Fadhil Yunus
MS ABDB will start the second leg in the quarterfinal of the Brunei FA Cup 2022 with a two-goal advantage after defeating fierce rivals MS PPDB 3-1 in an eagerly-contested first leg at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday.
The police personnel looked to create an opening in the early periods of the match with team captain Mohd Zulkhairi Haji Mohd Salleh lashing out a speculative effort from distance.
The hosts were allowed to venture forward in the box but Nazirrudin Haji Ismail could not make the opportunity count with his first-time effort causing minimal concern to MS ABDB goalkeeper Muhammad Ishyra Asmin Mohd Jabidi.
Despite the good work from the hosts, the army personnel pulled ahead as Muhammad Hariz Danial bin Haji Khallidden steered his shot into the bottom corner after meeting a cross from a teammate.
The visitors threatened again with Mohammad Abdul Firdaus Zoeleffndi getting a shot despite being closely marked, but MS PPDB goalkeeper Salman Sinchun was kept alert.
MS ABDB, who are record winners in the competition, doubled their lead as Muhammad Rahimin Abdul Ghani pounced on a loose ball to drill home a fine finish after Sinchun had initially saved Muhammad Hariz Danial’s effort.
MS PPDB, who had contested the last two finals of the competition, came close with Nizamuddin @ Nurmanuddin Haji Ismail switching flanks to see his shot float wide.
Both sides were also forced to make early changes as Muhammad Farish Aryan Abdul Rahman was replaced by Muhammad Ridfi Meludin in the 19th minute, while Muhammad Saiful Ammar Haji Adis limped off the field with Radin Reimy taking his place three minutes before the break.
Despite all the promise, the army personnel went on a break as Muhammad Rahimin raced clear before slotting home past a stranded Sinchun for the third goal of the game.
But the police personnel, who normally play their home matches at the Hassanal Bolkiah Mini Stadium, were handed a glimpse of hope in the second leg after Abdul Azim Abdul Rasid reduced the arrears in injury time.
