DPMM FC bowed out of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup for the 2023-2024 season following a 2-1 defeat to Yangon United in the Preliminary Round 2 at the Thuwunna Stadium in Myanmar yesterday.
The Gegar Gegar men looked to fashion the opening goal of the game as forward Hakeme Yazid bin Said tried his luck from distance.
The local star looked lively in the early proceedings as his free-kick went straight to the path of Yangon United goalkeeper San Set Naing.
The Myanmar outfit had their moments as well as DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski pushed away a decent effort from midfielder Zaw Win Thein.
The hosts were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute but fortunately for the Bruneian side, Sekou Sylla failed to convert.
Just moments later, Sylla looked to make amends as he ventured forward before releasing David Htan, who drew a good save from the DPMM FC goalkeeper.
The Brunei outfit had their best chance of the game when Azwan Ali Rahman teed his brother Abdul Azizi Ali Rahman with a through pass but the latter’s effort cleared the bar.
Yangon continued to pile the pressure on the DPMM FC defence in the second half, with Kristijan easily the busier of the two goalkeepers.
The foreign import managed to save an effort from Sekou Sylla before pulling off another fine stop to deny a Yangon player.
The Bruneians, who have not been at their best with their league form, took the lead against the run of play as substitute Farshah Noor produced a fine low strike from outside the box.
But within a minute later, the Lions equalised as Jose Adolfo Valencia buried a fine header home beyond the reach of Kristijan following a superb cross from Zaw Win Thein.
The Brunei-based team were dealt a killer blow as the hosts found the winner through Zaw Win Thein in injury time much to the delight of head coach Gerd Zeise.
The build-up to the goal witnessed a neat exchange of passes between Jose Adolfo Valencia and Sekou before the former laid on the plate for his teammate to guide the ball into the net.
Yangon United will now play Indonesia side PSM Makassar in the Playoff Round for a place in the group stage of the competition. – Fadhil Yunus
