| Fadhil Yunus |
THE Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) sealed third place at the Inter-Ministry Football Championship Keputeraan Cup held in conjunction with the 71st birthday of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam after defeating Ministry of Defence (MinDef) 3-2 at the Berakas Sports Complex last night.
Both sides have earlier met during the group stages with the Prime Minister’s Office holding a psychological edge after beating them but the Ministry of Defence will be lifted by their stirred response at the start of the second half during their semi-final against the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Rosmini bin Haji Abdul Kahar opened the scoring for PMO in the 24th minute before Jasriman bin Haji Johari doubled his side’s lead nine minutes later.
MinDef were handed a lifeline after Haneef bin Zainal struck in the 47th minute but PMO pulled further ahead through a well taken effort from Muhammad Saifuddin bin Haji Abdul Razak.
Mohd Fadzil Ismail bin Hamdani tucked away a 75th minute penalty to give MinDef hope but PMO hung on for the win.
It was some consolation for missing out on the final after slipping to a 2-0 defeat in the last four after Ministry of Development found a breakthrough through veteran Haji Hassan bin Haji Damit before Fakri bin Ismail wrapped up victory in the dying minutes of the match.
Prime Minister’s Office, who topped Group ‘B’, closed their campaign having boasted an impressive six victories out of seven appearances with five of those coming in the group stages.
The final of the Inter-Ministry Football Championship Keputeraan Cup will be held tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium between defending champions Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and the Ministry of Development (MoD).
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