| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC is hoping to extend their unbeaten run in the Singapore League Cup against Warriors FC in the semi-finals at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore tonight.
The three-time Singapore League Cup winners topped Group ‘B’ after registering a set of victories against Tampines Rovers FC and Balestier Khalsa FC and a draw against Geylang International FC.
Despite being potentially 90 minutes away from a record sixth final appearance, the Brunei-based outfit will be entirely focussed to overcome a hurdle against a side who have already beaten them twice this season.
Warriors beat DPMM FC 5-3 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium and emerged 1-0 winners at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in the league before, but it was during the latter when a new-look DPMM FC side seemed to be recovering from a series of misfortunes.
“We just want to maintain this unbeaten run which is good for confidence. It may sound like a cliché, but we’re taking it game by game so obviously we’re not thinking about the final yet,” Kean was quoted by the S League.
Kean will have to make do without the services of Nurikhwan Othman, a player who has played a key part in their revival, with the midfielder serving a suspension.
However, Najib Tarif, who was ineligible to play in the Geylang International FC match due to suspension, will be available for selection.
Warriors FC’s Emmeric Ong, who can play as a defender or midfielder, will be the player to watch out.
The utility player will be wary of the threat that the Gegar Gegar men pose but will not have any fear coming into the game.
“I wouldn’t say we are worried, it’s more of being wary. They have been playing well in the League Cup which we’re obviously aware of,” said the 26-year old.
The former Court Young Lions player also observed the contrasting sides earlier this month and the one in April.
“The first game which we won (5-3 at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in mid-April) was very open but they looked like a very different team when we beat them (1-0 at Choa Chu Kang in July). So it’ll definitely be a very close affair again,” he said.
The winner will play either Geylang International FC or Albirex Niigata (S) in the final.