| Fadhil Yunus |
THE stage for the semi-finals is all set for the quartet of Tabuan ‘A’, Tabuan ‘B’, Tabuan 03 and Projek Ikan Pusu (PIP) in the NFABD Elite Youth Cup 2016 following the conclusion of the group games last weekend.
PIP stunned Tabuan ‘A’ 3-0 to become the first team to cement their place in the last four on November 18.
PIP will head into the semi-finals brimming with confidence after finishing top of Group ‘A’ after hammering Perda FC 5-0.
Tabuan ‘A’ bounced back from their defeat to PIP with a resounding 6-1 victory over BTC Red Star at the NFABD Football Field.
Group ‘B’ winners Tabuan ‘B’ and Tabuan 03 played out a 1-1 draw with a point ensuring qualification for the latter as runners-up.
PIP head coach Haji Omar Haji Jamil has praised the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) for organising a tournament which aids in the development of youth football.
“I must firstly thank NFABD for organising such a well-organised tournament for the youth. Overall, I am happy with the result”, he said.
“But, we could have scored more goals if not for our poor finishing. We will have to work harder in that respect”, the head coach continued.
Players vying for the ball.
PIP players, coaches and some of their family members in a group photo.
“Personally I am very pleased that PIP is the only non-NFABD semi-final qualifier”, the head coach said as the three other teams are age group developmental squads.
Football has passed down to the younger generations in Haji Omar’s family as his son Mohd Ikhmarol Izzat is currently the head coach for Tabuan ‘B’ while his youngest son Mohd Eddy plays for Tabuan 03.
“Despite the family connections, PIP will do our utmost to reach the final, and if possible, win the tournament to cap off an incredible year for PIP, who have earlier emerged runners-up to Tabuan ‘A’ in the Under-16 Youth League”.
PIP will play Tabuan 03 at the NFABD Football Field while Tabuan A will meet Tabuan B at the Berakas Sports Complex in the semi-finals on Friday for a place in the title decider on Sunday.
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