DPMM FC began their campaign in the Selangor KUSEL Asia Challenge 2024 with a crushing 4-0 loss at the hands of Selangor at the Stadium MBPJ at Kelana Jaya in Selangor, Malaysia on Friday.
The Gegar Gegar men continued their preparations ahead of the upcoming Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2024-2025 season with a pre-season tour while the hosts are preparing ahead of a mouth-watering clash in the Malaysia Super League opener against champions Johor Darul Ta’zim FC on May 10.
With newly-appointed head coach Rui Capela Batista opening his tenure with a 3-1 win against Guangxi Pingguo Haliao Guojing Football Team, the Malaysian giants proved to be a tougher test as Jordanian midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh broke the deadlock in the 15th minute.
The goal came from a set-piece with Noor pouncing on a loose ball past DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski after Venezuelan midfielder Yohandry Orozco had initially floated in a ball into the area.
The Red Giants doubled their lead in the half an hour mark as Cape Verdean winger Fortes showed good composure to slot the ball home after reacting to a long ball.
The visitors had a rare opportunity as Portuguese forward Miguel Oliveira saw his shot graze against the woodwork albeit from a tight angle.
Noor fired his second of the game in the 57th minute after leaving Kristijan rooted to the spot with the lively Faisal Halim setting up an assist and threatening the Bruneians’ defence.
The DPMM FC goalkeeper pulled off a reaction save to deny Fortes from close range whose shot had bounced off the ground.
Fortes added a fourth for his team and a personal brace after resisting the marking of the Bruneian defence and pulling off a decent strike to beat the goalkeeper.
Victory put Selangor firmly on top of the four-team table with Balestier Khalsa sitting second following a narrow 1-0 win over Laotian side Young Elephants in an earlier kick-off.
DPMM FC will look to return to winning ways when they return to action today. – Fadhil Yunus
