DPMM FC were held to a goalless draw by Albirex Niigata (S) in the Singapore Premier League 2024/2025 season at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.
The match represents the first time two teams fired blanks since a league tie between Tampines Rovers FC and Geylang International FC during the Eastern Derby at the Our Tampines Hub in October 2022.
Despite taking a much-needed point, the winless run extends to nine appearances and a first since newly-appointed head coach took control of the team.
DPMM FC forward Hakeme Yazid bin Said whipped in a decent cross to the box but Farshad Noor could not keep his header down to trouble Albirex Niigata (S) goalkeeper Hassan Sunny.
The visitors nearly unlocked the Brunei defence through a set-piece as an attacker missed the target following a cross from Daniel Goh.
After surrendering the ball, Hakeme Yazid’s persistence of regaining possession was rewarded before breaking into the opposition box.
Miguel Oliveira took aim and forced Hassan into making a save with a decent effort from the edge of the box.
As the hosts broke on the counter, Azwan Ali Rahman’s goal-bound effort was spectacularly blocked by Stevia Egbus Mikuni after receiving a cutback from Oliveira.
Hakeme Yazid sensed an opportunity after the ball was left unattended from a corner but his shot was too tame to trouble the goalkeeper.
DPMM FC foreign import Julio Cruz received the ball on the edge of the box but could not get enough purchase in his shot enabling Hassan to collect the ball with ease.
The home side were unfortunate not to take the lead as Cruz smashed his shot against the crossbar after a cutback from Gabriel Gama.
The hosts had goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski to thank for after pulling a good stop to deny a free-kick from Albirex Niigata (S) midfielder Yohei Otake at the end of normal time.
With both sides desperate for the winner, Oliveira found space deep into injury time but his attempted shot into the far bottom corner was saved by Hassan. – Fadhil Yunus
