Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC fell 5-0 to Tampines Rover FC in their last home match of the S.League season last night.
The defeat meant that DPMM will finish the season in eighth place, sitting only ahead of Garena Young Lions, after 17 losses, four wins and two draws with a game left to play.
Meanwhile, Tampines secured a second place finish after recording 53 points sitting six points behind champions Albirex Niigata FC (S).
DPMM FC got off to a strong start with Rafael Ramazotti and Adi Said combining early in the third minute but the Brazilian could not get his header on target.
Captain Fahrudin Mustafic was brilliant for Tampines controlling the midfield with quick one-two passes.
The midfielder sent Khairul Amri on goal with a beautiful through pass but the latter lashed his shot just wide.
Khairul Amri found himself through again just a couple of minutes later after being sent by Ryutaro Megumi, but Reduan Hj Petara was quick to clear the danger.
Tampines finally broke the deadlock in the 21st minute through Shahdan Sulaiman at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
Megumi got involved again this time as the Japanese made a clever ball picking out Shahdan at the near post to volley the ball past DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof following a swift counter attack.
Azwan Saleh surrounded by Tampines Rover FC players. Picture: Ak Fauzi Pg salleh
Chilean defender Vincent Salas limped off the field just a few minutes after the goal, struggling to keep up with Tampines’ forwards and was immediately replaced by Abdul Muiz Sisa.
DPMM FC were trying to find their rhythm but they just couldn’t string their passes together with Ramazotti and Adi seemingly out of place each time they moved forward.
The Stags shocked the home team in the 35th minute when Hafiz Sujad's cross from the right deflected off Hazwan Hamzah into his own net with Wardun rooted to his spot.
The hosts’ best chance came five minutes before halftime when Adi flicked on Wardun's goal kick which fell nicely for Azwan Ali Rahman inside the penalty box, but the midfielder couldn't find the target.
Tampines looked to have all three points on lock after Khairul Amri converted Megumi’s cross from the right for a comfortable 3-0 lead at halftime.
DPMM FC made a double change at the start of the second half bringing on Ak Mu'izzuddin Pg Ismail for Wardun in between the sticks and providing more up front with Haizul Rani making way for striker Shahrazen Said.
Shahrazen offered a different dimension for DPMM FC in the attack combining well with Azwan Ali down the Tampines right flank.
Ak Muizzuddin was called into action immediately with saves against Madhu Mohana and Khairul Amri on both occasions.
DPMM FC tried to get back in the game but Tampines would score their fourth through Khairul Amri, who had an easy task of tapping home Shannon Stephen's low cross from the right.
Ivan Dzoni then completed the rout firing home from close range to five them their four successive victory in the league.
Picture: Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
DPMM FC assistant coach Moksen Mohammad: “The defence tonight was very disappointing. They can play but they are not confident.
“The players didn't work together tonight and it made it easy for the opponents to score against us.
“The midfielders also need to do more, they didn't help out in defence, so there was no cooperation between defenders and midfielders.
“We cannot blame the defenders in this, we need the midfielders to help out too.
“Many times our defenders were beaten in one-on-one situations in the game… and this is also one of the problems.
“We are disappointed with Salas. As an import player we expected him to help us out in defence, but he is not of much help, so that is why we took him out in the first half.
"For the last game we will give our very best to win and we will work on our mistakes and move on.”
Picture: Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
Tampines Rover FC coach Jurgen Raab: “I am very happy. Sometimes it's not easy to play a match like this in this position.
“The team (DPMM FC) knew that if we win we will finish in second place for sure, and Brunei (DPMM FC) in this situation have nothing to lose, so I expect a tough job for the team.
“The first half was a bit difficult for us. Brunei played well especially in the first 10 minutes and we struggled.
“When we got the first goal, we got back into the game and by the second goal we had controlled the game. it was a very good performance from us.”
