Indera SC capture title

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh


BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN


Monday, March 11, 2013


INDERA Sports Club have left it to the final day of the DST Super League to secure their first major title in 30 years by defeating fierce rival Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) 1-0 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.



"I am very happy. I don't know how to describe it but this is the first trophy for Indera in 30 years," said Indera SC coach Hj Omar Hj Md Jamil in an interview with The Brunei Times . "It was a balanced game. Both teams were very cautious and both teams were looking for the opportunity to counter attack. We put five midfielders to match them (MS ABDB) tonight. They have a very good stamina in the game."It was sweet revenge for Indera, stealing the title on the last day of the season after losing to the armymen in the final of the DST FA Cup in December.


The situation for Indera at the start of the day was simple; win and they clinch the title, lose or draw, MS ABDB will go home with the title.


Midfielder Azwan Ali Rahman scored in the 82nd minutes to hand Indera the three points they needed to win the title on goal difference


The ball was in the midfield for much of the first half, during which neither side were able to make their mark on the match.

MS ABDB were the first to create the real goal scoring chance in the game when Mohd Mazazizi Mazlan made a shot just outside the penalty box, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Indera's goalkeeper Ak Omar Nur Aqamaddin Pg Hj Sallehuddin. The army men also had their goal disallowed in the 43rd minutes for an offside.

Being the better side in the first-half MS ABDB continued to pass the ball fluidly and create space with their through passes.

But Indera were slowly getting into the rhythm, captain Muhammad Khayrun Salleh was invaluable for the team as he helped win the ball in midfield playing in an unusually deep position in the middle of the park.


Then came the moment that would define an incredible final night for Indera. Azwan made a wonderful run down the left flank to latch onto a through pass from Hamizan Sulaiman. He then dribbled past two defenders before slotting the ball at the near post.


Azwan, the league top scorer with 17 goals, acknowledge his teammates' contribution in the title victory.

"I am very proud of my teammates. They were great throughout the season. It was a team effort. MS ABDB is a very strong team. They have good stamina. We got the job done in the first-half by not conceding. We went out very confident in the second-half. I am very happy," said Azwan.

The Brunei Times ..