Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) ‘A’ sealed a dramatic finish to the student category final of the Higher Education Institution Invitational Futsal Tournament in conjunction with UBD Convocation Festival 2024 after a 1-0 win against Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) ‘B’ tipped the balance in their favour at the UBD Sports Complex yesterday.
UBD’s Bagus Imanda inspired the hosts with his match-winning goal in the dying embers of the second half.
The goal-scorer picked up the best player accolade partially owed to his influence of altering the outcome of the game in a very pivotal moment of the entire tournament.
But, it was a hard-fought win by all accounts as the finalist proved worthy opposition especially how they made UBD to work across various departments.
KUPU SB were knocking on the door and had two decent chances in a space of seconds.
The attacking verve of KUPU SB sparked concerns to UBD, who employed a prominent coaching figure in Azim Zakaria, whose resume included a stint as the national futsal coach.
prize presentation ceremony. PHOTO: FADHIL YUNUS
Though KUPU SB attacking threat continued as UBD goalkeeper Mohd Haziq bin Haji Mohamad Hasni made a low dive to save his team, the half-time team talk by Azim worked wonders as his charges found a way to win.
As penalties loomed, Bagus came up with the goods as he raced forward and stabbed home from close range after meeting a cross.
Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) claimed third while Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) A ended fourth.
UBD ‘A’ goalkeeper Mohd Haziq, who enjoyed a clean sheet, was named best goalkeeper while Hadi Azhar from KUPU SB ‘B’ scooped the top scorer award with a tournament high of six goals.
Meanwhile in the staff category final, UTB PB emerged winners after overcoming UBD All Blacks through the lottery of the penalty shoot-out.
UBD Vamos clinched third place while KUPU SB ‘B’ came fourth.
UBD All Black’s Awang Muhd Nur Naqiuddin bin Haji Osman collected the best player award with his teammate Haji Abdul Arif Faiz bin Haji Bulat picking the best goalkeeper award.
UBD Vamos’ Muhammad Aliff bin Haji Yussof won the top scorer award with 10 goals to his name, completing a clean swoop of individual awards for the hosts.
The tournament was held to enliven the UBD Convocation Festival 2024 and also strengthen the camaraderie between UBD members and staff with the invited staff and students from other higher education institutions.
In addition, it can also help identify futsal players among students and staff to represent their universities or the Ministry of Education in national and international competitions.
Eighteen teams from both public and private higher education institutions participated in the student category while 11 teams took part in the staff category.
UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Hazri bin Haji Kifle presented prizes to the winners.
The tournament was organised by the Student Activities and Development Unit, Student Affairs Section and supported by the UBD Students’ Association. – Fadhil Yunus
