Garena Young Lions vs Brunei DPMM

(18 November, Saturday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Garena Young Lions goalkeeper Hairul Syirhan is hopeful they can end the season on a victorious note when they take on Brunei DPMM at Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday night.

In their two meetings this season, the Young Lions first held DPMM to a goalless draw in May before suffering a 7-1 reverse in Bandar Seri Begawan slightly over a month ago.

Since their 1-0 victory over Warriors FC on October 14, the Young Lions have since gone on a four-match losing streak but Hairul believes they have the ability to snap this bad run of form.

“The 0-0 draw against DPMM was a confidence booster for the team, as we got our first point of the season in that game,” he noted. “Hence, it’s possible for us to get something out of this game if we work as a team and stay disciplined throughout especially in defence.

“For me, I’ve to stay focused and keep my defence in shape at all times.”

Having featured in their last two games due to an injury to Zharfan Rohaizad, Hairul is eager to prove himself.

“I’m definitely happy to get  game time for me to show what I’m capable of,” enthused the 22-year-old who has made eight appearances for Young Lions this season.

“But at the same time, I’m disappointed I didn’t get to achieve my personal target which is to play on a regular basis. I’ll take all this positively like I always do and work even harder.”

With the Young Lions not having the best of seasons, Hairul is heartened by the support he’s seen from the fans.

“Our 12th man have been amazing for us throughout, regardless of the result. They have always been there cheering us on and showing their support,” he noted.

“So I would like to say a big thank you to them and I hope they will continue to support us in our last game to give us that extra boost to get the three points.”

Brunei DPMM are meanwhile similarly eyeing a winning end to their campaign.

The Wasps – who have 14 points from 23 matches – will finish no higher than eighth place this season, which is a far cry from their title-winning season in 2015.

They most recently fell 5-0 to Tampines Rovers at home and Brunei DPMM assistant coach Moksen Mohammad – who stood in for the suspended Steve Kean – feel that the team can improve on their performance.

“There was a lack of confidence as there were no cooperation among the players and we were easily exposed. Our midfield did not have any teamwork and that was our problem,” he explained.

“Teamwork is very important. Sometimes, the midfield will help out with the defence but it still doesn’t work.

“We will work on the defensive aspect of the game because our defenders throughout the season have been disappointing. We’re hoping to complete the season (against Garena Young Lions) with a win.”

Garena Young Lions – WLLLL

31/10/17 Home United 4-0 Garena Young Lions

28/10/17 Tampines Rovers 3-0 Garena Young Lions

24/10/17 Garena Young Lions 0-1 Hougang United

21/10/17 Garena Young Lions 0-4 Geylang International

14/10/17 Warriors FC 0-1 Garena Young Lions

Brunei DPMM – WLWLL

11/03/17 Brunei DPMM 0-5 Tampines Rovers

27/10/17 Geylang International 4-1 Brunei DPMM

21/10/17 Brunei DPMM 3-2 Warriors FC

16/10/17 Brunei DPMM 1-4 Balestier Khalsa

07/10/17 Brunei DPMM 7-1 Garena Young Lions

Head to Head (S.League)

07/10/17 Brunei DPMM 7-1 Garena Young Lions

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