His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman attended the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) Youth Under-20 (U20) League 2023 match between DPMM FC and Setia Perdana at the Jerudong Park Mini Stadium yesterday.
Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim, who is team captain, guided the DPMM FC U20 team to a 1-0 win.
DPMM FC U20 forward Awangku Hadi Aiman bin Pengiran Hamizal scored a last-gasp winner two minutes from time to ensure his side march to a fourth consecutive victory in the league.
The Young Gegar Gegar charges came close towards opening the lead after Adrian Zizry Nur Khairi directed his header towards goal which worried Setia Perdana goalkeeper but the defence cleared the ball to safety.
The unbeaten DPMM FC team crafted the first clear opportunity of the game as Akram Waqeel Bakri – rewarded with a start after his impressive cameo during a 3-0 win over FC Phosphor in the last game- tested the Setia Perdana goalkeeper with a fierce drive.
The Setia Perdana defence seemed to be able to frustrate DPMM FC attackers intercepting most of their passes and not letting them in with a sight in goal.
The visiting team nearly stunned them with a lead in a rare attack but the DPMM FC goalkeeper was able to make the save and forced the ball out for a corner.
After a prolonged spell of trying to unlock the defence, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda `Abdul Muntaqim managed to get his shot away but the Setia Perdana goalkeeper was equal to the task.
Setia Perdana supporters thought they have established a lead but the player hit the side netting in what was a relief for the DPMM FC’s defence.
As the final stretch of the game loomed, DPMM FC Under-20 Adrian Zikry Nur Khairi managed to launch an effort from range but ended wide.
Then, a moment of sheer brilliance saw Awangku Hadi Aiman beat his marker before releasing a teammate whose shot was somehow superbly saved by the Setia Perdana goalkeeper. However, Awangku Hadi Aiman was at the right place and the right time to score the rebound, sparking delirium among the supporters on the home end. – Fadhil Yunus
