| Fadhil Yunus & Khairil Hassan |
MS ABDB are almost assured of a record fourth consecutive DST Super League title after registering an emphatic 5-1 victory over IKLS FC at the Berakas Sports Complex last night unless the league witnesses an unthinkable collapse of epic proportions.
The runaway league leaders recorded an 11th victory in their last 12 matches, and their latest triumph meant that they can only be caught by goal difference.
More importantly, they only need just a point in their remaining three games to confirm their title defence.
The army personnel accumulated 40 points in the championship but nearest challengers Kasuka FC, who have a game in hand, are clinging on to the title race at least mathematically.
The first genuine opportunity of the game fell to the designated visitors after captain Kumin bin Haji Bini nodded wide a decent cross by Md Nuralifullah bin Haji Zaini.
MS ABDB attacker Mohammad Fadhli bin Haji Salleh lined up for a shot after being set up by Muhammad Saiful Ammar bin Haji Adis, but he was spectacularly denied by IKLS goalkeeper Md Ady Asrin bin Haji Norazrin.
The army personnel threatened for an opener but Muhamad Hariz Danial bin Haji Khallidden could not adjust his footing after Adey Shariduan bin Haji Johari delivered an inviting cross.
MS ABDB captain Mohamad Haizul Rani bin Metusin found an opening but blasted his shot from an acute angle.
The champions-elect had a goal ruled out for offside after Mohammad Khairul Mee bin Mail’s cross was turned in by a teammate.
A forward pass from Mohamad Haizul Rani gave the IKLS defence something to chase as Muhamad Hariz Danial looked to pounce.
MS ABDB’s Puasa bin Sani was unmarked in the box but his effort, which necessitated a clean contact, flew harmlessly wide.
The breakthrough was messy but nonetheless the army personnel could care less after Haji Mohd Yusof Haji Matyassin bundled home the opening goal of the game in the 30th minute.
The second goal came three minutes later as Mohammad Fadhli capitalised on defensive uncertainty in the box and rifled home a low shot. The game was beginning to turn into an absolute rout as Suhaime Haji Md Yussof powered home a fine header after meeting a corner.
Muhd Hariz Danial and Mohd Haizul Rani were on target in the second half for the army personnel while Kumin’s goal for IKLS a minute before time was in vain.