| Fadhil Yunus |
INDERA SC vice-captain Amirul Hakeem bin Haji Kasim scored the winner in the second period of extra time to give his side’s their second DST Sumbangsih Cup title during the 2-1 victory over MS ABDB at the rain-soaked Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.
Mohamed Zulkhairy bin Razali had given the reigning DST FA Cup winners the lead in the 39th minute but the DST Super League holders MS ABDB equalised through Mohammad Khairul Mee bin Mail in the 81st minute.
Indera SC had the chance to double their lead when Mohamed Zulkhairy latched onto a delicious ball from the centre circle but the goalscorer sliced his shot wide.
MS ABDB scored instantly when Mohammad Khairul Mee fired home from close range in the season’s curtain-raiser.
Indera SC’s new signing Petrus bin Jumat played a neat exchange with captain Hazwan bin Hamzah and confusion in the MS ABDB backline nearly cost an own goal though they were satisfied to win a corner.
MS ABDB won a free-kick but they fired wide as they looked in search of a late winner.
After a goalless first period in extra time, Indera SC found the winner in the second minute of the second period of extra time.
The DST FA Cup champions changed corner kick takers in the last moment and that move looked to pay dividends. Amirul Hakeem powered home a clean header in the far post which MS ABDB goalkeeper Mohammad Tarmizi bin Haji Mat Johari could not keep out. MS ABDB missed a glorious chance to take the game into penalties after a player blasted the ball wide having been teed up by a teammate from the byline.
Indera SC Head Coach Mohd Darus bin Tanjung was visibly pleased with his charges after beginning the season in triumph.
“I feel very proud as the head coach and I am confident that Indera SC will make more efforts to strengthen and become stronger in all areas,” said Mohd Darus in a post-match interview.
DST Assistant General Manager of Group Corporate Communications Radin Sufri bin Radin Basiuni presented the prizes.