GUNNERS MARCH INTO CUP SEMIS
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AM Gunners players (in red) in action against
Indera FC in their DST Group Brunei FA Cup
quarter-final match at the Berakas Sports
Complex last night. The Gunners won 2-1.
Picture: BT/Jefrisalas
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AM GUNNERS FC are through to the DST Group Brunei FA Cup semi-finals courtesy of an Ak Anaqi Sufi Pg Omar thunderbolt, unleashed at the Berakas Sports Complex last night.
The 68th minute stunner allowed the Gunners to claim a 2-1 victory over Indera FC.
Rosland Zaman scored the opener before Indera FC's Abdul Aziz Tamit equalised before the break.
Powered by the drum beats of their supporters, Indera FC got off to a strong start. Md Khayrun Salleh dribbled from the half-way beating two Gunners before unleashing a rocket that whistled wide of the left post.
That shot on goal sparked the Gunners from their slumber. Hj Md Subhi Abdillah Hj Bakir broke through two defenders to connect with a shot from the left flank, rattling the crossbar and Indera FC goalkeeper, Ak Omar Nur Aqammaddin Pg Hj Sallehuddin.
Though Hj Md Subhi was not able to get on the scoresheet, he would find solace in providing an assist for the first goal. A superbly delivered freekick from the left flank found Rosland on the far-post, who directed the ball into the net in the 13th minute to give the Gunners a slim lead.
Indera FC went all-out in search of the equaliser but the Gunners, playing in a 3-5-2 formation, were able to keep a tight hold of midfield to deny them an opportunity up until late in the half.
The Gunners were made to pay when they were unable to clear a cross, which fell to a fortunate Abdul Aziz who had the simple task of tapping the ball goalwards in the 39th minute.
Boosted by the goal before the break, Indera FC unleashed a barrage of attacks within the Gunners' half, midfielder Md Helmi Zambin almost giving them the lead twice only to be let down by his inaccuracy in front of goal.
Ak Anaqi was awarded a yellow card for obstructing Md Helmi and the resulting freekick almost cost the Gunners. At the edge of the box, three Indera FC players lined up behind the ball. Ex-DPMM FC player Azwan Md Salleh took a shot which struck the bar. Skipper Ak Shahruddin Pg Md Mohammad's rebound also missed its mark.
Only minutes later, Ak Anaqi showed Indera FC how freekicks should be taken.
The Gunners' midfielder struck a lightning bolt from beyond 35 yards that goalkeeper Ak Omar Nur Aqammaddin could only watch dumbfounded as the ball pounded into the back of the net.
