Najip FC's Md Daud Hj Tengah (L) in action against MIISA United
during their Brunei FA Cup match yesterday. Picture: BT/ Jason Thomas
Saturday, July 7, 2012
NAJIP FC shifted gears in the second half to beat MIISA United 3-0
yesterday, booking their berth in the second round of the Brunei FA Cup.Though they controlled play and possession for most of the match, Najip were only able to make their advantage count just past the hour mark after a quick brace against a tiring MIISA paved the way for the win at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Mohd Asril Kubu scored during a one-on-one after a defence-splitting pass in the 61st minute, and though MIISA replaced their goalkeeper soon after, it was 2-0 in the 65th after Mohd Alisofian Hj Akbar tapped in a cross from Sahrul Hj Sabatu on the left.
Sahrul provided the third goal as well with another well-weighted cross from the left two minutes from time, Sumardi Aiadin getting on the scoresheet this time.
"What I wanted the players to do ... They didn't get the picture until the second half," explained Najip's coach Admirul Rizal Arbi.
"I wanted them to play short passes to tire (MIISA) ... and it worked to our advantage."
MIISA, who were hoping to avenge their 6-2 loss to Najip in their DST National Football League encounter in January, had their chances but just didn't take them.
Their strongest period of pressure came at the start of the second half, triggered by a shot from Md Faisal Ali which hit the woodwork.
Though MIISA might think their poor finishing was to blame for the loss, their one-dimensional game which called for captain Shari Hj Mat Jaino to pump long balls into the attacking third was not enough to seriously trouble Najip's back four.
Najip's fluid counter-attacks were always going to be a problem for MIISA, especially when defender Kassim Jafar was shown his second yellow in the 80th minute after a harsh tackle.
Sewira FC edged Perda FC 3-2 in yesterday's other game.-Jason ThomasThe Brunei Times
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