| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC fell to a 3-1 home defeat to Sabah FA in their final pre-season friendly match last night ahead of season opener in the Singapore Premier League against Home United in just five days’ time at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
While newly-appointed head coach Rene Weber has tasted victories here twice in a pre-season friendly this year, this is a whole new challenge against formidable opponents who are this year challenging for promotion to join Malaysia’s elite clubs in the Super League.
In Weber’s sixth game in charge of the club including the training tour of Bangkok, the fans were given a preview of the team’s displays this season as they looked to control the tempo.
The Rhinos sent an early warning after foreign import Hector Ramos’s ferocious strike crashed against the bar in the sixth minute.
However, DPMM FC got into the rhythm and the first few glimpses of new striker Volodymyr Prryomov got the crowd on its feet with his silky touches.
Sabah FA’s Lee Gil-hoon then tested the home goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring with a low drive but the latter exhibited calm and security under the floodlights diving well for a routine save.
Then, it was the hosts’ turn to issue a warning after Shahrazen Said cushioned the ball down for Azwan Ali who volleyed his shot wide from the edge of the box.
DPMM FC’s creative winger Azwan Ali nearly put Volodymyr through but the Sabah defence got the crucial touch to deny the Ukrainian through on goal.
Shahrazen then made good work on the edge of the box before releasing Azwan Ali who having rounded the goalkeeper contrived to lift the ball wide.
The visitors took the lead which all started after Hector Ramos control with his chest took the entire pace off the ball before spreading the ball to the centre for Maxius Musa who saw Justin Samaan in a better position to drill a low effort past Haimie.
The Rhinos duly threatened with their touch and go football and exquisite movement which ripped the defence apart and after causing mayhem, Justin looked destined to double his tally but a last-ditch defending rescued the hosts from falling further behind.
Riding on their momentum, the second goal duly arrived for the rejuvenated Sabah side as Hector, who featured against then-world champions Spain in 2012, applied the decisive touch from a low cross on the right flank for 2-0.
The hosts were awarded a free-kick at the stroke of half-time but Volodymyr’s attempt floated wide.
The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men looked to get back into the game as Volodymyr’s fierce shot forced the keeper into a strong save in the opening minutes after the restart.
DPMM FC pulled a goal back after Abdul Aziz Tamit got the final touch from a corner at the far post.
However, their task was made difficult after Justin produced a superb volley which flew accurately from the edge of the box to restore a two-goal lead which they would protect until the final whistle.
DPMM FC entered their final week of pre-season as they look set to begin their competitive season in the Singapore Premier League at home against Home United on April 7.
On the other hand, Sabah FA should be encouraged with their win ahead of their double header against UiTM and Felda United in the Malaysia Premier League later this month.
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