Brunei DPMM return to winning ways, beating Young Lions in S’pore Cup

SINGAPORE – Brunei DPMM did not let the rain damper their spirits on Feb 15, as they snapped their winless run of five games in all competitions by beating 10-man Young Lions 2-0 in the Singapore Cup.

At the Jalan Besar Stadium, it was DPMM’s foreigners Davis Ikaunieks and Miguel Oliveira who scored goals through an early penalty and a defensive mistake by the Cubs to help their side go top of Group A.

DPMM earned a penalty in the eighth minute as Young Lions goalkeeper Aizil Yazid was judged to have elbowed Ikaunieks, leaving the Latvian forward clutching his face in the box.

Referee Ahmad A’Qashah had initially waved off any infringement but was called to the monitor to review the challenge by video assistant referee Syarqawi Buhari, and promptly pointed to the spot.

Ikaunieks calmly dispatched his spot kick despite Aizil going the right way.

The Young Lions’ best chance of an equaliser fell to Andrew Aw Yong on the stroke of half-time, after Kaisei Ogawa laid off the ball to him in the box, but the defender’s tame effort was comfortably collected by DPMM custodian Kristijan Naumovski.

Aizil was called to action just five minutes into the second half as a cross from Oliveira found Nazirrudin Ismail, whose header bounced off the turf, forcing the custodian into a smart save.

Young Lions midfielder Kan Kobayashi then found himself in space just outside the box in the 56th minute and fired a shot that stung Naumovski’s palms.

Capitalising on a slip by Cubs midfielder Fathullah Rahmat, Oliveira doubled DPMM’s lead in the 71st minute after receiving a pass from captain Azwan Ali. The Portuguese then rounded Aizil to slot the ball into an empty net.

The midfielder almost turned provider 10 minutes later as he found Ikaunieks free in the box. The latter’s point-blank shot was expertly kept out by Aizil.

Things then went south for the Young Lions goalkeeper deep into stoppage time as he was sent off for a high-footed challenge on Hariz Danial on the halfway line.

“We worked very hard in Brunei in the last two to three weeks, and I think we deserve this luck,” said Ikaunieks.

“We were waiting a long time for it, six games. And I hope now in everyone’s head, we will be more confident and we will believe in ourselves more that we can go and win every game.”

Crediting his side for “an excellent team performance”, DPMM coach Jamie McAllister said: “Defensively, the boys worked so hard, putting our bodies on the line. When the ball came in our box, we got first contact, and then we picked up seconds. Then, on the other end, we created some good chances, especially on the counter-attack, we were clinical.

“There were no mistakes today, the boys worked ever so hard, (this win) gives us a platform now to build on. That’s what we’ve been lacking in recent games, being clinical in front of goal when we get opportunities.”

Young Lions interim coach Fadzuhasny Juraimi said: “It’s such a waste that we didn’t get anything out of this because we dominated the game throughout. We conceded two goals, which we could have prevented.

“It is always difficult if the other team sits in a low block and this is something that we need to find solutions and move forward.”

In the evening’s other Group A encounter, BG Tampines Rovers beat Albirex Niigata 2-1, courtesy of a 51st-minute strike from Arya Igami and a Koki Kawachi own goal in the 64th minute. The hosts scored a consolation via Arshad Shamim in the 82nd minute at the Jurong East Stadium.

In Group B, defending champions Lion City Sailors will face Tanjong Pagar United, while Thai side BG Pathum United will take on Geylang International. Both matches will be played on Feb 16.

Analysis

The Cubs are still feeling the void left in attack by their former top scorer Itsuki Enomoto. DPMM custodian Naumovski made several important saves to keep out Fadzuhasny’s men, but the Young Lions need to be more clinical in front of goal if they are to win games.