Caption: Najib Hj Tarif (R) in action against the Garena Young Lions last night at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. Picture: Courtesy of Ortus Media
Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC ended the first round of the S.League with a 0-0 stalemate against the Garena Young Lions (the Singapore national under-22 football team) last night.
The result snaps the Brunei side’s four-game losing streak and brings their tally to four points as they sit second from bottom of the nine-team standings.
It is the fourth straight game that DPMM FC have failed to find the back of the net from open play.
The draw is also the first point registered by the Young Lions this season.
Muhaimin Suhaimi almost gave the Young Lions the best of starts but headed just wide off a Ryan Syaffiq cross seven minutes into the game at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
DPMM FC were on target in the 18th minute with Md Hendra Azam Md Idris powerful shot but it was kept out by Young Lions keeper Hairul Syirhan.
Billy Mehmet found the back of the net just before the half hour mark but was flagged for offside.
Billy Mehmet (L) in action against the Garena Young Lions last night at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore. PIcture: Courtesy of Ortus Media
The Young Lions should have gone in front six minutes after the restart when DPMM FC shotstopper Wardun Yussof flapped at a cross only for the ball to fall for Syahrul Sazali but he put it over from point blank range.
Illyas Lee came to the rescue of the Young Lions to head the ball off the line in the 58th minute after Azwan Ali Rahman had chipped Hairul.
Azwan Ali came close again eight minutes later but his shot was deflected onto the bar by Hairul.
DPMM FC skipper Rosmin Hj Md Kamis’ corner falls for an unmarked Azwan Ali but he put it over from close range at the far post in the 86th minute.
Taufik Suparno could could have snatched all three points for the Young Lions but fired wide with only Wardun to beat to see both teams share the spoils.
Defending champions Albirex Niigata FC (S) lead the standings and almost completed the first round flawless notching seven wins and one draw for 22 points.
Tampines Rovers FC are four points behind while Home United FC are a further point back.
Warriors FC occupy fourth position with 14 points followed by Hougang United FC on 12 points.
Geylang International FC are a further two points back while Balestier Khalsa FC are in seventh place on six points.
