The Brunei Darussalam national team are one foot away from advancing into the third round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifiers defeating Macau 3-0 in the first leg of the playoff round at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.
The national team enjoyed a significant milestone having achieved a record-breaking fourth successive victory and a third consecutive clean sheet.
Brunei star Hakeme Yazid bin Said saw his attempt from range end onto the hands of Macau goalkeeper in what appeared to be a sign of promise for the hosts.
After a bright spell in possession, the home side were finally rewarded as Hakeme Yazid stabbed home the opener in the 31st minute.
With the national team invading the opposition box, a teammate lofted a fine ball with Hakeme’s header crashing into the upright.
But the young forward duly converted the rebound to send the crowd into raptures and hand Jamie McAllister’s tenure into a positive start. The visitors provided minimal threat to Brunei’s goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring as only a shot from Leung Chi Seng was deflected and a low effort from captain Chan Man proved a cause of concern. Once play resumed in the second half, the home side approached the game with energy and intensity as Nazirrudin Ismail’s goal was chalked off for offside.
The disallowed goal spurred the hosts on as Hakeme Yazid charged with interest before his curled attempt forced a despairing dive from Ho Man Fai.
Shortly after, Nazirrudin sent a cross into the far post with Hariz Danial waiting but it was just too high for the latter to get any sort of contact. The Wasps, who are looking for a fourth consecutive victory, doubled their cushion as Mohammad Nazry Aiman guided the ball home after the visiting defence failed to clear Hakeme Yazid’s corner.
The hosts found a third as Abdul Hariz Herman, who opened his international account, drilled home a fine finish after being teed up by Azwan Ali. With the second leg in mind, Brunei made personnel changes as Muhd Faturrahman Embran and Mohammad Khairil Shahme made way for Azwan and Nazirrudin. Brunei’s defence was as resounding as the attack clearly typified as the returning substitute Muhammad Wafi Aminuddin showed strength to brush off any advances from Leong Lek Hang.
Brunei and Macau will play second leg on September 10 at the Centro Desportivo Olimpico. – Fadhil Yunus
