Bringing football fever back

Friday, October 26, 2012

IT WAS as if football had never left Brunei.

Despite Brunei serving a two year ban by FIFA from international football, the Sultanate's only professional club DPMM FC find themselves neck to neck with Tampines Rovers FC in the race for the Singapore League (S-League) title.

The Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) was deregistered from the Registrar of Societies in November 2008 for failing to submit its activity and financial reports as requested.

It was then suspended by FIFA for government interference during its executive committee meeting in September 2009.

The ban was lifted on May 30, 2011 thanks to the normalisation committee, which was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, who is now the Honorary President of the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD), during FIFA's annual congress.

Defending champions Tampines currently lead the Bruneian side by one point with both teams having a final game to play.

Both teams will take to the field next Friday with DPMM FC taking on Balestier Khalsa FC while the Stags play Harimau Muda (Malaysian national Under-23 team).

A win alone will not be enough for DPMM FC to hoist the trophy, they will also be praying for a Tampines slip up.

A Tampines win will mean DPMM FC end the season at second, an impressive feat for a squad that have been missing from competitive football in two years.

But DPMM FC head coach Vjeran Simunic has set his eyes on victory in their final match of the season at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.

"In the last 23 games, we were never relaxed. We played 200 per cent in every game," said Simunic.

He attributed Wednesday's 3-1 win against Hougang United FC as one of the most crucial.

"The win makes us concentrate more and we must not lose that confidence," said the head coach.

"Hougang is a wonderful team... we were under a lot of pressure in that game but we showed why we are one of the best teams in the region," he said.

But the coach knows that the fate of his team lies in the hands of a under-powered Harimau Muda, currently missing a number of players called up for national duty.

"Tampines have really good players and if Harimau Muda does not play their full team... the match between these two clubs will be a 50-50 (toss up)," said Simunic.

The Croatian added that even if they were to finish the season as runner-ups, it would be a fantastic result for the team whose initial target was to secure a top-five finish in the league.

Simunic also used the opportunity to call out all Brunei fans to provide their full support for the club come Friday.

"For this last game, I expect at least 30,000 or more people to come and support the team," he said.

The Brunei Times

Controversy at the AFF Suzuki Cup

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, October 21, 2012

THE ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup 2012 Qualifiers maybe over but there is still plenty of buzz surrounding the Oct 5-13 event with allegations surfacing on the net of match fixing for the last day of matches.

Myanmar and Laos played out to a 0-0 draw last Saturday. The result left Brunei with no chance of qualifying for the tournament proper to be held from Nov 24 - Dec 22. It also meant that Timor Leste needed at least a draw to qualify.

Brunei, however, defied the odds to put up a remarkable performance to stun the latter 2-1 to put both Myanmar and Laos through.

Two documents can be found on the net and it has gathered large interest but there is no authenticity to the rumours.

The first was a letter surfacing on Thursday claiming to be from a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent stating that the Laos Football Federation and Myanmar Football Federation had bribed the respective referees for the matches.

Yesterday saw another fax emerge claiming to be from FIFA in regards to the corresponding letter.

The letter states that " ... both teams, Laos and Myanmar, are disqualified from the tournament and will be banned from taking the next qualification round of ASEAN Football Championship. Brunei and Timor Leste are promoted to the proper group stage of the tournament ... the six referees will terminate refereeing from FIFA and a fine imposed on them ... "

One key note about the letter and fax is that both were written poorly.

The National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) declined to comment but told The Brunei Times that they are currently looking into the matter.

Myanmar ended the qualifiers at the top of the five-team table and will be in Group A with Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Laos, the runners-up, and will be in Group B with Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

The Brunei Times

Keep focus, DPMM FC team told

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, October 21, 2012

DPMM FC's head coach Vjeran Simunic urges his players to stay focussed when they face Woodlands Wellington FC tonight at 7.45 pm at the Woodlands Stadium in Singapore.

"We are now only concentrating on the game against Woodlands, I have a respect for Woodlands even though they are now in a bad position in the league, DPMM FC still cannot take them lightly. As we all know there were many surprise results in the past and we cannot judge the team by their position in the league. So I need them to be fully focused tomorrow," said Simunic in an interview with The Brunei Times on Friday.

The Croatian also demands his players to take each game individually as they enter the final three games of the Singapore League (S-League) this season. DPMM FC will face Hougang United FC on Wednesday and Balestier Khalsa FC on November 2.

"We targeted to finish at top 5 in the S-League this year and I am already happy that we managed to do that.

"If we are to finish second this year it is still an achievement for us after three years of no professional football and moreover we have won one title this year, the Singapore League Cup. However, Harimau Muda is not an easy opponent for the Tampines, if we manage to win and Tampines drop points we still can win the league," Simunic added.

Mathematically it is still possible for the DPMM FC to steal the S-League title away from titleholders Tampines Rover FC, but they have to win all their three matches and hope that Harimau Muda will be able to at least hold Tampines Rover FC to a draw.

Tampines Rover FC defeated SAF FC 3-2 on Friday at the Jalan Besar Stadium to cement their place at the top of the league.

The last time both teams met in the league saw DPMM FC defeated Woodlands Wellington FC 3-0 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on April 27.

DPMM FC will be without their key central defender Tales Ricarte dos Santos for the rest of their S-League campaign after suffering a knee injury.

"That is one problem for me, he is our key defender and he will be out for the rest of the season. He needs an operation for his right knee.

"After the game against Home United, he totally cannot play anymore," Simunic continued.

"But luckily, we had a long break, it was a nice break and we recovered Pg Salehuddin Pg Damit from injury. He is ready now and will replace Santos in defence for the rest of the season," added Simunic.

The Brazilian centre-back will be flying back home to Brazil to get a treatment.

"I got this injury after the Harimau Muda game. When we played against Home United FC, I was not 100 per cent (fit). Then I went to check for MRI and they said I got problem with my right knee," Santos said.

"I will go back to Brazil, hopefully next week, to get treatment there. I will only be back in February next year so I will miss the remaining matches in S-League." he added. The Brunei Times

Wasps sting Timor Leste

Sunday, October 14, 2012

BRUNEI ended their ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers on a high note after sending Timor Leste packing with a 2-1 victory at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon last night.

The Wasps only had bragging rights to play for as they were already out of the running after the earlier match between Myanmar and Laos, both who qualified, ended in a 0-0 draw.

Timor Leste needed at least a draw to make it into the tournament proper scheduled from Nov 24 Dec 22, but goals by Adi Said and Muhd Azwan Ali Rahman in each half handed Brunei the victory.

The result means Brunei have won all of their three encounters against Timor Leste, defeating them 3-2 during the 2006 edition of the qualifiers in Cambodia and 4-1 during the 2008 edition in Cambodia.

Brunei end this year's campaign fourth in the five-team table with six points, with Timor Leste ahead on goal difference. Myanmar go through with 10 while Laos finish with seven.

Brunei made six changes from the starting lineup that featured in the 3-1 loss to Laos on Thursday, the most notable being the DPMM FC duo of striker Shahrazen Said and left-back Sairol Hj Sahari who were out due to food poisoning and a knee injury respectively.

Timor Leste, on the other hand, were without striker Murilo Almeida who was serving a one game suspension for picking up two yellow cards.

The tournament's top scorers with nine goals heading into last night's tie, Timor Leste also had the height and size advantage though Brunei seemed unfazed.

Timor Leste almost broke the deadlock in the opening minute but saw the ball cleared off the line, and Diogo Santos Rangel had a chance to put Timor Leste ahead in the 15th but saw his effort deflected just wide for a corner.

Brunei goalkeeper Wardun Yussof easily handled the ensuing corner-kick and launched a quick goal-kick which led to Adi scoring on the other end.

The ball took a hard bounce in midfield and Timor Leste defender Anggisu Barbosa slipped and allowed Adi through on goal the foward confidently slotting the ball past Timor Leste shotstopper Emerson Cesario to give the Sultanate the lead.

Cesario was called into action again in the 24th minute as he had to keep out a long range effort by Mohd Haizul Rani Metusin.

The Sultanate's backline was keeping the Timor Leste attack at bay, denying them any clear-cut chances.

Timor Leste were delivering the ball into the box but never seriously threatened Wardun, thought they had another good chance to equalise just before the break with an attempt by Emilio Da Silva rolling across the face of the Brunei goal.

Brunei almost doubled their lead in the 65th minute with Ak Muhd Fakharazzi Pg Hj Hassan and Muhd Helmi Zambin playing a quick one-two on the right before the latter sent in a cross, which Md Najib Hj Tarif couldnt control for a better shot.

Wardun made sure that Brunei stayed ahead in the 70th minute after diving to the right to save an Alan Pinheiro shot, and three minutes later, Muhd Azwan Ali Rahman had a good chance to make it 2-0 but fired hopelessly wide despite only having the goalkeeper to beat. He would made amends for his mistake soon after though.

He was the fastest to the rebound after captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis had unleashed a shot from outside the box and Cesario fumbled it, slotting home past the goalkeeper's right and going on to celebrate with the rest of the team.

Timor Leste weren't done yet though, and pulled one back in the 79th minute after Jesse Pinto headed home.

They were firing on all cylinders in search of the equaliser which would see them qualify and came close when Pinheiro saw his free-kick bounce off the right post in injury time.

However, it all went wrong when Adi sent in a cross which was met by Wellinto Rocha dos Santos and Cesario picked up the ball with the referee calling a foul on a backpass.

It ignited protests by the Timor Leste players but it spelt the end of their campaign.

National football head coach Kwon Oh-son was all smiles after the win.

"It was a good game. We came prepared and I'm satisfied with the performance of my players," Kwon told The Brunei Times.

"We knew we couldn't qualify anymore but I told the players to never give up and they responded well," added the South Korean.

Timor Leste's head coach Emerson Alcantara also praised his players for their efforts.

"That is why I love football, it is always full of surprises," said the Brazilian.

"We played together as a family and I think we have earned the respect of the other countries in the region."

The Brunei Times

Brunei's mission impossible

YEE CHUN LEONG
YAN GON, MYANMAR

Saturday, October 13, 2012

IT IS "mission impossible" for Brunei in their last match against Timor Leste in the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup 2012 Qualifiers.

The Wasps were handed a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Laos on Thursday, giving them an uphill task in their last match.

The national football team must not only win by at least a four-goal margin to give them a chance to make it into the tournament proper from Nov 24 - Dec 22, but Myanmar must also defeat Laos in their match today.

Brunei's biggest victory in the competition came in 2008 in Cambodia when they strolled to a 4-1 victory over Timor Leste.

The latter, however, have come of age and are a force to be reckoned with. They are the best offensive team thus far with nine goals and they have let in only four.

National football coach Kwon Oh-son knows the task at hand and can only hope for the best from his players.

"I just hope that the players will do their best on the field. Timor Leste are a tough and good team with many naturalised players featuring in different leagues in the region," Kwon said.

"Our players are tired but they will still give it their all. We will go out prepared and try to get that good result," he added.

"Timor Leste will be well rested for the game while we are still recovering. We just have to maintain our mental attitude and play as one mind for a chance," continued the South Korean.

The head coach highlighted the fact that Timor Leste are a well-balanced team with players comfortable in most positions, who have plenty of experience playing in leagues around the world such as in Portugal and Korea.

However, they will be missing midfielder Lamberto Gama, who is out after picking up two yellow cards in the competition.

Team manager Hj Feisal Hj Eusoff is still upset about the refereeing in the last game, especially with the four crucial calls that were made against the team, and hopes that the officiating will improve.

"There was a foul for our opponents' first goal as defender Helmi (Zambin) was clipped by the Laos striker (Kovanh Namthavixay) and fell. It left him open to score," Hj Feisal said.

"Even the first penalty shouldn't have been given because Azwan (Ali Rahman) had got the ball first on the tackle before the opponent fell. There was no contact at all with the challenge from Afi (Aminuddin) resulting in the second penalty given," he added.

"Even the last call in injury time was bogus as the referee only changed his mind on giving another penalty when the linesman called otherwise. The judgement of the referees cost us the match. The players were demotivated and lost focus from all the wrong calls," continued Hj Feisal.

But the manager is looking to forget the let down and is eyeing a positive result in the last game.

"We have to go all out tomorrow (Saturday). I leave it to the players to make it possible. We have to continue to work hard and be united," Hj Feisal said.

"We will never give up and we hope to come out at the winning end regardless of qualifying or not."

Emerson Alcantara, meanwhile, is looking for his team to qualify for the first time for the tournament proper, but he is not being overconfident.

"I respect Brunei because they are a good team. This is football and it is full of surprises. Let us play and finish the game," said Alcantara, who led his side to their first triumph in competition history with a 5-1 thumping of Cambodia last Friday.

"We are confident heading into the game and we want to get the results. Nothing is easy in football but it should be a good match," the Brazilian added.

The match kicks off at 6pm local time (7.30pm Brunei time).

The first match between Myanmar and Laos starts at 3pm.

The Brunei Times

Wasps pay dear penalties

Continued on Page A36

Friday, October 12, 2012

TWO second half penalties spelt the end of Brunei's chances of qualifying for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup yesterday.

The national football team fell 3-1 to Laos in the AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon, the result putting them fourth in the five-team table with three points from as many games.

It is still mathematically possible for the Wasps to advance to next month's tournament proper though, but they have to beat Timor Leste by four goals in their final match tomorrow and hope that Myanmar defeat Laos.

The hosts look certain to clinch one of the two berths on offer with their 3-0 win over Cambodia in yesterday's second game, and will be seeking for a perfect four out of four when they take on Laos in tomorrow's other match.

This however is not set in stone as wins by Timor Leste and Laos would put the three teams on nine points each with goal difference deciding who would qualify for the tournament proper.

Dominating possession, Laos had the first chance of the game in the 10th minute after Ketsada Souksavanh fired a low shot which was saved by Wardun Yussof, the attempt coming after he had a free-kick which failed to clear the wall.

Brunei should have taken the lead three minutes later when Laos goalkeeper Sengphachan Bounthisanh dropped the ball in the box, allowing Muhd Azwan Ali Rahman to feed Md Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir on the right.

Md Aminuddin, though, could only send his attempt wide.

Brunei broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis curled in a long-range free-kick to the top-left corner after Md Najib Hj Tarif had been brought down by Saynakhonevient Phommapanya.

The Wasps almost doubled their lead in the 33rd minute, Shahrazen Said sending in a cross from the right which Md Najib got his head to but saw his effort sail just wide.

Laos equalised a minute later after a slip by Muhd Afi Aminuddin saw Kovanh Namthavixay gather the ball inside the box and chip it past Wardun.

The Sultanate had a good chance to go back in front three minutes before the break when Rosmin's free-kick was met by Adi Said, who saw his backward header hit the crossbar.

Brunei were given a let-off early in the second half when going on a counterattack, Khampheng Sayavutthi outran the Brunei defence and fired at goal from just outside the box only to be denied by the crossbar.

The rebound was met by captain Visay Phaphouvannin, and though he had time to place his shot, his effort from some eight metres out was well off target.

Brunei fell behind on the hour mark when Laos were awarded a penalty after Sairol Hj Sahari brought Visay down in the box, and though Khampheng had to retake the spot kick, he made no mistake either time.

Brunei almost equalised in the 64th minute but Sengphachan put up a good save to prevent Muhd Azwan from scoring, and the Laos shot-stopper was also called to action in the 71st minute when he had to clear his line to deny Shahrazen.

Muhd Azwan found the back of the net a minute later after heading in a cross from the left but was ruled out for offside.

The Sultanate suffered a huge setback eight minutes from time after Laos were awarded a controversial penalty.

Soukaphone Vongchiengkham went down easily after Muhd Afi's challenge but the referee pointed to the spot, and substitute Kanlaya Sysomvang sent Wardun the wrong way to put his team up 3-1.

However, there was more drama before the final whistle as the referee once again pointed to the spot after judging that Sairol had brought down another Laos player though he would later change his mind and award Brunei a free-kick.

The Brunei Times

'Refs cost Brunei AFF Suzuki Cup qualification'

Yee Chun Leong
YANGON, MYANMAR

Friday, October 12, 2012

THE Sultanate's fate at the AFF (ASEAN Football Federation) Suzuki Cup 2012 Qualifiers may very well be handed to them by the referees.

The national football team fell to a 3-1 loss at the hands of Laos yesterday at the Youth Training Centre in Yangon.

The referee gave Laos two penalties in the second half that sealed the win for them.

With both teams tied with three points each prior to the game, a draw or a win would have kept Brunei's hopes alive on making it to the tournament proper to be held from Nov 24 - Dec 22.

They now have to beat Timor Leste by a four-goal margin and hope that Myanmar, who have virtually secured one of the two berths, beat Laos tomorrow.

National football coach Kwon Oh-son was upset with the decisions made by the referees yesterday and felt that some of the calls were unjust.

"The game was decided by the referee. There has been continuous development of football in the ASEAN region with players and coaches but the quality of referees is not keeping pace," said Kwon after the loss.

"The quality of football is getting better and we have many supporters of the game. The referees need to improve," he added.

Muhd Afi Aminuddin was judged to have brought down Soukaphone Vongchiengkham in the 82nd minute inside the box.

Kwon disagrees with the decision as the latter had gone down easily to win the spot kick.

"I thought it was a good and clean tackle. The referee got it wrong on that one," said Kwon.

Nonetheless, the South Korean also felt that the level of fitness of his team was not ready for back-to-back matches.

"We prepared ourselves mentally and physically for the match but we lacked the fitness compared to our opponents," said Kwon.

"We have only trained together for a short term. There was not enough recovery for the players to play back-to-back games. They couldn't play to their best performance," he added.

Laos head coach Kokichi Kimura, manwhile, was glad to take all three points to their hopes alive on qualification.

"If we lost today (Thursday) then we would have no chance to play in the next round," said Kimura.

"It was not an easy game but it was important that we pick up the three points," he added.

Myanmar have won all three of their matches so far and are at the top of the five-team table with nine points.

However, they are not guaranteed a berth yet should both Timor Leste and Laos win their matches by the appropriate margins.

The Brunei Times