His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office witnessed the match between Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia that ended in 6-0 defeat to the Bruneians.
Accompanying His Royal Highness were Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Also present were Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah; Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman; and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah.
The Bruneian team, who suffered a 6-0 defeat in the first round held last week at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, presented a strong effort during the Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium yesterday.
Both teams were never lacking in launching attacks and had several dangerous attempts in the opponent’s half in the opening minutes.
The first corner kick for the national team was taken in the fifth minute of the game but was easily cleared by the Indonesian national players, ultimately leading to their opening goal from a simple shot by the Garuda striker Hokky Caraka Brilliant.
Following that goal, the Shin Tae Yong-led squad continued to build up attacks, resulting in their second goal scored by Egy Maulana Vikri.
Hokky Caraka Brilliant scored his second goal to make the halftime score Brunei Darussalam 0-3 Indonesia. The second half started quickly with Indonesia relentlessly launching attacks until they earned a penalty kick after a foul by a Bruneian player. Witan Sulaeman didn’t miss the opportunity to score his team’s fourth goal. Another goal was scored by Rizky Ridho Ramadhani.
The stadium, packed with over 17,000 supporters, was once again electrified by Ramadhan Sananta’s goal, resulting in a final score of 0-6.
Despite their defeat on home ground, Mario Rivera Campesino’s squad deserves praise for putting up a valiant effort against the agile Indonesian team. – Adib Noor
