| Fadhil Yunus |
AZWAN Ali Rahman’s stunner aided DPMM FC into a two-goal advantage for the return leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final after defeating Balestier Khalsa 2-0 in the first leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
Balestier Khalsa midfielder Hazzuwan Halim typified his qualities which drew the attention of DPMM FC Head Coach Rene Weber after skipping past Brian McLean in a dazzling run before setting up Keegan Linderboom.
However, with the forward destined to score, he was closed down by the alert DPMM FC shot-stopper Haimie anak Nyaring, who was quick to move out his lines.
Balestier midfielder Huzaifah Aziz dispossessed the ball off Adi Said before dinking the ball over into the box but Linderboom, who stood just in front of Haimie, headed wide.
The designated hosts were awarded a penalty after Balestier Khalsa defender Nurullah Hussein was adjudged to have handled the ball after trying to get rid of a cross from McLean who made a barnstorming run all the way from defence.
Penalty-kick taker Volodymyr Priyomov continued his hot streak in front of goal as he sent Zaiful the wrong way in the 68th minute.
It is ironic that Azwan Ali Rahman would be the man to inflict more damage to the Tigers after unleashing a stunner from outside the box just two minutes later.
Balestier Khalsa Head Coach Marko Kraljevic has fired a warning that both Volodymyr and Azwan would be the key rivals who were most likely to hurt them and so it proved.
DPMM FC midfielder Azwan Salleh, who had been a revelation since returning from a long-term injury, played a good ball from his own half which was controlled by Priyomov and the goal-scorer played the ball wide to Adi Said.
Adi delivered an appetising cross which was further out from Priyomov as Zaiful cleared the ball and consequently took a wicked reverse bounce on the box.
With a Balestier player misjudged by the direction of the ball, Shah Razen Said picked the ball up and teed off Azwan who then belted a sublime strike to leave the goalkeeper no chance.
Both sides will meet again in the second leg of the semi-final at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore on October 3.