A Wijaya FC player (L) kicks the ball during their DST Super League game against Tabuan Muda Under-21 at the Berakas Sport Complex last night. Picture: BT/Yusri Adanan
Saturday, May 7, 2016
WIJAYA FC moved up to second in the DST Super League after a 2-1 win against Tabuan Muda Under-21 (national under-21 team) last night.
Wijaya now have 12 points and are three points adrift of defending champions the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB).
Khalil Saab had a chance to open the scoring for Wijaya in the 10th minute but failed to capitalise on a cross from the left when his shot was saved by Tabuan’s 18-year-old goalkeeper, Haimie Anak Nyaring.
The match at the Berakas Sports Complex could have gone either way but Wijaya’s Ak Anaqi Sufi Pg Omar Baki had a shot which missed the goal post from a counter-attack in the 43rd minute, and in the second half, he had a free-kick which was blocked by Tabuan Muda’s wall of defenders.
However, Abd Azim Abd Rashid latched onto the deflection and scored the first goal of the night for Wijaya.
Tabuan created plenty of chances in the second half, most notably in the 57th minute when Md Shafie Hj Md Effendy saw an attempt sail wide after a counter-attack.
Wijaya pushed on for more goals but an own goal from Badrul Anak Bujang in the 77th minute disrupted their momentum.
Badrul attempted to clear a corner from Tabuan’s Md Asnawi Syazni Abd Aziz, but his shot went into the back of his own net.
The equaliser gave the Young Wasps momentum but it was Wijaya which netted next after Khalil scored after receiving a pass from Mohd Shah Azahar Abdullah Ahar in the 81st minute.
Wijaya’s head coach Mahdini Hj Mohammad was pleased with his team’s victory and praised his team’s effort - especially in the second half.
“The match could have gone either way - especially in the second half,” said Mahdini in a post-match interview.
“I’m proud of my team as they were able to keep calm and focused.
“There were plenty of chances for both of the teams, but in tonight’s match, luck was on our side,” he added.
Wijaya finished fourth last season with 31 points and have targeted a top-three finish this year.
“We are pushing for top three this year, but it will be tough against strong teams such as MS ABDB and Najip I-Team,” said Mahdini.
“MS ABDB are a consistent team - physically and mentally - so realistically, we hope we can finish behind them,” he added.
Yesterday’s DST Premier League action saw Menglait FC breeze past Kilanas FC 6-0 at the Berakas Sports Complex.
DST Super League play continues tonight with MS ABDB facing last season’s DST Premier League champions Kota Ranger FC at the Tutong Sports Complex at 8:15pm.
The Brunei Times
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