| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC reached their first-ever final in the Singapore Cup after a 2-2 draw in the second leg of the semi-final at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore ensured their progress with a 4-2 aggregate win last night.
The Gegar Gegar men entered the break with a two-goal advantage wiped out after a relentless pursuit from Balestier Khalsa threatened a miraculous comeback, but they prevented the game from forcing extra-time after two late goals in the second half.
The Brunei-based outfit also made a return to a final for the first time since lifting their third Singapore League Cup after a 2-0 win in 2014 over Tanjong Pagar United FC.
The hosts were awarded a free-kick in a promising position as Vedran Mesec’s shot bounced right in front of DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring, which represented their first attempt on target.
Balestier Khalsa had a big chance to go in front as Mesec latched onto a fine ball from Huzaifah Aziz but Haimie produced a wonderful save to keep out the forward.
The visitors were living on a knife-edge as Balestier forward Keegan Linderboom’s header crashed against the crossbar. The Tigers spurned another good chance after Hazzuwan Halim could not keep his header down from six yards after an appetising delivery from Ahmad Syahir.
The front three of the DPMM FC attacking line combined with Volodymyr Priyomov initiating the move with a strong run led to Adi Said sending a cross for Shah Razen Said’s whose header ended wide.
Azwan Salleh’s night was cut short after he was withdrawn by Nurikhwan Othman which might presumably be for a suspected injury.
The home side were awarded a penalty after Haimie was adjudged to have made contact with Hazzuwan Halim and in a double whammy the goalkeeper was also shown the yellow card for his troubles. Hazzuwan stepped up and coolly dispatched his penalty to hand his team a lifeline.
The Tigers got back into the tie and drew level in aggregate after Huzaifah Aziz, fresh from receiving his call-up to the national team, found the net in the 42nd minute after a neat exchange with Hazzuwan.
The visitors avoided from falling behind on the night and in the tie after Haimie saved a Fadli Kamis’ effort.
Volodymyr missed a golden chance to help his team into the lead after scuffing his shot from three yards. Azwan Ali Rahman robbed the ball off Shaqi Sulaiman before releasing his attempt but Balestier Khalsa goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam was equal to the task.
Adi Said’s free-kick was characterised with a lot of swerve and dip and Zaiful was relieved to see it clear the bar.
DPMM FC got a goal back on the night and with it the advantage that they have craved for since letting a two-goal lead slip after asking questions in the Balestier defence.
DPMM FC played a corner short as Hendra Azam was allowed the freedom to provide a cross into the box. Brian McLean met the cross with a but it grazed the bar, but Shah Razen was on hand to steer the ball home from close range.
The visitors regained their two-goal advantage with seven minutes of normal time remaining after Volodymyr stabbed home from close range with Azwan Ali profiting from an error by the Balestier defence.
The Brunei-based outfit will meet Albirex Niigata (S) in the final after the latter beat Home United 4-2 on aggregate on Saturday.