s head coach Hirotaka Usui acknowledged the strength of the home side during the defeat.

“It is a very difficult game because DPMM FC have players with very good ability and they are very strong,” he said in a post-match interview.

The head coach identified local duo Azwan Ali and Adi Said as very skilled players, both of whom provided a constant threat during the game.

The Japanese, who replaced Noor Ali this term, admitted that the first goal they conceded was a setback before adding that they still managed opportunities in the game.

“The first goal caused us damage but we were able to create many opportunities especially in the second half so I have confidence,” said Hirotaka.

https://borneobulletin.com.bn/dpmm-fc-could-have-won-by-bigger-margin-says-head-coach-weber/

Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2018 kicks off on 23 April

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (16 April 2018) – The sixth edition of the Hassanak Bolkiah trophy will kick off on 23 April 2018 with seven teams taking part.

Teams are restricted to using only Under-22 years-old players with hosts Brunei, Thailand, Myanmar and Timor Leste in Group A.

In Group B are Laos, Singapore and Cambodia.

The winning team will earn BND20,000 (USD15,200), BND$10,000 (USD7,600) for the runners-up and BND5,000 (USD3,800) for joint third-placed teams.

Defending champions Myanmar will take on Thailand in their opening game on 24 April 2018 – a day after the hosts playing Timor Leste.

http://www.aseanfootball.org/v3/hassanal-bolkiah-trophy-2018-kicks-off-on-23-april/