| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC will meet defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) in an all-foreign Singapore League Cup final for a historic fourth title at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore tonight.
Having started their journey in the S League with the 2009 triumph and then in 2012 and 2014, the Brunei-based outfit will hope to maintain their consistency of filling the trophy cabinet.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean guided the club to their third League Cup trophy in 2014 after a 2-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United FC and hope for a repeat of that fine evening.
Standing in their way, Albirex Niigata (S) have already looked firm favourites of wrestling the S League title away from Steve Kean’s men who boast an almost unsurpassable gap at the top.
The League Cup remains the only realistic target of attaining silverware this season for DPMM FC after seeing their league title defence hampered by inconsistency and a series of misfortunes.
The three-time winners will be boosted with the return of Portuguese maestro Paulo Sergio having served a two-game suspension after picking up a red card in the Hougang win.
However, Kean will be faced with a dilemma on whether to leave out striker Adi Said who has been impressive partnering Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti in the Portuguese’s absence.
A DPMM FC player vying for the ball
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean guided the club to their third League Cup trophy in 2014. – SLEAGUE
The local striker proved to be one of the standout players in the League Cup after curling a fine free-kick attempt to give his side the lead against Tampines Rovers FC in the group game. Few would mind his inexpensive miss when he latched on a defensive error but placed his shot horribly wide with goalkeeper Joey Sim rooted to the spot.
Known for their tireless running, the Japanese side have rediscovered their form after a 4-0 thrashing of Tampines Rovers FC in the semi-finals thanks to an Atsushi Kawata treble.
Despite Albirex being tagged as favourites, the ‘Gegar Gegar’ have orchestrated results which did not quite work out in the league evident with three clean sheets in five matches.
Currently the most successful team in the League Cup’s 10th year history, DPMM FC also face the likelihood of sharing that honour with tonight’s opponents should they lose. The two sides have started the domestic season with the first opportunity of winning silverware with Albirex Niigata (S) claiming a 3-2 victory to lift the 2016 Singapore Community Shield.
The Japanese outfit are also gunning for a third straight cup competition win following a 2015 double.
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