DPMM FC’s unbeaten home record in the Singapore Premier League came to an end following a 3-0 defeat to Young Lions at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.
It marked a first loss for the Gegar Gegar men since September 18, 2019 when they lifted the league title for a second time.
The hosts have also been beaten twice in three matches by Young Lions having previously been undefeated in their head-to-head meetings. The visitors’ fifth win of the season put them on identical points as the Brunei-based outfit who remain sixth.
The national development side also enjoyed a second successive clean sheet against the Bruneians having also won 3-0 in their previous meeting.
The home midfielder Abdul Hariz Herman saw his first-time effort end just wide after reacting to a loose ball on the edge of the box.
With Miguel Oliveira venturing forward with purpose, Hakeme Yazid Said could not get the proper contact following Julio Cruz dummied ball. The visiting midfielder Kan Kobayashi produced an appetising cross which was delightfully controlled by Itsuki Enomoto. The Japanese forward took on his marker before drilling a low shot from a tight angle past goalkeeper Haimie Abdullah Nyaring.
Young Lions head coach Nazri Nasir pulled off a masterstroke substitution as Fairuz Fazli pounced on the far post to slam home with Enomoto turning provider.
Fairuz returned the favour with their third after clipping the ball to Enomoto who provided a thumping header into the net.
DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie had to be alert to keep out a stinging free-kick from Young Lions’ Jonan Tan.
Enomoto, who scored twice against DPMM FC in their last meeting, was close to getting his hat-trick but could only send his header wide following a corner.
The hosts looked to deny their opponents a clean sheet but Julio Cruz could not get a clear strike after goalkeeper Aizil Yazid had parried the ball into his path. – Fadhil Yunus
