DPMM FC secured qualification to the semifinals of the 2024-2025 Singapore Cup after finishing runners-up in Group ‘A’.
The Gegar Gegar men recorded seven points in second place and trailed group winners Tampines Rovers who finished with 10 points.
The Brunei-based side were not in action during the final round of fixtures, but Tampines confirmed their position as group winners following an emphatic 5-1 rout of Hougang United.
In the decisive match-up, the Cheetahs were hunting for a knock-out place knowing a win would usurp DPMM FC into second place.
However, the four-time Singapore Cup winners ensured qualification and a place in the last four to continue their hopes for a fifth crown in Singapore’s premier cup competition.
The two qualified teams will join Lion City Sailors and BG Pathum United, who finished winners and runners-up of Group ‘B’ respectively.
DPMM FC’s reward for qualifying into the knock-out phase will be a meeting with Lion City Sailors with a two-legged tie on April 22 and May 6.
The Brunei-based outfit, whose best place in the competition is a final appearance in 2018, will be hoping to provide a bright spark to their season following their struggles in the Singapore Premier League.
The 2018 finalists have been steadily running deep in the competition after reaching their third consecutive semifinal appearance, though they did not feature in the 2022 edition.
Following the end of the international break, DPMM FC head coach Jamie McAllister’s charges will return to league action against Lion City Sailors on April 13 before playing Albirex Niigata (S) six days later. – Fadhil Yunus
