Kota Ranger hold MS ABDB

The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) team members pose for a photo before their game against Kota Rangers FC at the Tutong Sports Complex. Picture: Courtesy of DST Super League

NADZIRAH MALEK-WEBB

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Sunday, May 8, 2016

DEFENDING champions The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) were held to a goalless (0-0) draw against newly promoted Kota Ranger FC in a DST Super League at the Tutong Sports Complex last night. The army men remained at the summit of the 10-team table with 16 points followed by Wijaya in second with 12 points while Tabuan Muda Under-21 (national under-21 team) sit at third with 10 points.

The match also marked as the final match of the first round of the DST Super League. The second round has yet to be confirmed by the National Football Association Brunei Darussalam (NFABD).

In an interview with The Brunei Times, MS ABDB’s manager Major (A) Razanol Hardi Abd Razak lamented the draw but hoped that his team will be ready for the second round of the league.

“I’m disappointed with the draw especially when we created several chances but failed to materialise throughout the match,” said Major (A) Razanol.

“However, Kota Ranger played very well tonight (last night) - defensively.

“There’s no point in worrying too much about what had happened because now we have to be ready for the second round.

“As I said before, winning the title was tough, but defending the title is a lot more difficult - so let’s see how we do in the second round,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the DST Premier League continues today with Setia Perdana facing Brunei Shell Recreation Centre (BSRC) FT at Tutong Sports Complex, while IKLS FC will take on Panchor Murai FC at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex.

Another match will see a clash between BESA FC against Rimba Star FC at the Berakas Sports Complex.

All matches are scheduled to start at 4pm.

The Brunei Times

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2016 - STANDING

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2016 - RESULT

Wijaya move up to second

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

NADZIRAH MALEK-WEBB

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

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

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2016 - STANDING

DST SUPER LEAGUE 2016 - RESULT