KOTA RANGER REMAIN UNBEATEN WITH WIN OVER JERUDONG FC

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

KOTA RANGER extended their unbeaten run in the DST Super League to seven games after edging Jerudong FC 3-2 last night.

They remain second in the 10-team standings just behind on goal difference from MS ABDB (Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council), who defeated Kasuka FC 3-1 in the other match at the Tutong Sports Complex.

Md Fathurrahman Embran (L) of Kota Ranger defended by AK Md Aliyul Azim Pg Metalie. Picture: Yee Chun Leong

Kota Ranger, who were missing their topscorer Abu Bakar Mahari through suspension, had the best of starts with Md Fathurrahman Embran scoring the opener inside the first minute at the Balapan Track & Field in Berakas.

Jerudong equalised 15 minutes later courtesy of Yansen Effendi to see both teams tied at 1-1 at halftime.

Kota Ranger regained the lead in the 54th minute through Md Hairun Ikhwan Kusno.

They built a two-goal cushion after Ampuan Md Nurul Azami Ampuan Hussin headed home Md Akid Arif Hj Sujono’s cross from the left to make it 3-1.

Jerudong kept themselves in the game with Md Arif Ali Rahman netting with a dipping shot from the edge of the box two minutes later

Kota Ranger almost added more icing on the cake off a corner kick late on but Md Amalul Ariffin Shah Said’s shot was cleared off the line by a Jerudong defender.

Md Hairun Ikhwan Kusno (L) of Kota Ranger in action. Picture: Yee Chun Leong

Kota Ranger head coach Md Nazib Hj Ali felt that possession was key to their victory.

“The game was very tight tonight (Friday night). We didn’t underestimate Jerudong eventhough they are the underdogs,” said Nazib in an interview with BruSports News after the victory.

“They gave us a good fight and what we tried to do was keep ball possession and luckily we won.

“We wanted to stay top the table we knew that MS ABDB were winning,” he added.

Abu Suffian Hj Adanan (2nd R) of Kota Ranger surrounded by Jerudong players. Picture: Yee Chun Leong

MS ABDB DISPATCH KASUKA TO REMAIN TOP OF TABLE

MS ABDB also secured their seventh straight win with a 3-1 triumph over Kasuka FC at the Tutong Sports Complex.

Md Yusri Suhaili broke the deadlock in the 11th minute before Razimie Ramlli doubled their lead six minutes before the halftime whistle.

The armymen needed only three minutes after the interval to add to their tally with Abd Azizi Ali Rahman netting his 12th goal of the season.

Md Esmendy Ibrahim then netted a consolation for Kasuka in the 76th minute.