| Fadhil Yunus |
AL IDRUS FT emerged inaugural winners of the Al Idrus FA Cup after cruising to a 6-2 victory over SM FC in the final at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex last night.
SM FC proved more than a match in the first half and enjoyed possession in the opening quarter of the game but fell two goals down when the momentum swung to Al Idrus FT.
Al Idrus FT forward Haji Hassan bin Haji Damit netted a quick-fire double to ease concerns of early pressure from the SM FC attacking unit.
Md Shah Johan bin Haji Shari made it a contest for SM FC with his goal in the half an hour mark and paved a way for an interesting second half.
SM FC looked the more dangerous side highlighted by the powerful runs of Suandi bin Haji Ismail and a teammate failed to get an end to his cross.
Al Idrus FT fashioned their clearest chance of the game after Haji Hassan dazzled past the SM defence before unleashing a low shot straight into the hands of the SM FC goalkeeper Zulkifri bin Haji Masri. Haji Hassan guided his side into the lead after poking the ball home from close range after an initial attempt by a teammate crashed against the crossbar.
Muhammad Nadzrin bin Abdullah delivered an accurate cross on the flanks and Haji Hassan made sufficient connection to steer the ball into the net for his second of the game.
SM FC were handed a lifeline after Md Shah Johan completed a fine team-oriented move with a neat finish.
Suandi unlocked the Al Idrus FT defence with a brilliant pass to Md Sapri bin Haji Mohd who selflessly laid the ball for Md Shah Johan.
There were a sign of alarm as Zulkifri signalled to the bench to request for treatment and his appearance was cut short due to injury, with Ahzaman Mohammad taking his place.
Al Idrus FT extended their lead as Haji Hassan completed his hat-trick after breaking free into the SM FC box and coolly slotting the ball home.
The favourites were within a whisker of a fourth as Saiful Bahrin bin Haji Abdul Hamid’s effort from distance rattled against the crossbar.
Azmanuddin Haji Gilen ensured the fourth goal of the game after driving forward to strike home following a cutback from a teammate.
Al Idrus FT managed a fifth goal as Saiful Bahrin crept into the near post and flicked a header into the net.
SM FC pulled one back through substitute Jaafar Haji Mohd who lobbed the ball beyond the reach of the Al Idrus FT goalkeeper Mohd Faisal Hashim.
Azmanuddin added gloss to the win with his second of the game after powering his looping header into the net moments after his teammate’s effort grazed against the crossbar.
The best player award went to Haji Hassan bin Haji Damit, who stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick in the final.
SM FC finished the competition as runners-up while joint third place was shared by RB Veteran and ITF.
National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) Executive Committee member Morni bin Haji Zakaria presented the prizes to the winners.