| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC booked their place in the semi-finals of the Singapore League Cup after registering a 2-0 victory over Hougang United FC at the Hougang Stadium in Singapore.
The victory coupled with Tampines’s 3-0 win over Warriors confirmed the top two of Group ‘A’ though the group winners will be decided in the final game.
Portuguese maestro Paulo Sergio attempted a free-kick which sailed just inches over Hougang goalkeeper Ridhuan Barudin.
Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti flicked Rosmin Kamis’s long ball into the path of Sergio who lashed his shot from range.
Nurhilmi Jasni produced an ambitious shot from 25 yards which travelled harmlessly wide while Iqbal Hussain failed to make the most of the opportunity provided by Fumiya Kogure.
DPMM FC’s fullback Helmi Zambin appeared to be impeded by Wahyudi Wahid but the referee was not convinced to award a penalty.
Adi Said, taking the place of Azwan Ali, attempted a shot from the edge of the box but his well-struck effort was handled by Ridhuan.
Rafael Ramazotti celebrates with Paulo Sergio (8) who scored the first goal for DPMM FC against Hougang United in the Singapore League Cup match. – S.LEAGUE
Hougang forward Jozef Kaplan, looking to add to his tally against the Brunei-based outfit, has his shot smothered by the alert Wardun Yussof.
The hosts intensified the pressure with Raihan Rahman producing a good ball but Wahyudi could not meet the target.
The three-time Singapore League Cup winners took the lead from the penalty spot two minutes from the interval with Paulo Sergio the beneficiary following a handball in the area.
The towering Ramazotti attempted a spectacular scissors kick which just escaped the left hand post.
Sergio then teed Ramazotti but his shot was tipped over by Ridhuan at point-blank range.
Ramazotti did have the ball at the back of the net after tapping home Adi’s cross but the goal was ruled out for offside.
However, the victory was marred by the dismissal of Sergio who was given his marching orders after allegedly stamping on Raihan in an off-the-ball incident.
DPMM FC brought fresh legs with Shahrazen Said replacing his brother Adi.
The Cheetahs were reduced to 10 men after Fairoz Hasan sent Shahrazen tumbling in the box and with the initial penalty taker not on the pitch that duty fell to Ramazotti who obliged to all but send DPMM FC on their way.
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