DPMM FC maintained their unbeaten start in the 2024-2025 after winning 2-0 against Young Lions in Group ‘A’ at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
The Gegar Gegar men moved top of Group ‘A’ after collecting four points in two matches separated by goal difference with Tampines Rovers FC.
The visitors were awarded a penalty after Young Lions goalkeeper Aizil Yazid clattered into an attacker before Davis Ikaunikes converted from the spot in the eighth minute.
Miguel Oliveira found space to create an opening after a brilliant run but his effort sailed wide, preferring to shoot rather than passing the ball to a teammate.
The match was bereft with clear-cut chances with DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski having a relaxed game than he did in past matches.
Just before the break, the Young Lions finally registered their first shot on target but Ethan Pinto could only manage a tame shot into the arms of Naumovski following a cushioned pass from Kan Kobayashi.
The Bruneians doubled the lead in the 71st minute after a classic counterattacking move with wonderful piece of play from Azwan Ali Rahman and Miguel Oliveira.
The captain- who is enjoying a good game- bursts forward before releasing Oliveira with a precise before the latter retrieved the ball with a perfect first touch to go past his felled marker.
The Portuguese still had work to do as he rounded off the goalkeeper before applying a composed finish amid the best efforts of the Young Lions defender to make a clearance.
Young Lions perhaps got their best chance of the game as Danish Qayyum forced a double save from Naumovski.
The substitute connected a lofted ball from Kaisei Ogawa but the DPMM FC goalkeeper unorthodoxly saved his initial attempt before steering the ball out of play for a corner on the rebound.
It went from bad to worse for the hosts after being reduced to 10 men.
The Young Lions goalkeeper caught Hariz Danial Khallidden in a reckless challenge and went on the referee’s books.
The incident necessitated a VAR review for a potential sending off and it took the referee a short time to make his decision and overturn the yellow into red.
The Young Lions had Amir Syafiz in goal for the remaining minutes of stoppage time, before the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the match.
DPMM FC’s next match in the Singapore Cup will be against Albirex Niigata (S) on March 3. – Fadhil Yunus
