LLRC BEAT INDERA FOR TITLE
LLRC FT players celebrate after winning the Six Corner Football Championship on penalties at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.Picture: BT/ Md Asdeny Yakub |
BY SYARIF RASANI
LIANG Lumut Recreational Club Football Team (LLRC FT) claimed the first trophy after winning the Six Corner Football Championship last night.
LLRC FT sealed their victory over Indera Sports Club with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw at the end of 90 minutes.
It was a tense moment for both teams when each player missed their first penalty at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
From that point on, though, the Belait-based LLRC FT were flawless from the spot while Indera who were heavy favourites to win the final missed their third penalty.
"We are very satisfied with our results and our performance in tonight's game," LLRC FT's coach Hj Mohamad Bahrin told The Brunei Times.
"We only thought we would have a 50-50 chance of beating Inderabecause they have a lot of experienced players.
"Before the tournament started we only had less than a week to train because of Hari Raya (and) that wasn't enough time to merge as a team.
"We also didn't have enough players so we held trials to bring in new players," he added.
Indera started on the right foot by constantly attacking LLRC FT.
LLRC FT finally found their groove and started to fight back after five minutes, with Md Ghazi Ismawi finding the back of the net with a 7thminute header.
It was a simple play, with LLRC FT pulling out Indera's defence before crossing in the ball to an unmarkedMd Ghazi.
LLRC FT carried on dominating the first half, holding the ball in Indera's side and taking countless shots at goal.
Indera regained their early momentum towards the last five minutes of the half but missed many shots by a slim margin of the post.
Indera started the second half strong and kept control of the game, but though they showed stronger form, LLRC FT still found a few chances where the ball just flew wide of the post.
Indera's Reduan Hj Petara equalised in the 64th minute after the team had earlier sent in a barrage of shots in the previous minute.
The ball was lost in the legs of four players before Reduan knocked it into the bottom left post.
Indera kept on with their pressure but couldn't seem to find the back of the net.
Both teams picked up the pace in the last five minutes of the game, which turned out to be a seesaw of attacks.
Indera reached the final of the six-team tournament after winning both their games to top their group. They beat Royal Brunei Armed Forces Sports Council (MS ABDB) 1-0 in their first game on Monday before edging the national Under-23 side 3-2 on Friday.
LLRC, meanwhile, defeated Royal Brunei Police Forces Sports Council (MS PDB) 4-0 in their first game and the Under-19 team 5-1 in their second to top their group.
The tournament was meant to serve as preparation for the nationals ahead of regional meets.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj MohdJaafar awarded the trophy and cash prize of $3,000 to LLRC FT.
Indera walked away with a trophy and $2,000