DPMM FC suffered their first defeat of the season following a 2-0 loss to Lion City Sailors in the Singapore Premier League at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
It marked the first defeat of Rui Capela Batista’s reign as the newly-appointed head coach since taking charge before the start of the season. The Gegar Gegar men have enjoyed consecutive wins with the showdown against Lion City Sailors serving as an opportunity to send a statement on their ambitions.
The Brunei-based outfit had a half chance of taking the lead after Julio Cruz’s powerful shot struck the upright with Lion City Sailors shot-stopper Zharfan Rohaizad beaten.
The visitors also had an opportunity on the other end but a header dropped kindly to DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski. The Sailors broke on the counter as Maxime Lestienne fed an on-rushing Shawal Anuar whose first touch led him down much to the relief of the Bruneian defence.
Their pressure paid off as Shawal redeemed himself finishing the ball with a perfect volley at the end of a Toni Datkovic’s cross.
The impressive Lestienne sealed the tie after curling a stunning finish home just before the final whistle. – Fadhil Yunus
