| Fadhil Yunus |
LUN Bawang produced one of the memorable results in their history after defeating defending champions MS ABDB 2-0 in the DST Super League at the Balapan Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex recently.
The Temburong outfit contributed what is already turning out to be an exciting season following a series of interesting results from the competing clubs.
The reigning holders started the league in modest fashion compared to the table-topping teams and Lun Bawang, who accepted the switch of former star player Petrus Jumat to Indera SC, found the formula to outwit the side who are bidding to win a fourth consecutive title.
Helmi Panjang broke the deadlock in the 47th minute following a goalless first half before Rosandy Bujang netted a second goal in the 56th minute to record a famous win.
However, it was not the only result that has provided a renewed sense of excitement in the league with Indera SC’s excellent start dented by a 3-1 defeat to Kasuka FC, who are slowly emerging into a force.
Despite conceding for the first time in 206 minutes, a brace from the league’s leading scorer Mohd Hanif Aiman bin Haji Adanan and Sairol bin Haji Sahari helped extend Kasuka’s perfect record in the league with their third consecutive victory.
Last season, Kota Ranger threatened to break the MS ABDB and Indera SC duopoly after managing a deep title run. At this initial stage, it seemed that Kasuka FC, who possess a host of characters in the squad that could take them all the way, are fittingly reprising that role.
Kasuka are yet to play the army personnel but if they stay true to form they might have an upper hand in the quest for the title.
Meanwhile, on the other end of the table, newly-promoted Setia Perdana are still in search of their first win after they were downed 3-0 by MS PDB.
Having endured a disappointing start in the first two games, it was a much-needed boost for the DST FA Cup finalists.
Md Zul Khairie bin Haji Md Saleh opened the scoring with a 10th minute penalty before Md Shaifulrizal bin Awang doubled the lead in the 19th minute.
MS PDB rising star Abdul Azim bin Abdul Rasid added gloss to the win with a strike in the 52nd minute.
IKLS, who returned to the top flight since relegation in 2015, enjoyed a decent start to the season after securing their second victory in three matches in a 1-0 win over Najip.