Fadhil Yunus
DPMM FC earned their first win of the season in the Singapore Premier League after a 2-1 victory over 10-man Tanjong Pagar United at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
Blake Ricciuto provided the first opportunity of the game after attempting a curled effort into the low post which was dealt with by DPMM FC goalkeeper Akmal Tursunbaev who dived to make the save.
Tanjong Pagar had the best chance to open the scoring when forward Marin Mudrazija appeared to release his shot but DPMM FC defender Hirzi Zulfaqar Mahzan came to the aid with a crucial sliding tackle.
Having prevented DPMM FC from falling behind, Hirzi Zulfaqar unfortunately turned the ball into his own net after Shakir Hamzah initially crossed for Marin Mudrazija.
DPMM FC tried to carve an opening in the game as Azwan Ali Rahman delivered a good ball to striker-in-chief Andrei Varankou whose shot was deflected off for a corner.
DPMM FC defender Hirzi Zulfaqar Mahzan made a goal-line clearance to prevent what would have been an own goal.
The referee had also made a VAR review for a possible handball but no penalty was given.
The Bruneians, who started the second half with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, replied with a leveller after Andrei Varankou produced a stunning strike in the 56th minute.
The designated hosts then had a man advantage after Tanjong Pagar defender Raihan Rahman was sent off just a minute later.
The visitors refused to back down despite the numerical disadvantage as Naqiuddin Eunos – whose only goal in the Singapore Premier League came against DPMM FC 49 games ago when he was in Young Lions’ colours – forced a wonderful save by the DPMM FC goalkeeper.
The rejuvenated Bruneians looked to take the lead but Varankou’s effort was too straight for Tanjong Pagar goalkeeper to scupper his effort after receiving an inviting ball from substitute Azizi Ali Rahman.
DPMM FC finally had a lead to hold onto as Jaguars’ defence was caught napping from a set piece, enabling Hanif Hamir to pounce with a header.
As the Bruneians got numbers forward, Varankou had a good chance to kill the game off but it did not matter in the end as the final whistle was blown shortly after to signal the end of the match.
