Young and dangerous BESA FC cruise past Liverpool SC

Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, July 8, 2012

BESA FC eased past Liverpool SC 3-1 in their first round match of the Brunei FA Cup at the Balapan Sports Complex last night.

BESA FC always looked to be the more dangerous team with Mohd Iswandi Hj Hamdan presenting the first real threat of the match in the opening minutes, firing a long drive which Liverpool SC goalkeeper had to palm away at the far post.

Teammate Mohd Norhafiz Hj Abdul Wahab would not be denied, his attempt finding the back of the net to give BESA FC their 1-0 lead in just the fourth minute.

Liverpool SC's Nurhamdaney Md Zain tried to level the score with a shot from just outside the box but BESA FC goalkeeper Mohd Hasif Hj Amdan parried the ball to help his team keep their advantage going into the second half.

BESA FC's Mohd Fidaus Wasli came close to doubling his team's lead when he successfully beat his defenders before firing a shot just wide of the post.

He would not make the same mistake on his next attempt, this time heading the ball past the keeper in the 80th minute to make it 2-0 to BESA FC.

Liverpool SC would cut the lead to 2-1 when Mohd Hilfi Zolkipli headed a cross by Ak Hafizuddin Pg Hassanuddin into the goal past the caught-off-guard defenders and goalkeeper in the 85th minute.

Failure to clear the ball from the box almost cost BESA FC their lead but Mohd Fazreny Mohd Idrus attempt flew straight into the hands of Mohd Hasif.

Liverpool SC started to ramp up the pressure on their opponents in search of an equaliser.

But it was BESA FC who found the net once again, this time through Md Aqqimul Hishamuddin Sambri who struck from 25-metres out to beat the goalkeeper in the 90th minute.

"I am happy with my players' performance tonight. Most of the players are new and young. The goalscorer Aqqimul Hishamuddin is only 16 years old and half of the squad members are only 17 to 19 years old," said Besa FC manager Hj Mesli Hj Dullah.

"This is their first time competing in a national football tournament. They were a bit nervous. But they did very well in the game." he said.The Brunei Times