The Wasps show good signs of progression after a recent win in the FIFA series match
Undoubtedly the most popular sport in the country, football carries a weighty sense of expectation among its followers when evaluating the state and progress of current football affairs.
Despite boasting a large fan base and being one of the most followed and played sports in the country, the Sultanate has not experienced significant success in the regional scene.
This lack of success is primarily attributed to the routine exits from the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship qualifiers.
As the country strives to change the perception of being labelled as one of the backwater teams, the Wasps, as they are fondly referred to among fans, have etched their names in the record books.
They recently qualified for the tournament for the first time since their debut appearance in 1996.
Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Mario Rivera Campesino, Brunei overcame the challenge of Timor-Leste over two legs to secure their spot in the tournament proper, where they will face the best of Southeast Asia.
No stranger to a history of failures and disappointments, the footballing nation of Brunei finally saw a resounding 6-2 win in the first leg, not only delighting fans but also bringing them closer to history.
Despite a 0-1 loss in the return leg, Brunei sealed their place in the 2022 edition of the tournament. However, the disparity gap became evident as the superiority of their dominant rivals showed, leading Brunei to finish rock bottom of the group without a single point to their name.
As the international season in 2023 approached, the country suffered a rut as their winless streak extended to a fifth successive game with a demoralising 10-0 loss to Hong Kong.
With the World Cup qualifiers against Indonesia on the horizon, the friendly in So Kon Po served as a stark reminder of how other countries have advanced in the international scene.
Reminiscent of the quality of opposition during the AFF Championship, Indonesia proved to be simply too strong over two legs, running out as 12-0 aggregate winners.
The second leg also marked the first match back at their home stadium, the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, since it was closed for maintenance works.
Despite the unfavourable results, there was still promise in the squad, with several players receiving their first call-ups in a bid to usher in the younger generation.
Following a series of training sessions, players were more involved with the national team rather than club commitments, with no news or announcements on the league and cup competitions. In preparation for future challenges in the international calendar, the national team recently sparred against a makeshift Brunei Super League (BSL) All-Stars team, which featured foreign imports as well as locals who have played a role with the national team.
The recently concluded FIFA Series 2024 matches acted as a platform for the national team to gain exposure and much-needed experience in international football, providing an opportunity to play against opponents from different confederations.
With the team seeking inspiration, a number of uncapped players, including Faturrahman Embran and Syafiq Safiuddin Abdul Shariff, caught the eye of Mario.
The duo were handed their debuts during the friendly series in Saudi Arabia.
After struggling in a major competition at the end of 2022 and continued absence from World Cup qualification, the national team finally brought some joy by edging Vanuatu 3-2 in their second and final FIFA Series match.
The historic win was inspired by Hakeme Yazid Said’s stellar performance, as he had a hand in all three goals, including a last-gasp free-kick winner. Debutant Syafiq Safiuddin and Nurikhwan Othman also added their names to the scoresheet.
Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) President Haji Feisal bin Haji Eusoff Patail said, “The victory demonstrates our current national team’s fierce fighting spirit and determination at its very best, as they bravely and tirelessly battled against a vastly superior Vanuatu, ranked 24 placed above Brunei Darussalam.”
He added, “This is why we should never underestimate a young, united and very determined Brunei national team.”
“However, to be very honest, right now, we do, in fact, feel as though we have won the FIFA World Cup! This is such a valuable Ramadhan gift for Brunei Darussalam.”
Meanwhile, National Head Coach Mario Rivera Campesino said, “I’m very proud of the players because they follow everything that I ask them to do, and this is amazing.”
Campesino continued, “They have once again earned my utmost respect and made all Bruneians proud with the soul and heart they displayed.”
He also advised the authorities to consider the best decisions for the players and not to base them on personal interests, as this may stunt the progress of Brunei football. – Fadhil Yunus
