| Fadhil Yunus |
AZIM Izamuddin Suhaimi scored his first goal for DPMM FC in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tampines Rovers FC to help the team seal top spot in Group ‘A’ in the Singapore League Cup at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
The second-half substitute, who replaced Maududi Hilmi Kasmi, opened his account after making his competitive debut in the Singapore Cup in the first leg loss against Ceres La Salle less than a month ago.
The historic moment marked significant progress for the player who caught the eye of head coach Steve Kean leading to his promotion from the under-19 team this year.
After months of training with the first-team, he got his chance in the Singapore Cup.
DPMM FC will now avoid defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) in the semi-finals after securing their third successive win.
The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men endured a setback after Azwan Salleh was hauled of the pitch with Hendra Azam taking his place after only ten minutes.
Brian McLean celebrates with Azim Izamuddin Suhaimi after the latter scored his first goal for the club
Tampines forward Ariyan Shamsuddin, one of the many changes with most of the regular players on international duty, broke clear in the box but lashed his volley well over the bar.
Ariyan strike partner Gautam Selvamany gleefully accepted a defence-splitting pass from Billy Mehmet but his resulting effort crashed the left hand post as DPMM FC goalkeeper Wardun Yussof was let off the hook.
The number of attempts rose for the understrength Tampines side as Gautam got the better off his marker but could only fire straight at Wardun.
Despite the numerous chances for the Stags, it was DPMM FC who took the lead after Adi Said curled a perfectly executed free-kick in the 24th minute.
DPMM FC defender Brian McLean has hoisted a long ball forward to Adi who was tracked down by a Tampines player for a corner.
Azwan Ali, returning to first-team action, swung a corner into the near post which was McLean connected well but Joe Sim tipped the ball away from sneaking into the top corner.
Tampines were still in danger and Mehmet performed his defensive duties taking no chances clearing the ball for a successive corner.
Both teams faced a major scare after the match was temporarily halted due to adverse weather prompting for the Lighting Warning System to be activated.
The match resumed much to the relief of both teams with the semi-final and final around the corner and the Lighting Warning System has been deactivated.
The Stags were awarded a penalty with Billy Mehmet equalising from the spot after Jufri Taha was brought down by Yura Indera Putera.
A draw was still suffice to ensure top spot for DPMM FC but four minutes from time a new star was born as Azim slotted the winner although Sim had a hand with his failed clearance.
The post Young gun Azim fires DPMM FC to dramatic victory appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.