MS ABDB crowned DST Super League champions

May 1, 2019

|     Fadhil Yunus     |

MS ABDB were formally announced as the champions of the DST Super League for a historic fourth time despite the match coming to a premature end with Kota Ranger FC leading 1-0 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

The two teams were not able to complete their final league match of the season amid the heavy downpour as the match was only contested in the opening half.

The army personnel have long cemented the league championship as they waited for the official trophy presentation ceremony since early March.

But Kota Ranger FC, fresh from a DST FA Cup triumph, came into the tie as the first team that ended the duopoly rule between Indera SC and MS ABDB in winning major trophies.

As Kota Ranger ventured forward, Hardy Anak Bujang set up Muhd Asyraffahmi bin Norsam who decently struck a low effort in which MS ABDB shot-stopper Md Burhanuddin bin Haji Edy Asmady smothered the ball away.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin with MS ABDB players, coaching staff and management. – FADHIL YUNUS

Muhd Hafis bin Haji Mahari was a constant threat for Kota Ranger with his mazy dribbling and his improvised back-heel to Hardy resulted in the ball sailing just wide off the mark.

The champions’ got the ball into the back of the net through a header but their joy was short-lived after the goal was ruled out for offside.

As if the attacking endeavours of Muhd Asyraffahmi were not enough, Muhd Fathurrahman bin Embran gave the army’s back-line a multitude of problems and he came close in breaking the deadlock.

Despite being closed down, he managed to get his shot which flew just wide much to the relief of the goalkeeper.

MS ABDB could not live with the pace of Muhd Asyraffahmi who was fouled in the box, leaving the referee no hesitation but to point to the spot for a penalty.

The pacey forward sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to establish a 1-0 lead with about five minutes of the first half to play.

But then, heavy rain lashed the pitch just before the end of normal time and it was perhaps wise to have the length of injury time shortened due to inclement weather.

The match was not continued as the league’s top three teams prepared to collect their medals.

Wijaya secured third place for the second time in three years, losing out second place on goal difference. Kasuka FC, who challenged the eventual winners for the league crown, sealed the runners-up spot.