Fadhil Yunus
Qahar FT qualified to the knock-out stage of the Brunei Futsal Cup 2022 in dramatic fashion after two late goals secured a hard-fought 5-3 win over Syahkampong in the final Group ‘D’ match at the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday night.
The futsal team – who started the game outside the qualifying spots in third – was facing the prospect of elimination from the competition when the already-eliminated Syahkampong pegged back to level terms with five minutes of the clock remaining.
However, two goals in a space of three minutes ensured Qahar FT not only all three points but also top spot of the group, with rivals Arbisyam FC having to settle for a runners-up finish.
The top two positions had been originally occupied by Arbisyam FC – who will also be in the hat in the next round – and Street United prior to the late kick-off as both sides battled to a 2-2 draw.
In a must-win encounter, Qahar FT trailed in the sixth minute as Md Zainul Ariffin bin Haji Wasle gave basement dwellers Syahkampong the lead.
But Qahar FT was not behind for long as Mohd Alif bin Johari equalised just a minute later.
Syahkampong restored their lead through Mohd Riyyat Iman Mustaqim in the 14th minute but Md Alif helped his team restore parity with his second of the game in the 22nd minute.
Qahar FT reignited their qualification hopes after Md Noredry Effandy Safian Safuan found the net in the 29th minute.
Md Iqemal Md Jasyme had threatened Qahar’s progression chances with his effort, but Qahar FT turned the tie on its head as Mohd Abdul Qahar and Mohd Kasyfil Annuar Zamain booked their side a place in the last eight, thus automatically knocking out Street United in the process.
Meanwhile, MS ABDB and Almerez FA will be looking to extend their stay in the Brunei Futsal Cup 2022 and keep their perfect record intact after advancing to the knock-out phase.
The pair asserted their dominance in the group stage with a flawless run of three consecutive victories and scored a whopping total of 58 goals between them.
The free-scoring teams also enjoyed a goal laden performance with MS ABDB showing no mercy with a 13-1 demolition of Creativol in Group ‘A’, while similarly Almerez FA were no match for their opponents in Group ‘C’, with all of their games ending in one-way traffic.
The qualified teams also include Kasuka Ar Rawda, DDT FT, Shah United and Kota Ranger.
