Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
DPMM FC finally got one over Albirex Niigata FC (S) in 10 meetings to move two points clear at the top of the Singapore Premier League with a game in hand after a 2-0 victory last night.
Substitutes Razimie Ramlli and Adi Said made the difference as they got their names on the scoresheet in the triumph at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
The result officially ends Albirex’s three-year reign as they are out of contention for the title.
DPMM FC are now on 44 points with three games to play followed by Hougang United FC. Tampines Rovers FC are in third a further six points behind with four matches left.
The visitors came close to taking the lead in the 15th minute after Kyoga Nakamura tried an attempt from range but DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof was to his equal to tip it over.
DPMM FC had an opportunity in the 35th minute after Ak Fakharazzi Pg Hj Hassan put the ball to the middle for Azizi Ali Rahman but his effort was denied by the upright.
Azwan Ali Rahman got the better of his marker but fired straight at the Albirex custodian Kengo Fukudome minutes later.
Wardun was up to the task once again minutes from the break after he kept out Kaishu Yamazaki’s freekick from the edge of the box.
DPMM FC came out rejuvenated and came close again just four minutes into the second half.
Andrei Varankou put the ball across the face of goal with siblings Azwan and Azizi lined up but neither could get a touch to it.
Blake Ricciuto sent Azwan through on goal in the 63rd minute but Fukudome closed down hisshot.
Razimie Ramlli made an instant impact after coming on for Md Hendra Azam Md Idris in the 65th minute.
Fukudome had come out of the box to take possession of the ball but Razimie did well to pressure him resulting in the goalkeeper making an error allowing him to put the ball into an empty net to break the deadlock - after two previous 0-0 stalemates this season.
He almost grabbed a second after heading Ricciuto’s cross in the 72nd minute but Fukudome was there to deal with it.
The Albirex shotstopper then quickly kicked the ball upfield to Daizo Horikoshi at the other end but his attempt was denied by Wardun.
DPMM FC doubled their advantage after a spectacular freekick by Adi from 30 yards out.
Wardun would get his ninth cleansheet of the season after denying Makito Hatanaka from close range 10 minutes from time enroute to victory.
DPMM FC won’t have much time to rest as they will host Warriors FC this Saturday.
