Written by: Nigel Chin

Brunei DPMM regained their three-point lead at the top of the S.League standings after scraping 2-1 past Hougang United on Tuesday evening at the Hougang Stadium.

A penalty from Rafael Ramazotti in the 71st minute settled the contest after the Cheetahs had fought back from a one-goal deficit.

The Bruneians had just one target coming to the game – to get all three points – and they made it clear right from the start.

However, it was Hougang who had a superb opportunity just after seven minutes, but striker Vuk Sotirovic wasted it by heading over a pinpoint cross from Ruzaini Zainal.

Four minutes later, Azwan Ali hit a fierce drive from outside into the side-netting, before Ramazotti missed two quick opportunities – hitting the post first before heading a Rosmin Kamis cross narrowly wide.

Ramazotti had another golden opportunity in the 27th minute after he was sent through by Rosmin, but he was foiled by Hougang goalkeeper Ridhuan Barudin, who raced off his line quickly to sweep up the ball.

But just four minutes later, the visitors got their lead when Kenneth Chang headed into his own net from a set-piece.

Hougang could have equalised on the stroke of half-time through Fareez Farhan, but the winger’s rasping volley was parried wide by Wardun Yussof.

The hosts got their equaliser six minutes after the restart, thanks to a moment of magic from Sotirovic.

After earning a free-kick just outside the box, Sotirovic powered a strike into the top corner with Wardun left rooted to his spot.

Three minutes later, Azwan Ali saw an effort from a similar position saved by Ridhuan, before Sotirovic sent his volley soaring into the sky after a quick counter attack.

Both Paulo Sergio and Ramazotti missed two chances in quick successions midway through the second half, before Ridhuan pulled off a sensational save to deny Azwan after the winger slipped past his markers.

DPMM were then awarded the penalty that led to the winner moments after, with Chang suffering a lapse in concentration that led to his handball inside the box.

Ramazotti made no mistake from the spot, powering it past Ridhuan for the winner.

Hougang United: Ridhuan Barudin (GK), Yuki Uchiyama, Kenneth Chang, Kunihiro Yamashita (C), Faiz Salleh, Ruzaini Zainal (Muhaymin Salim 55’), Atsushi Shimono, Tengku Mushahdad, Fareez Farhan, Diego Gama, Vuk Sotirovic (Taufiq Ghani 73’)

Brunei DPMM: Wardun Yussof (GK), Helmi Zambin, Boris Raspudic, Brian McLean, Sairol Sahari (Azwan Saleh 73’), Maududi Hilmi, Joe Gamble, Rosmin Kamis (C), Azwan Ali, Paulo Sergio, Rafael Ramazotti