Brunei DPMM vs Garena Young Lions

(7 October, Saturday, 8.15pm, Bandar Seri Begawan)

Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Brunei DPMM will be looking for their second win on the bounce in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League when they entertain Garena Young Lions in Bandar Seri Begawan on Saturday night.

In their last match, the Wasps beat Hougang United 2-1 at Hougang Stadium to snap a 14-game winless run and claim only their second victory of the season in the process.

With a chance to close the gap between them and seventh-placed Balestier Khalsa, DPMM head coach Steve Kean is optimistic his team can climb further up the standings.

“It was good to get the win and I was delighted with the (efforts of the) players,” the Scot said after the win over the Cheetahs. “They stuck with the game plan and we were winning battles all over the pitch.

“Our midfield two and back three were excellent – they didn’t give Hougang’s front two any chances. Further up the pitch, Adi Said, Rafael Ramazotti and Daud Gazale caused problems all night.

“There have been occasions this season where I would be disappointed with a draw for the games that we have lost, so maybe that brings a bit more belief in the side. We can definitely do better with the quality that we have.

“We have to try to really use this as a platform and go get as many wins and take ourselves to a much more respectable position come end of the season.”

Mid-season signing Daud Gazale opened his accounts in DPMM colours against Hougang and Kean is eager to see more from the forward.

“He’s been unfortunate with injuries (since joining) but I’m glad he got some playing time under his belt,” Kean said of the Chilean.

“But you can see when he gets the ball, he can make a chance. He’s an assist specialist and unselfish player, he has good control with the ball and an eye for the goal.

“I’m delighted he has returned to give us a different element in our play. Hopefully he can stay clear of injuries until the end of the season because it really helps if we can get the three import players on the pitch.”

Young Lions on the other hand are reeling from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Balestier which leaves them still in search of their first win this term.

The developmental side lie a spot below DPMM in ninth after 17 matches, but head coach Vincent Subramaniam is refusing to throw in the towel just yet.

“We are not giving up for sure, there’s still eight matches to go so there’s still a lot (for my players) to prove,” he said.

“We still want to work. I think I will get two or three players back from injuries so I hope to strengthen the side and prepare well for this match.”

While he might not have some players available for selection, Subramaniam is choosing to look at the positives instead.

“We have Hami (Syahin) and Syahrul (Sazali) and a couple of the National Service boys who are still out,” he shared.

“That will hurt us as our team will be very lean but this also means others will get a chance to play. For instance, our second-choice goalkeeper (Hairul Syirhan) played against Balestier and did a decent job.

“When we come back, we will play the likes of Warriors FC, Geylang International and Hougang which is going to be quite tough. But in order for these young boys to grow, they have to go through this tough phase.”

Brunei DPMM – DLLLW

23/09/17 Hougang United 1-2 Brunei DPMM

19/09/17 Brunei DPMM 1-4 Hougang United

16/09/17 Brunei DPMM 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

08/09/17 Brunei DPMM 1-4 Home United

21/08/17 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Brunei DPMM

Garena Young Lions – LLLLL

20/09/17 Garena Young Lions 0-1 Balestier Khalsa

15/09/17 Hougang United 2-1 Garena Young Lions

12/09/17 Garena Young Lions 0-4 Tampines Rovers

08/09/17 Garena Young Lions 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

02/07/17 Geylang International 2-1 Garena Young Lions

Head to Head (S.League)

13/05/17 Garena Young Lions 0-0 Brunei DPMM

26/09/16 Brunei DPMM 5-3 Garena Young Lions

19/06/16 Garena Young Lions 1-1 Brunei DPMM

08/04/16 Brunei DPMM 4-1 Garena Young Lions

22/09/15 Garena Young Lions 1-2 Brunei DPMM