| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC’s winless run continued to three games after Garena Young Lions held them to a 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
The S League holders remain fifth in the table but failed to close the gap on Home United and Hougang United FC with third place looking likely to be the realistic target.
The first opportunity belonged to the visitors but Paulo Sergio’s attempt from close range was denied by Young Lions goalkeeper Benjamin Bertrand.
Khairul Amri went on a mazy run for the hosts but could only manage a shot straight at DPMM FC custodian Wardun Yussof.
Determined to put their 6-1 drubbing by Tampines behind them, Young Lions nearly pulled ahead as Hazim Faiz nearly beat Wardun with a cheeky lob after Shannon Stephen has sent the striker through on goal.
The visitors looked to be at some discomfort when Firdaus Kasman spotted an opening but Wardun got it covered with his effort ended well wide.
The home forwards have been busy in the visitors’ box but Adam Swandi failed to crack open DPMM FC’s defence twice.
DPMM FC and Garena Young Lions players vie for the ball during their S League match. – S LEAGUE
The missed opportunities proved significant as DPMM FC took the lead in the 32nd minute through Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti who linked brilliantly with Azwan Ali in a neat one-two.
The goal appeared to revitalise the reigning champions, in need for form before Ceres La Salle come to town for the Singapore Cup, but winger Maududi Hilmi Kasmi failed to keep his shot down having met Najib Tarif’s cross at the near post.
Maududi received the ball from the same team-mate a minute before the end of the first half but his shot was pushed away by Bertrand.
The visitors began the second half with more purpose as Amri made a neat turn in the box but contrived to shoot straight at Wardun.
Hazim had a good chance to pull his team level but flashed his shot wide before Hami Syahin forced Wardun in making a save after being put through by Amri.
Four minutes after the Gegar Gegar men made their first substitution of the game with Yura Indera Putera replacing Abdul Aziz Tamit, the visitors levelled the tie as Hazim slotted home from close range.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean threw the last dice with added firepower in his arsenal as Shahrazen Said made way for Azwan Ali.
However, it was the visitors who missed the chance to leave the venue with all three points as an unmarked Amri who was cleverly picked out by Hazim who shot straight at Wardun.
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