Brunei Darussalam national under-19 team concluded their campaign in the ASEAN Under-19 Boys’ Championships with their heads held high following a modest 2-0 loss to Singapore at the Gelora 10 November Stadium in Surabaya, Indonesia recently.
The Young Wasps had endured a torrid time on the pitch following a heavy 11-0 defeat at the hands of Malaysia in their group opener.
After suffering a double-digit loss, most perhaps fancied a repeat but Brunei managed to minimise the damage against Thailand in a 6-0 loss.
Brunei national under-19 captain Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah proved an inspiration after an individual move that saw him burst clear of an opponent and forced reinforcements to interfere and make a clearance.
As they bowed out of the regional showpiece, Singapore’s Yazir Nizamudin’s fizzing shot stung the palms of Brunei’s goalkeeper Wa’ie Haziq.
The young Singaporeans opened the scoring as midfielder Sahoo Garv showed composure on the box to ease past the defence before finding a decent finish.
The Cubs came close in adding a second as Wa’ie Haziq tipped away a free-kick from Fairuz Fazli Koh into the upright.
Sahoo’s dribbling ability proved a nuisance to the Bruneian defence as Abdul Hafiy Herman found out as his protests of the penalty award was waved off.
The Young Lions player stepped up and converted from the spot to double his side’s lead and complete his brace.
It turned out to be the end of a scoring affair as under-19 head coach Aminuddin Jumat’s young charges were able to shut out any advances after the break. – FADHIL YUNUS
