| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC produced one of the finest results in this season’s S League after a 2-1 victory against league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.
The home victory blew the race for the S League title wide open after second-placed Tampines Rovers FC who won last night have closed the gap on league leaders by a single point.
The hosts created a decent opportunity to take the lead after Rafael Ramazotti connected Helmi Zambin’s cross but his header rattled against the crossbar.
Atsushi Kawata beat a marker before finding his shot straight at the arms of DPMM FC goalkeeping custodian Wardun Yussof.
The Gegar Gegar men played a through ball for the onrushing Maududi Hilmi Kasmi and after the last defender was unable to close the winger down, Maududi rounded Albirex’s goalkeeper Yosuke Nozawa was tripped.
Ramazotti coolly tucked away the penalty to give the reigning S League holders the lead in the 28th minute.
The visitors looked threatening instantly and a deceitful pass for the player in the widest position occupied by Masaya Jitozono was critically thwarted.
DPMM FC’s Helmi Zambin cuts inside a player before sending a dangerous ball into the box which bounced off an Albirex defender fortunately for a corner.
The White Swans conceded an unnecessary free-kick for a high boot with a DPMM FC player leaning on.
Rafael Ramazotti scores a penalty to open the scoring. – KHAIRIL HASSAN
Rui Kamada drew the visitors’ level after rifling his shot past Wardun Yussof having breached the DPMM FC’s backline.
Albirex substitute Tomoki Menda sled in a fine pass for the open Rui Kumada, who scored against the same time in their League Cup win last week, but the latter contrived to hit the post.
Helmi Zambin felt the full force of a fierce challenge by Kumada which earned the Japanese a booking for his troubles and was later subbed off for the dangerous Tatsuro Inui.
Inui made his presence felt with his bags of trickery and his dazzling run forced the home side to concede a corner.
Menda beat the offside trap with an accurate cross chested down by Kawata and his effort was bravely smothered by Wardun.
Azwan Salleh managed a snapshot in the 80th minute before coming close with a fierce drive which was blocked for a corner.
DPMM FC midfielder Hendra Azam swung in a corner which Brian McLean guided towards goal and with the Albirex players unable to make a proper clearance Yura Indera Putera stabbed home the winner for his first goal for the club.
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