Ten-man DPMM FC surrendered yet another late goal in the Singapore Premier League this season following a 2-2 draw with Hougang United FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
It was a case of deja vu for DPMM FC head coach Jamie McAllister’s charges with Dejan Racic’s late leveller deep into stoppage time reminiscent of their game against Balestier Khalsa.
The Gegar Gegar men went in front as Julio Cruz converted a 14th minute penalty and the lead doubled through an own goal from Ismail Salihovic.
The Brunei-based outfit suffered a major setback after Miguel Oliveira had to be prematurely withdrawn for Nazirrudin Ismail in the 27th minute due to a suspected groin injury.
The hosts squandered a glorious chance to pull one back as Dejan Racic, so often his side’s saviour this season, got his header horribly wrong after an inviting ball from Stjepan Plazonja.
Hougang substitute Gabriel Quak nearly made the perfect introduction after bending his shot just wide off the mark.
Then, Ajay Robson cross-cum-shot nearly took DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski by surprise who tipped the ball away for a corner.
Stjepan, who had been DPMM FC’s thorn all game, skipped past Yura Indera Putera and Farshad Noor before lashing his effort past Kristijan to halve the deficit.
DPMM FC received a further blow after Azwan Ali Rahman was sent off for a second bookable offence.
The visitors could have killed the game as Hakeme Yazid Said was sent clean through but Hougang goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam made a double save which proved a crucial moment for his team.
Then, Gabriel Gama had half of the length of the pitch to run to before seeing his shot stopped by Zaiful.
Dejan made amends to his earlier miss as he stabbed the ball home from close range following another skillful play from the excellent Stjepan. – Fadhil Yunus
