DPMM FC moved to fifth in the Singapore Premier League after they were made to settle with a 2-2 draw with Balestier Khalsa FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Friday.
The Gegar Gegar men were denied a second victory in three games after the designated visitors left it late in the tenth minute of stoppage time.
The Brunei-based outfit stole possession in their own half and wasted no time breaking forward leading to Balestier goalkeeper Hafiz Ahmad saving Julio Cruz’s shot.
DPMM FC forward Gabriel Gama retrieved the loose ball and cleverly displayed a skill which his legendary countryman Ronaldinho would have been proud of.
With his marker seemingly caught cold by his trickery, he sets up the in-form Hakeme Yazid who planted his header with aplomb in the near post.
However, the visitors replied as Riku Fukashiro bundled home Kodai Tanaka’s cushioned header despite best efforts from the Bruneian defence to clear the ball off the line.
DPMM FC regained the lead three minutes before the break as Gabriel neatly placed his shot beyond Hafiz with Julio credited with an assist.
The Tigers were reduced to ten men after defender Madhu Mohana was sent off after a VAR review discovered an alleged use of an elbow.
With virtually the last attack of the game, Ismail Sassi leapt past the Brunei defence to head home the leveller after reacting to Masahiro Sugita’s inviting cross.
Jamie McAllister’s charges will entertain current league leaders Tampines Rovers next at home at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on September 22. – FADHIL YUNUS
