Written by: Nevin Gabriel Khoo

Home United FC took one step towards qualifying for the semifinals of the RHB Singapore Cup 2017 following a 3-1 victory over Brunei DPMM in the first-leg of the quarter finals at Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday night.

Keen to put their AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final heartbreak behind them, Aidil Sharin’s charges were looking for a positive result against DPMM and it was a tale of two halves with both teams being evenly matched in the first half.

Despite both teams having an equal share of possession, it was the Wasps who were closest to breaking the deadlock when a teasing ball from Daud Gazale in the 31st minute was met by Rafael Ramazotti.

The Brazilian striker, who was returning from an eight-match absence, could only watch as his header flew agonisingly wide of the upright.

It was evident that the Protectors defence struggled with the physical presenceby the two foreign imports. Clearly frustrated, Christopher van Huizen put in a cynical challenge on Daud Gazale forcing the Chilean forward to come off with a back injury in the 41st minute.

Despite the loss of a key player, the Wasps took the lead on the hour mark. A defensive mix up in the six-yard box allowed Ramazotti to slot home to break the deadlock.

DPMM’s joys at going ahead were however short-lived.

The Protectors equalised nine minutes later after Song Uiyoung slalomed past three Wasps defenders before sliding the ball to Juma’at Jantan who calmly slotted the ball under an onrushing Awangku Mu’izzuddin to level matters.

The Wasps pressed forth to restore their lead and were awarded a corner in the 70th minute but the inswinging delivery forced Singapore custodian Hassan Sunny into a brilliant double save.

The Protectors launched a quick counter-attack at the other end and went in front for the first time in the match as Faris burst into the final third, side stepped Mu’izzuddin before stroking home.

There was still time for Home United’s no. 10 to bag a second goal with the clock ticking down. A freekick from substitute Iqram Rifqi crashed off the post but Faris was on hand to tap home the loose ball and seal the win.

The victory sees the Protectors take a crucial two-goal cushion into the second leg of the quarter finals which will be held at the Bishan Stadium on Wednesday.

Brunei DPMM Head Coach Steve Kean: “The biggest turning point in the game was the double save (by Hassan Sunny). It looked like the second save was in because his feet were on the line and his back was arched and his has hooked (the ball) it out and then they go on to score the goal.”

“We know that we played well in the first part. We scored. Ramazotti’s header is and in the first half there was a chance where it was saved when it was going into the corner.

“We know that we can create chances and you know, you are playing against probably, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the country, in this competition and in the league. And he has made 3 saves that has total changed the complexion of the game.”

Home United Head Coach Aidil Sharin: “(On the turning point of the game), it was definitely Hassan’s save. Straightaway you could see the boys reacting to the clearance and getting goal. That changed the game.

“It is very important to get a first win. The second game is at our home in Bishan and the boys will be more comfortable. But as I told the boys, we have to remain focus. We need to think that the game is still 0-0 and to win in the second leg.

“We will get the full squad for the next game. Stipe Plazibat will recover, Sirina Camara will recover, Khairul Nizam will recover because we have four players who are down with fever tonight.”

Brunei DPMM: Awangku Mu’izzuddin (GK), Vincent Salas, Rafael Ramazotti, Hazwan Hamzah, Maududi Hilmi Kasmi (Shahrazen Said 55’), Najib Tarif, Nurikhwan Othman, Daud Gazale (Adi Said 41’), Azwan Saleh (C), Hanif Hamir (Rosmin Kamis 46’), Haizul Rani

Home United: Hassan Sunny (GK, C), Hariss Harun, Juma’at Janta, Abdil Qaiyyim, Aqhari Abdullah, Song Uiyoung, Faris Ramli, Shamil Sharif, Sufianto Salleh, Christopher van Huizen (Iqram Rifqi 64’), Marijan Suto (Haziq Azman 66’)