Defending champions MS ABDB held to a 1-1 draw

Fadhil Yunus

Defending champions MS ABDB were held to a 1-1 draw against Wijaya FC in the Brunei Super League at the Berakas Sports Complex yesterday.

MS ABDB forward Fadhli Haji Salleh made it four goals in two league appearances this season after opening the scoring in the 14th minute but Wijaya new boy Brian Lim Yong Song hit back with his first goal for the club in the 27th minute.

The army personnel fashioned a chance as Fadhli took an effort first time with a volley after latching on to a hoisted ball from a teammate but he could not keep his shot on target.

Moments later, he helped his team into the lead after brilliantly skipping past his marker before slotting the ball home past Wijaya FC goalkeeper Awangku Ashraf bin Pengiran Haledi.

Wijaya’s experienced player Afindi Yati bin Tuah proved a menace down the left side with his intelligent runs and lashed his effort wide from range as MD ABDB started over with a goal-kick.

The Ong Sum Ping-based club pushed forward on the right hand side as Brian Lim took an excellent touch following a quick passage of play before drilling home a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

Afindi produced a ferocious attempt which MS ABDB goalkeeper Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari, who made his first league start this season, got strong hands on to before a free-kick in favour of the army personnel cut the threat short.

Wijaya’s set-piece specialist Jamrin Johari produced a fine delivery into the box as Abi Syarilizam Sabtu stuck out a header onto the ball on the far post but it was easy for Tarmizi.

Fadhli had a decent chance late into the first half after the ball broke onto his path but contrived to hit the side-netting with Wijaya FC goalkeeper Awangku Ashraf closing him down.

As both teams went in search of the winner in the second half, MS ABDB had a free-kick on target but Awangku Ashraf tipped the ball away for a corner before another opportunity came passing by, prompting scenes of players kneeling down in frustration.

Wijaya’s Afindi Yati reacted to a loose ball but his effort cleared the bar amid a crowded box while on the other end Haris Danial Haji Khalliden’s attempted lob flew past the goal with time slowly fading.

MS ABDB and Wijaya FC players in action during the Brunei Super League match at Berakas Sports Complex. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS