| Fadhil Yunus |
BRUNEI Association of Banks (BAB) condemned much-fancied Belait District to their first loss in Group ‘A’ of the futsal event at the 4th Brunei Darussalam National Games (SKBD) after edging them 1-0 at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.
Badruddin Asri scored the solitary goal of the game in the 22nd minute to help preserve his side an unbeaten record having already drawn twice.
Brunei Association of Banks weathered a storm for most of the match but their defence stayed resolute to hold on for a priceless win especially against a side favoured to get out of the group unscathed.
On the odd occasion that they received a half-hearted chance, Mohammad Abdul Hafiy Yunsi nearly turned in a cross from Muhd Hanif Haji Jaafar.
The bankers sustained most of the pressure as Belait, dominated by national players, took turns through Abee Shahrum bin Gudang and Muhd Yusran bin Mazlan to test their goalkeeper.
Muhd Azizul Syafiee bin Tajul Arifin came close with the breakthrough before Md Hazman bin Hamdan followed up with a shot but the rear-guard remained intact.
BAB had Md Badruddin to thank for after denying Mohd Hazreen bin Mohd Noor to pull the trigger in the early stages of the second half.
With Belait getting frustrated despite a series of opportunities, Nazirul Haziq bin Adeni forced a good stop by the goalkeeper.
Then, Badruddin pounced to gift BAB the lead much to the delight of a section of the crowd.
Belait were dealt a massive blow when Melvin Anak Nyambong suffered an injury which looked serious after punching the court in anguish.
Abdul Wafi Ghaffar bin Zahrin unleashed a decent effort but the bankers’ goalkeeper was pushing the ball away with regular consistency.
Muhd Azizul Syafiee was unlucky not to get into the score-sheet after his effort rattled against the crossbar before a shot from distance prompted the goalkeeper to punch the ball away to safety.
Brunei Association of Banks manager Amir Ema Shukry bin Haji Sulaiman was visibly pleased with his team’s performance especially against a side influenced by national players.
“It was a vital three points for us. We did not expect this kind of result as we predicted a draw in the first place as we know Belait have some national players,” said Amir in a post-match interview with the media.
“From the result, it makes us look forward more to the next game which is against Brunei Darussalam Schools Sports Council (MSSSBD).”
“I think it will be another tough game for us and we will maintain the same momentum. We will maintain our teamwork, our resistance, our defending and attacking as well as discipline from each player. I think the win (against Belait) helps lift our morale,” he said.
Asked if his charges’ had stuck to their plan, he replied, “We have a captain and a leader who gained experience from the national team. By listening to the captain and sticking to the plan and tactics, we got the result.”