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Sunday, April 27, 2014

Mardi Mirza brace puts QAF FC on top


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Sunday, April 27, 2014

QAF FC recorded a 2-1 triumph against Kilanas FC in a clash at the Balapan Track and Field, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night.

In the other game, the Royal Brunei Police Forces Sports Council (MS PDB) squandered the opportunity to top the league table, succumbing to a 4-3 loss to Wijaya FC.

A brace from QAF FC captain Mardi Mirza Abdullah Bujang in the first half was enough to put his team level on points with sixth placed Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (LLRC FT), but they remain in seventh on goal difference.

The game started brightly for QAF FC. Striker Petrus Jumat sliced through the Kilanas FC defence easily before sending the ball directly into the hands of the keeper.

Kilanas FC would be the team to strike first.

Abd Qohaar @ Isa Ibrahim struck in the 7th minute to give his team the lead. He connected with a cross from the right flank before finding space to slot the ball to the left past the keeper.

The early goal was not enough to prevent Kilanas FC from falling to their eighth loss this season, the most in the 10-team league.

QAF FC struggled to cope with the runs of their opponents and were lucky to not find themselves down 2-0 when Kurmin @ Ridwhan Awang Hj Bini’s attempt struck the post in the ninth minute following a poor clearance.

QAF FC could not find a way past Kilanas FC’s defence and resorted to long balls.

They finally scored their equaliser via a free kick, QAF FC captain Mardi Mirza stepping up to the ball before curling it into the left corner in the 26th minute.

Kilanas FC’s defence began to crumble and Mardi Mirza gave his team the 2-1 lead in the 38th minute.
The QAF FC captain drilled his shot into the right hand corner of the net after receiving a pass from Mohd Adie Arsham Mohd Saleh.

The second half started like the first with both teams playing from the wings.

Kilanas FC should have levelled the match in the 59th minute but Abang Hazim Abang Hadzman failed to convert on a clear header.

QAF FC’s defence struggled to match the pace and skill of Kilanas FC’s Mohd Nor Hidayatullah Hj Zaini who, unfortunately, could not convert a host of chances.

His best opportunity came in the 72th minute from a run into the box but his shot was saved by the QAF FC keeper.

QAF FC looked vulnerable in the closing minutes but they managed to hold on for the win.

“It was amazing to score the two goals tonight and carry my team into a victory, especially since we lost our previous two matches,” said Mardi Mirza.

“It was disappointing to see that on several occasions we didn’t have good finishing. It would’ve made our result better if we had done so.”

Kilanas FC coach Emzah Chuchu, despite another loss, still sounded resolute and confident in his team’s efforts but expressed frustration at their lack of luck during the match.

“Tonight we played well as a team. Teamwork was our key. Eventhough we had those chances to break through and get some solid shots in, we should’ve had better finishing overall. If we did, we probably would’ve scored a goal or two,” said the coach.

“The players and the trainers do practice hard so it’s disappointing to see that our efforts haven’t come along as well as we thought.”

Wijaya FC, meanwhile, now sit in fifth spot following their win over at the Berakas Sports Complex.

Wijaya FC opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Jamri Johari and Khalil Saab scored the second in the 45th minute to make it 2-0

More goals were to come in the second half as MS PDB’s Cpl Rosmini Hj Abd Kahar scored in the 51st minute to make it 2-1.

Wijaya FC responded by scoring the next two goals in quick succession, Jamri and Khalil Saab finding the back of the net in the 56th and 59th minute respectively.

MS PDB fought back with a second goal from Cpl Rosmini in the 69th minute and Pc Md Nazirul Arsat scored in the 76th minute but they ran out of time in search of the equaliser.

The Brunei Times

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