Written by: Shawn Lim

The New Paper League Cup Semi-Final

Brunei DPMM vs Home United
(Tuesday, 26 July, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

After barely scraping past the group stage in The New Paper League Cup 2016, Home United will meet Brunei DPMM in the semi-final on Tuesday night at Jalan Besar Stadium hoping to secure a place in the final.

The Protectors managed a win and a loss to the likes of Geylang International and Albirex Niigata (S) respectively in Group B, before needing a last-minute draw with Balestier Khalsa to qualify for the next round.

However, Home coach Philippe Aw believes his side can overcome DPMM, who are the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League defending champions, as the tie will be played at Jalan Besar Stadium, which has been a lucky ground of sorts for the Bishan-based club.

“We are playing them at Jalan Besar, which is a good thing because normally when we play there, we play good football and entertain the fans,” said Aw.

“I have said from last season that it is very important to play good football, so when we play DPMM, we will do just that.”

In contrast, the Wasps topped Group B, winning all three of their matches, albeit against under-strength sides like Tampines Rovers, Warriors FC and Hougang United, who were all missing key players because of international duties.

While the Bruneian club managed to end Tampines coach Akbar Nawas’ unbeaten record, they struggled to break down the Stags’ defence for large period of the game because they were missing suspended key playmaker Paulo Sergio.

Sergio will again be ineligible when the Wasps take on the Protectors as the Portuguese serves out the last of his two-match suspension, while Home will have to play without centre-back Sim Teck Yi.

Suspension: Paulo Sergio (Brunei DPMM), Sim Teck Yi (Home United)

Brunei DPMM – LLWWW

21/07/16  Brunei DPMM 2-1 Tampines Rovers (League Cup)
17/07/16  Hougang United 0-2 Brunei DPMM (League Cup)
13/07/16  Brunei DPMM 4-0 Warriors FC (League Cup)
03/07/16  Ceres La Salle 3-2 Brunei DPMM (Singapore Cup)
30/06/16  Brunei DPMM 0-3 Ceres La Salle (Singapore Cup)

Home United – LDLWD

22/07/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Home United (League Cup)
18/07/16  Geylang International 0-5 Home United (League Cup)
14/07/16  Home United 0-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (League Cup)
30/06/16  Home United 2-2 Balestier Khalsa (Singapore Cup)
27/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Home United (Singapore Cup)