DPMM FC fell to their second consecutive defeat in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) 2024/2025 following a 4-2 loss to Balestier Khalsa at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore last night.
The Brunei-based side came into the match amid uncertainty of the team’s head coach following news that Rui Capela Batista will be leaving the club due to personal news.
But, the shocking news did not appear to deter the visitors as foreign import Julio Cruz connected Hakeme Yazid Said with a header in the fifth minute.
The Gegar Gegar men could not hang on to their lead as Amiruldin Asraf rifled home a finish in the 36th minute following a cutback from Riku Fukashiro.
The hosts doubled their lead as defender Amer Hakeem nipped behind his marker to flick the ball home after meeting Madhu Mohana’s long throw-in.
Balestier Khalsa looked for an advancing player in the box but the visiting defence inspired by Syafiq Safiuddin cleared the ball to safety. The experienced Mohana launched another dangerous throw-in which Hakeem leapt well to direct the ball towards goal only for DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski to pull off a magnificent save.
However, the rebound fell to a Balestier Khalsa player as Ismail Sassi powered home his side’s third goal of the match.
The home side extended their lead as Riku split open the Bruneian defence with a well timed pass before Ignatius Ang placed his shot into the bottom corner.
The Tigers should have added a fifth but Asraf dragged his side wide when put on goal by a reverse pass from Sassi.
DPMM FC pulled one back as Gabriel Gama ghosted behind the Balestier Khalsa defence to slot the ball home past goalkeeper Hafiz Ahmad with Cruz turning provider.
The Bruneians’ high press caused the outstretched defence to overplay their pass as Azwan Ali Rahman released a ball for Miguel Oliveira who found himself only the goalkeeper in his radar. Nevertheless, the Portuguese’s shot ended straight at the under-21 goalkeeper. He had another chance to score but Hafiz stood firm to deny him a consolation. The final whistle could spell Rui Capela Batista’s final match in charge of the Bruneians just five months following his appointment as head coach. – Fadhil Yunus
