Battling Brunei crash out

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BNANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

BRUNEI’S 2-1 win over Malaysia was ultimately insufficient as they bowed out of the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy last night.
The defending champions needed a win with a two goal margin to qualify, and the 2-1 victory only secured third place for Brunei, on 10 points together with Vietnam and Malaysia, but behind on goal difference.

Mohd Nor Azam Azih gave Malaysia the lead early in the 18th minutes at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Centre-back Mohd Reduan Hj Petara equalised in the first-half before Najib Hj Tarif converted a penalty in the second-half to clinch a bittersweet victory for the defending champions.
Brunei lined-up with midfielder Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris back in the team, partnering Mohd Nurikhwan Othman and Ak Mohd Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunos in midfield.
Both wingers Mohd Asnawi Syazni Abdul Aziz and Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir assisted lone striker Adi Said up front in attack.
Abdul Khair Hj Basri made his first appearance in the tournament playing in Mohd Nur Azees Ali’s place who got red carded in a game against Vietnam on Friday.
Both teams started slowly, with most of the ball being played in midfield.
Malaysia's Mohd Asri Mardzuki tested Brunei with a shot from 30 metres out, while Mohd Hendra Azam's sent a free-kick from the left that went straight into Malaysia goalkeeper’s arms.
The two shots were the only actions worth mentioning in the first 15 minutes of the game.
Malaysia finally broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Mohd Nor Azam fired from outside the penalty box, beating goalkeeper Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahim.
Brunei equalised just seven minutes later when Mohd Syawal Nordin fouled Aminuddin outside the penalty area to give Brunei a free-kick.
Malaysia’s goalkeeper Md Ilham Amirullah Razali got a touch on Adi’s free-kick before the ball bounced off the post in front of centre back Reduan Hj Petara, who was at the right place at the right time to tap the ball home.
Brunei should have been leading a few minutes later when Ak Mohd Yura Indera Putera made a run into the penalty box.
The Bruneian threaded in a through ball meant for Adi but Mohd Syawal made a vital interception to keep the score level at 1-1.
Mohd Hendra Azam should also have scored when he was set by Mohd Nurikhwan from the right just five minutes after the restart but the former would send his low shot a few inches wide off the post.
Adi was stretchered out injured in the 63rd minute following a tackle by Malaysian defender and the striker was replaced by Abdul Azim Abdul Rashid.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Abdul Hafiz Rahim made way for Azman Ilham Hj Mohd Noor just seconds later.
Mohd Najib made his second appearance of the tournament, replacing Mohd Hendra Azam in the 70th minute.
Brunei continued to dominate the game as they are pressing for the two-goal winning margin, and Reduan almost found the net after connecting with a cross from Mohd Asnawi Syazni in the 75th minute but goalkeeper Md Ilham Amirullah would make a brilliant save keeping the ball out.
Brunei eventually found the net in the 82nd minute when Mohd Najib converted the penalty sending goalkeeper Md Ilham Amirullah the wrong way.
Brunei at this point was launching wave after wave of attacks, with Mohd Najib and Mohd Asnawi Syazni making dangerous runs into the penalty area in the final few minutes.
The Malaysians defended bravely by making timely clearances and tackles to stop the attacks, and at the final whistle, Brunei was left to rue what could have been if they had taken one of the many chances presented to them.

The Brunei Times

Adi keeps hopes alive

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Saturday, August 16, 2014

BRUNEI withstood a dominant Vietnam side and came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw in Group B of the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy last night.
The two teams are still within reach of the semi-finals as the draw puts both teams on seven points from four games together with Malaysia, who will only play Singapore today.
Adi Said notched a brace for Brunei to bring his tally to a tournament-leading six goals, surpassing his five-goal tally from the previous edition two years ago.
Nguyen Phong Hong Duy and Hoang Thanh Tung got on the scoresheet for Vietnam at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Vietnam got off to a quick start and almost found a breakthrough as early as the fourth minute.
Nguyen Van Toan got the ball around Brunei goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Noor before centreback Reduan Hj Petara made a crucial tackle to prevent the shot.
Vietnam broke the deadlock four minutes later after Van Toan picked out Phong Hong Duy, who drilled a left-footed shot from the right edge of the box through the legs of defender Md Asri Hj Sapar into the bottom right corner.
Brunei were struggling to maintain ball possession as their opponents read their passes well.
In contrast, Vietnam were patient and moved the ball fluidly, leading up to their next goal-scoring chance in the 29th minute.
Nguyen Tuan Ang chipped the ball over the Brunei backline for Van Toan to chase but Azman Ilham did well to rush out and collect the ball.
Brunei finally got their first shot on target via a freekick from 25 yards out in the 34th minute and it proved to be the equaliser.
Adi struck it well over the wall and despite Vietnam keeper Tran Minh Toan going the correct direction, the ball took a dip and bounced into the empty net.
Vietnam responded almost immediately with Van Toan making another run behind the defence but Azman Ilham did well again to get off his line to grab the ball.
Brunei threatened in the 38th minute after Tran fumbled a Mohd Asnawi Syazni Hj Aziz cross from the left but he managed to gather the ball despite Md Aminuddin Zakwan Md Tahir chasing it down.
Vietnam took only three minutes after the interval to get back in front after captain Nguyen Cong Phuong picked out Hoang in the middle to easily fire past Azman Ilham to bring the scores to 2-1.
The Sultanate brought on Abdul Azim Abdul Rashid, who scored two goals against Singapore on Wednesday, to provide more firepower in the 55th minute.
Vietnam continued to dominate and were looking more likely to score again.
In the 61st minute, Cong Phuong picked out Van Toan on the left but the latter’s shot took a crucial deflection to see it go wide off the left post.
They threatened again five minutes later through Pham Trum Tinh but he failed to find the target.
The defending champions only managed their second shot of the encounter in the 71st minute after Adi got the ball to substitute Md Zulkhairy Hady Razali inside the box but the latter fired at the wrong side of the net.
The hosts equalised after a good one-two by Adi and Abdul Azim, allowing the former to slot the ball past the Vietnamese custodian in the 75th minute.
Brunei were down to 10 men in the 86th minute after Mohammad Nur Azees Awang Ali received his second booking for a tackle on Phong Hong Duy.
Vietnam almost took advantage two minutes later but Van Toan could only see his shot in a one-on-one situation against Azman Ilham fly inches off the right post.

The Brunei Times

Brunei manager hails ‘magical’ Adi

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

BRUNEI manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff was full of praise for Adi Said who inspired Brunei to a 3-1 victory over Indonesia in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night.
The striker scored a hat-trick at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas as Brunei moved up to fourth in Group A with three points, behind third-placed Vietnam on goal difference.
Cambodia lead the group with six points, followed by second-placed Malaysia with four.
“I think Adi was fantastic, an excellent player, he played very well in the game, even the first game against Cambodia he played very good and he is now very valuable to us, the magic was there tonight for Adi,” said Hj Feisal during the post conference interview.
“But as we all know, we are one team, all the players worked very hard and they all worked well together in the game.”
The manager also praised goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Noor who made a number of crucial saves throughout the game.
“Goalkeeper had a very good game too, he made a number of good saves.”
“As we all understand Indonesia is one of the strongest team in the tournament, the finalist in 2012, and they have work together for two to three years now, the way they passed the ball and keeping their possession…I admire them,” continued Hj Feisal.
“But of course we cannot be complacent with this first win, I hope that all players will be able to recover before the next game, it is very important for them to recover as we only have one day rest before our next game,” he added.
Brunei made a number of changes in their first-eleven from their first game against Cambodia.
Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Zulkhairy Hady Razali were the most notable absentees in the game.
Muhd Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir and Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunus both started in the midfield for Brunei instead.
“The players played very well and I trusted them to last the 90 minutes and for me that lead to the victory,” said head coach Kwon Oh-son.
“Indonesia weak point is when they are coming back to defend from attacking and they were a bit slow to defend, seeing this we tried to counter attack.”
“Credit to the fans they were very wonderful tonight and thank you for their support,” he added.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah, minister of Culture, Youth and Sports also lauded the performance of the Brunei players.
“Our players have shown an amazing performance and make the supporters as well as the country proud,” YB Pehin Dato Hj Hazair told The Brunei Times soon after the match.
He expressed hope that such performance will be continued and InsyaAllah the team will move forward.
He said the presence of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam greatly boosted the spirit of the players. “The players have stronger drive to emerge victorious,” he said.

The Brunei Times

Brunei bounce back to beat Indonesia 3-1

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

BRUNEI bounced back from their opening day defeat to Cambodia on Saturday by defeating Indonesia 3-1 in Group B of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) last night.
Adi Said produced a heroic performance as a lone striker, bagging a hat-trick at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
[PHOTO: His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam joins the crowd at HBT Brunei-Indonesia match]
[Related story: Malaysia prevail 2-0 against Vietnam]
[Related story: Steady Cambodia down S'pore 3-1]
“I did not expect to score all the goals tonight, but I keep on trying and pushing myself forward to score,” said Adi in an interview with The Bunei Times after game.
“I knew that we were trying to make it solid defensively and I need to work extra hard as I am the only striker playing upfront.
“To score three goals against Indonesia is something very special for me,” he added.
Brunei fielded Adi alone upfront, in a 4-5-1 formation with two natural wingers Mohd Asnawi Syazni Abdul Aziz and Mohd Asri Hj Aspar on both flanks.
They started with Mohd Nurikhwan Othman, Ak Yura Indera Putera Pg Yunus and Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir in midfield.
Muhd Nurikhwan played a deeper role than Ak Yura Indera Putera and Mohd Aminuddin Zakwan, but the partnerships were fluid, and frequently switched around.
All four players are experienced and intelligent enough to make the fluidity work, and took advantage of the freedom to drift around the Indonesian penalty area.
Muhd Nurikhwan, who sat deep in midfield, got more and more time on the ball as Indonesia midfielders were caught too high up the pitch trying to support their striker.
The midfielder exploited this space by taking a bit of time before knocking some incredible long-range passes out wide, but also making a surprising number of forward runs to link up with the forwards.
Brunei started reasonably well closing down the midfield, getting into the faces of Indonesia midfielders, captain Evan Dimas Darmono and Paulo Oktavianus Sitanggang, early on.
The most notable system about Brunei’s attacks were the two wide players, Mohd Asri and Mohd Asnawi, making direct runs down the flanks with striker Adi making his diagonal run behind Indonesian defenders.
The key man however was Adi, who constantly made threatening runs between Indonesia's centre-backs.
His displayed superb control for his first goal in the ninth minute, latching on to a pass from midfield with his right foot, lifted the ball over an Indonesian's defender, before making his way into the penalty box and firing the ball past Indonesia goalkeeper Ravi Mudianto.
Adi doubled Brunei’s goal tally in the 40th minute. This time, he made a strong run at the Indonesian left flank to connect to a long ball.
As he skipped past Indonesian left-back Muhammad Fatchu Rochman, Adi sensed the Indonesian goalkeeper was off his line and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty box in the 40th minute.
With his confidence sky high, Adi made it 3-0 just three minutes later with a wonderful long range dipping shot from 30 metres out to beat the Indonesia’s goalkeeper.
Despite Adi being the hero for the team, the performance of his teammate, goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Mohd Noor, should not be overlooked as the goalkeeper made a number of stunning saves throughout the game to protect Brunei’s lead.
The goalkeeper was forced to make a brilliant one-handed save in the 71st minute when Indonesia’s Ilham Udin Armaiyn took a shot from outside of the penalty box.
Ilham however managed to find the back of the net just a minute later when he easily tapped in Evan’s cross from the left to beat helpless Azman Ilham in goal.
Substitute Mohd Zulkhairy Hady Razali, who came on in the 80th minute for Mohd Asnawi Syazni, should have scored Brunei’s fourth after being set up by Adi.
A swift counter attack initiated by Adi saw Mohd Zulkhairy going one-on-one with the Indonesian goalkeeper, but the striker squandered the chance by firing wide.

The Brunei Times

Thailand set sights on final

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

FOOTBALL fans in the Sultanate will be treated to a very technical Thailand side at this week’s Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.

“We will be using a number of tactics and our players are also very technical and very good with their movement... it will be very technical,” said Somsa Pobpasert in an interview with The Brunei Times at the arrival hall of the Brunei International Airport in Berakas yesterday.

“We were excellent when we played against the other teams in Thailand, but I want to see how do we fare against teams from outside the country and we will try our best.”

The two-time champions beat Myanmar to lift the 2005 edition of the trophy.

They beat Myanmar 5-4 on penalties to lift the crown but sat out the 2012 competition which Brunei won.

Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.

Asked about their chances, the head coach replied: “We still have a chance to win this tournament, even though the training session is not enough, we are targetting the final.”

“We only managed to train for two months but not every day as most of the players are from the national league in Thailand and they have to return to their club every time they are needed,” he said.

“The players are still young, their average age is just 18 to 19 years old and we are looking to build these players for future tournaments.”

According to Somsa this tournament also serves as preparation for their Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Championship in October.

Thailand is drawn in Group A alongside Timor Leste, Laos, Philippines and Myanmar.

They will kick-off their campaign on Friday against Myanmar at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas before facing the Philippines at the same venue on Sunday.

They will play Timor Leste on Tuesday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadum before finishing their group stage campaign against Laos three days later at the Balapan Track and Field.

“Brunei are good, their curve of football development is a little bit higher now. They try to put on a good performance every time and I think in five years, Brunei will be among the top teams in ASEAN,” said Somsa.

Hosts Brunei are in Group B with Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
They will start their campaign against Cambodia on Saturday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

The Brunei Times

Brunei strike late for draw

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Sunday, August 3, 2014

THE national Under-21 football team left it till late to salvage a 1-1 draw against Sabah in a friendly in preparation for next week’s Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT).

Brunei’s Mohd Nurikhwan Othman scored in the 92nd minute to cancel out Marwan Sayedeh’s opener in the 59th minute at the Balapan Track and Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.

DPMM FC players – striker Adi Said, midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris, Najib Hj Tarif and goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Nor – all featured in the game.

Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff was pleased with the result but the manager has yet to decide on his first-11 for the August 9 to 23 tournament.

“A draw is already a good result for us given that we have some injuries in the team and DPMM FC will be playing tomorrow (today) so we cannot have them playing full time,” said the manager in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.

DPMM FC will take on Hougang United FC in the Singapore League (S-League) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas tonight.

“We have three good chances in the game and we were very unlucky not to score, I hope that we can continue the play and the discipline when we take on Sabah again on Tuesday so that we can decide on the starting 11,” added the manager.

Mohd Hendra Azam got the chance to put Brunei ahead at the half-an-hour mark when he was given plenty of space following a poor clearance from Sabah’s defence but the midfielder fired his shot just wide.

Adi missed his golden opportunity to score a few minutes later when he was set through inside the penalty box by winger Asri Hj Aspar from the left but the striker couldn’t find the target.

Winger Asnawi Syazni Hj Aziz also came close to scoring in the 40th minute following a through ball from Mohd Hendra Azam from the midfield but the winger powered his shot just a few inches over the bar.

Adi and Mohd Hendra Azam were taken off at the start of the second-half and Sabah were in control of the game with striker Marwan and midfielder Andre Reinaldo Esponito coming close on multiple occasions, only to be denied by goalkeeper Abdul Hafiz Abdul Rahim who had a brilliant game.

The Malaysian Premier League side continued to control the game and finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when Marwan slammed home Esponito’s cross from the left with a volley to defeat Abdul Hafiz in goal, but Mohd Nurikhwan would come to Brunei’s rescue in the 92nd minute when he headed home Mohd Nur Azees Ali’s cross from the right.

Defending champions Brunei kick off their title defence against Cambodia on Saturday at the regional Under-21 tournament.

They will take on Indonesia on August 11 before facing Singapore two days later.

Brunei will go up against Vietnam on August 16 before locking horns against Malaysia two days later in their final game in the group stage.

The Brunei Times

Four DPMM FC players for HBT

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

DPMM FC yesterday confirmed goalkeeper Azman Ilham Hj Md Nor will be in the national Under-21 football squad for the upcoming Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.
The team was hit with a dilemma after first choice goalkeeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof was dropped from the squad last week after he pleaded guilty to stealing three gas cylinders.
The DPMM FC trio of Adi Said, Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Najib Hj Tarif – who, like Md Fakhrul, won the 2012 HBT – were originally selected to lace up for the country at the August 8-23 biennial competition as overage players.
Azman’s only competitive game of the year came during DPMM FC’s first Singapore League (S-League) match of the season on Feb 23 against Albirex Niigata (S) FC.
Replacing first choice Wardun Yussof, who was carrying a suspension over from last season, Azman did well to keep a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over the Japanese side.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean feels that the quartet’s loss is not the best situation for the club considering they will be without them for the next two S-League matches, but he understands the impact the players are capable of providing at the prestigious HBT – a regional tournament in which the country will be going up against the best players in Southeast Asia.
“They are the four allowed to play, and we hope they will go on to help the country get a positive result,” said Kean in an interview at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
“It is not ideal to be totally honest, but we try to understand that we want a good team for the country and also utilise our squad.
“Others get the opportunity when we miss good players around the squad, and we have to try to juggle both so that we can continue to keep winning and that the national team can also do well,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC are coming off a 2-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United FC in the final of the Singapore League Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Friday, their third triumph in the competition after winning the trophy in 2009 and 2012.
The Sultanate’s only professional team are currently enjoying a short break for Hari Raya Aidil Fitri before returning to training on Thursday in preparation for their S-League match against Hougang United FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Sunday, a key game for the S-League table toppers.
The Brunei side currently lead the 12-team table on 38 points from 18 matches, with three-time defending champions Tampines Rovers close behind on 35 points.
Warriors FC are a further point back while Albirex Niigata (S) FC are on 33 points, while Hougang complete the top-five just another point adrift.
Though Kean is more than happy to give his players some time off to celebrate Hari Raya with their loved ones, he knows how important it is for them not to “slip up on Sunday”.
“Now we have the trophy sitting in the room, we can leave that there and enjoy few days off,” said Kean.
“The boys will have a break and have some time with their family now. Obviously this is an important time, and I respect everybody’s culture.
“We’ve a very fit side shouldn’t have any problems when we start training again.”

The Brunei Times

Indonesia to send Under-19 squad

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

bandar seri begawan

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

INDONESIA will be sending their Under-19 team for next month’s 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.
“We don’t have much information from Jakarta but I heard that Indonesia will be sending their national Under-19 team with some players from the Under-21 team,” said Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Pribadi Sutiono after the draw ceremony at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) House along Jalan Persidangan in Berakas yesterday.
“I was told that the team is a good one and I am looking forward to the tournament,” he said.
“I think we are in a very challenging group but the countries in the other group (Group A) are just as strong… there are a lot of good teams.”

Brunei are in Group B alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and now Indonesia.

Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste and two-time champions Thailand are in Group A.

“We have always competed in this tournament since the beginning in 2002. We were champions at that time and that showed how important the tournament is to us,” said the deputy ambassador.
“This is a very good tournament and a very good one for the Indonesians living here,” he said.
In a previous report by The Brunei Times, national coach Kwon Oh-son said that Thailand and Myanmar are the top contenders in the tournament.
“Both groups are very tough but I think it is a very good draw for Brunei,” said Kwon.
“Vietnam and Singapore are strong and we have not heard much from Cambodia, but they can be a surprise too,” he said.
“I see Thailand and Myanmar as the top contenders in this tournament and it is good that they are in the other group.”

That could have very well changed with the inclusion of Indonesia – the finalist of the last edition of the tournament – in Brunei’s group.


Each country will be able to field five overage players, and DPMM FC have agreed to lend striker Adi Said, midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif to assist the national team.
The two others are centreback Reduan Hj Petara and goalkeeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof.
All five players laced up for Brunei during the last edition as well.

Only three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, have won the tournament since its introduction in 2002.
Brunei beat Indonesia 2-0 to win the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
Thailand, who sat out of the competition two years ago, won the tournament back in 2007 after beating Myanmar 5-4 on penalties.
Thailand beat Myanmar to win the 2005 edition while Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.

The Brunei Times 

Indonesia drawn in Brunei’s group

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

INDONESIA will be competing against Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam in Group B at next month’s 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.

A draw was held for the 2002 champions yesterday after the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) confirmed Indonesia’s last-minute entry for the tournament on Sunday.



Brunei, as the hosts of the competition, were given the option of choosing which group to be drawn in during the draw ceremony held on July 12 and the defending champions chose to be in Group B.
Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste and two-time champions Thailand are pooled in Group A.

NFABD Vice President Pehin Datu Indera Sugara Brigadier General (R) Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof Abu Bakar told The Brunei Times after the draw ceremony at the NFABD House along Jalan Persidangan in Berakas that Indonesia’s participation is one that is very exciting.
“Indonesia are a very important team in the tournament and one of the strongest team in ASEAN and we will always welcome them,” said the vice president.
“It is good to have all the countries competing in the tournament this year and in one way this showed the spirit of unity in ASEAN,” he said.
Thailand were the only team missing from the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
“We have consulted the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) for Indonesia to be included and they were very supportive of it,” he added.
Indonesia was represented by Deputy Ambassador of Indonesia to Brunei Pribadi Sutiono at the draw ceremony.
“The decision to join the tournament was made by PSSI (The Football Association of Indonesia),” said Sutiono.
“There was an internal arrangement made two days ago by them, but from our side at the Indonesia embassy, we just received the news only yesterday,” he said.
The inclusion of Indonesia will affect the fixture of the August 9-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
The tournament will now kick-off with three matches on August 8.
The Philippines are scheduled to play Laos at the Berakas Sports Complex at 8.15pm in Group A.
Myanmar will go up against Thailand at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex at 8.15pm in the other Group A match while Malaysia take on Indonesia at the same venue at 4pm in Group B.
Hosts Brunei will start their campaign against Cambodia at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on August 9 before playing Indonesia on August 11.
They will go up against Singapore two days later on August 13 and face Vietnam on August 16.
Brunei will end their group stage matches against Malaysia two days later.

The Brunei Times

Brunei in Group B

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh & Yee Chun Leong

Bandar Seri Begawan

Sunday, July 13, 2014

BRUNEI have chosen to be in Group B at next month’s 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.
The Sultanate, as the hosts of the competition, were given the option of choosing which group to be drawn in and the defending champions chose to be grouped alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste and two-time champions Thailand will be pooled in Group A.
Last year’s finalist, Indonesia, are the only ASEAN country missing at the August 8-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
Present as the guest of honour during the draw ceremony at the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam House in Berakas yesterday was National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) President His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah and his son YAM Pg Muda ‘Abdul ‘Aleem.
HRH believed that Brunei will have a good chance at doing well at the biennial competition.
“I hope Brunei can do well as we have chances to win. I feel that we are in the easier group and the toughest team should be Vietnam,” said HRH.
“It depends on the players as they have to work hard and be committed.
“There are no excuses such as fasting in Ramadhan. The important thing is the mental side when they are ready to play. There is no choice,” added the NFABD President.
Also present at the ceremony was the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah.
The tournament will kick-off with two Group A matches on August 8.
Philippines will play Laos at the Berakas Sports Complex while the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex will see Myanmar go up against Thailand.
Both matches will start at 8.15pm.
Brunei will kick-off their campaign against Cambodia at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on August 9 before playing Singapore four days later on August 13.
They will face their biggest test in the group when they play Vietnam on August 16 before ending their group stage matches against Malaysia two days later.
Brunei beat Indonesia 2-0 to win the last edition of the tournament in 2012.
The HBT is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of improving friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
The tournament aims at attracting the best football teams in Southeast Asia, and at the same time, to expose ASEAN to the world in sports.
Only three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, have won the tournament since its introduction in 2002.
Thailand, who sat out of the competition two years ago, won the tournament back in 2007 after beating Myanmar 5-4 on penalties.
Thailand beat Myanmar to win the 2005 edition while Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.

The Brunei Times

Coach Kwon happy with Brunei’s grouping

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

Bandar Seri Begawan

Sunday, July 13, 2014

HEAD coach Kwon Oh-son is happy to be in Group B following the draw ceremony for the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship yesterday.
Brunei, as the hosts, chose to be in Group B alongside Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam at the August 9-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
Group A comprise Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Timor Leste and two times champions Thailand.
“Both groups are very tough but I think it is a very good draw for Brunei,” said coach Kwon in an interview with The Brunei Times yesterday.
“Vietnam and Singapore are strong and we have not heard much from Cambodia, but they can be a surprise too,” he said.
“I see Thailand and Myanmar as the top contenders in this tournament and it is good that they are in the other group.”
Team Manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff echoed Kwon’s sentiments but insisted that either group is just as tough as the other.
“It is still not going to be easy as we will be facing Vietnam, who is one of the strongest in the region and we also have received information that Vietnam have just got back from a two-month training stint in Japan,” said the manager.
“Malaysia and Singapore also have been very active with their own local leagues and tournaments and I don’t think that this is an easy group to be in,” he added.
The national team have been training continuously since January and there are currently 26 players in the squad.
“When we first started, we hadmore than 300 players, but now we have only 26 players remaining. At the end of the day we will only need 18 players,” said assistant coach Hj Mohd Rosanan Abdullah Samak.
“There is still no date for the final selection of players and, for now, we are just going to focus on our training,”
“Most players came from clubs from the national leagues (DST Super League and Premier League), mainly from Indera Sports Club (SC), Najip FC and some from IKLS,” he said.
The organisers announced on Wednesday that each team will be able to bring in five overage players, and DPMM FC have agreed to lend striker Adi Said, midfielders Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif to assist the national team.
It was revealed by coach Kwon yesterday that the two other overage players are centreback Reduan Hj Petara and goalkeeper Md Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof.
“I am very thankful to DPMM FC for allowing their players to help us in the tournament. They are the best team in the country and they got the best players,” said Kwon.
”We have prepared for the tournament, we will try our best,” said Kwon.

The Brunei Times

Thailand set eyes on semis

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, July 13, 2014

TWO-time champions Thailand are aiming to make it to at least the semi-finals of the 5th Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Championship.
Champions in 2005 and 2007, the ASEAN football powerhouses were the only team who didn’t participate in the last edition two years ago.
This year they have been drawn in Group A together with Myanmar, Laos, Timor Leste and the Philippines.
Hosts and defending champions Brunei chose to be in Group B alongside Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Previous runners-up Indonesia will not be participating in the tournament this year.
Chuchart Puentaing, the Thailand team coordinator, is hoping his charges can progress into the last-four and is happy to be drawn into Group A.
“I think that we are lucky. I’m happy that we are in the first group,” said Chuchart after the draw ceremony yesterday at the NFABD (National Football Association Brunei Darussalam) House in Berakas.
“We hope that Myanmar will be bringing the Under-19 team to compete. We will be playing against them in the same group at the Under-19 AFC tournament.
“I feel that Group B is tougher with Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore as well as the hosts Brunei,” he added.
“We have been working for over the past one month and we have our players from the Premier League ready as well.
“We know what we have to do. We cannot say anything in football especially on what happened to Brazil (in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals).
“But we are aiming to at least make it into the semi-finals. We are expecting a good tournament,” he concluded.

The Brunei Times

Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy set for next month

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, July 10, 2014

THE highly anticipated Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy has been confirmed for next month.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), except for Indonesia, every other ASEAN country - plus Timor Leste - have already confirmed their participation for the August 9-23 regional Under-21 tournament.
Joining hosts Brunei in the fifth edition of the tournament are Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor Leste - and all the participating countries are expected to arrive in the Sultanate on August 6.
The draw for the tournament will be held on Saturday.
Brunei beat Indonesia 2-0 to win the last edition of the tournament in 2012, and organisers are still awaiting news of their participation.
“Indonesia is a very important team as we all know that they are the finalist of the tournament two years ago, but we are not sure whether they will take part in the HBT this year - but we will find out in the next few days,” said MCYS Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar at a press conference yesterday.
“The tournament will be sanctioned by the AFF (Asean Football Federation) and we and NFABD have consulted the AFF for the best time to organise this tournament, and it was very challenging for us to accommodate… (the) schedule and timing for the tournament,” added Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid, who is also the chairman of the tournament’s organising committee.
Among other issues that were raised during the press conference at the Conference Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas were tournament venues, ticketing and crowd control.
The matches will take place at three venues: the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, the Balapan Track and Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex and the Berakas Sports Complex.
“The issue regarding crowd control is one of the greatest challenge for us as we all know that the current capacity of the stadium (Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium) is quite limited, but we have identified a couple of measures to avoid problems in the future,” said Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid.
“We also addressed the issue of tickets distribution and security control to ensure a better and safer environment this time around, and we are hoping to have another successful tournament again this year,” he added.
Organisers spent nearly $1.7 million to ensure the 2012 edition of the tournament would run smoothly.
The HBT is the brainchild of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who desired that an Under-21 football tournament be organised with the aim of improving friendship and understanding between Southeast Asian youth through sports.
The tournament aims at attracting the best football teams in Southeast Asia, and at the same time, to expose ASEAN to the world in sports.

According to a previous article in The Brunei Times, it was back in 1997 when His Majesty first mooted the idea of a football tournament among the ASEAN member states.
An extract of His Majesty's Titah when he visited the Institute of Diplomatic And Foreign Relations, Kuala Lumpur on August 27, 1997, as follows:
“Having our best and brightest students, our future leaders, immersed in another ASEAN country will deepen their understanding and allow them to form valuable networks.”
“Second, I observe that sports can reach out to people in all walks of life. Of all spectator sports, soccer has the greatest following in Southeast Asia.”
“Having an ASEAN or Southeast Asian soccer league will deepen the awareness of ordinary people of ASEAN countries.”
“Let all the best teams of our region compete in the league. If Europe can have a European League, Latin-America a Latin-American League and Africa its African League, why is there not a Southeast Asia League?”

The Brunei Times

HBT team target semi-final

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Thursday, July 10, 2014

THE national Under-21 football team is targeting a place in the semi-final of next month’s Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.
Coming into the tournament as the defending champions after defeating Indonesia 2-0 in the last final in 2012, Brunei is looking to replicate their success at the August 9 to 23 tournament.
Second-half goals from Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir and Adi Said at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium helped Brunei to lift their first HBT title since its inauguration in 2002, and there is no doubt that there is pressure on the hosts to perform well.
“The tournament will be quite tough and expectations from the public are very high as we have won the previous edition of the tournament,” said the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports’ (MCYS) Permanent Secretary Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Mohd Jaafar, who is also the chairman of the tournament’s committee, during a press conference yesterday.
“We are hoping that we can qualify for the second round and play in the semi-final, and we also hope that we will get the full support from the public in the tournament.
“Anything can happen in football but the national team has been practicing since January under national coach Kwon Oh-son.
“Currently we have 26 players training in the team and the number will be cut down to 20 players, and then we will have the final selection to choose 18 players.
“But the main challenge for the management of the team will be putting the best 11 players for the tournament,” he added.
Most of the players have laced up in regional tournaments such as the Malaysia Games (SUKMA), Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and tournaments oganised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The organisers also have announced that each team will be able to bring in five overage players, but only three will be allowed to play in each match.
“DPMM FC have cooperated to let three players - Adi Said, Mohd Hendra Azam Mohd Idris and Mohd Najib Hj Tarif - assist the national team,” continued Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid.
“We also will be getting sponsorship from Lotto, a company from Singapore to supply the sports facilities and equipment for the national team in the tournament,” he added.
Najib captained the side that won the tournament in 2012, during which he and Hendra played key midfield roles.
Adi, meanwhile, finished with five goals to his name alongside Indonesia's Andik Vermansyah – with Myanmar captain Kyaw Zayar Win ending as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.
The striker was named the best player of the tournament, his 75th minute goal in the final giving Brunei a two-goal lead which secured victory.
Except for Brunei's final group stage game against Timor Leste, which Adi had to sit out due to suspension, he was on the scoresheet in every other match the Sultanate played in during 2012 -scoring a goal each against Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia in the group stage and finding the net during the 3-2 win against Myanmar in the semis.
Only three countries: Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, have won the tournament since its introduction in 2002.
Thailand, who sat out of the competition two years ago, won the tournament back in 2007 by beating Myanmar 5-4 on penalties. Thailand also beat Myanmar to lift the 2005 edition of the trophy while Indonesia won the inaugural competition in 2002.


The Brunei Times

HBT trials continue today

Yee Chun Leong

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

TRIALS for the Hassanal Bolkiah Tophy (HBT) will reach its pinnacle by the end of the week.
A total of 108 players have been selected over tests in all four districts over the past week and the number is down to 60 after last night’s session at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.
The players were separated into teams and competed in 20-minute matches. They were then selected by a panel of coaching staff based on their performance to progress into the next phase of the selection.
The remainder of the batch will continue training from tomorrow to Saturday to narrow down the number of players to 30.
These players will then undergo intensive training starting Monday at the Youth Centre in the capital.
National football coach Kwon Oh-son was impressed by the performance of the players last night and is hoping to see more of it over the next couple of days.
“There are some special players who are impressive and very good. They have good speed and skills,” said Kwon in an interview with The Brunei Times last night.
“Football skill is the most important trait that we are looking for at the moment. From there we will let them undergo training to improve further. Some of them have very good potential,” he added.
“We need players with good spirit and also good scoring ability. We are searching for those who have the ability to create for their teammates and also to score
Kwon went on to thank the parents, coming from all districts, for their continuous support and having to put in sacrifices to bring their children to attend the trials.
Team manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff was also delighted with the pool of talent that was unearthed throughout the trials.
“I’m happy with the performance of the players from all districts. They have shown that Brunei have got good potential in football,” said Hj Feisal.
“There are a lot of talented players, some aged 16 or 17. We will look at the best 30 players but will also retain the rest of them to continue training and development with other coaches,” he said.
Hj Feisal also wants the players to concentrate on football and not let anything bother them.
“I want the players to focus only on training and do their best in football. The management will do their best to handle whatever is necessary in terms of welfare with the Ministry (of Culture, Youth and Sports),” said Hj Feisal.
The HBT — a biennial football tournament for Under-21 ASEAN countries — is slated to kick off in April, with a date yet to be confirmed.
The Sultanate are the defending champions after defeating Indonesia 2-0 in the final at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas two years ago.

The Brunei Times

Want to play at the HBT?

SERI BEGAWAN

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

THE Department of Youth and Sports yesterday announced that it will be holding nation-wide trials to select Under-21 players to represent the country at next year’s 2014 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy.
Open to the public, the trials for the regional meet - of which its date is yet to be confirmed - kicks off at the Tutong Sports Complex on Friday and will run from 8-11am.
The Balapan Track & Field at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas will host the Brunei-Muara try-out on Saturday at 7pm.
The Mumong Sports Complex will be the venue for the Belait district trials from 2-6pm on Sunday while the Temburong Sports Complex will host the Temburong district trials from 3-6pm on Monday.
Interested footballers must be either Brunei citizens or permanent residents and must bring their identity cards with them to the trials.
The team’s manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff can be contacted at 8776655 for further details.
Hosts Brunei are the tournament’s defending champions after beating Indonesia 2-0 in 2012.

The Brunei Times