BY Fadhil Yunus

Brunei Darussalam’s under-20 team slipped to a 2-0 loss to Sarawak under-20 team during a Tier II international friendly match at the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (FABD) Artificial Football Field in Berakas yesterday.

The hosts had a wonderful opportunity to take the lead after Hakeme Yazid bin Said delicately controlled a neat pass, but his shot rolled agonisingly wide.

Shortly after, Sarawak pulled ahead through Muhammad Adifbadri Ariffin in the 10th minute.

The visitors nearly doubled their lead after Alan Lagang Keryer carved open the Brunei defence but his low effort ended wide.

Hakeme, who was the country’s most influential player, was nearly rewarded with an equaliser after coming clean through but his effort went inches wide.

Brunei made the first substitution of the game with Muhammad Bazli Aminuddin replacing Awangku Md Idzzaham Aleshahmezan bin Pengiran Metali just before half-time.

The substitute got the crowd on its feet after pressuring the Sarawak’s defence early into the second half.

The Sukma-bound team eventually doubled their lead as Mohammad Faris bin Mohd Faidhillah converted a penalty in the 73rd minute.

The international friendly match provided an opportunity for local spectators to witness the national age-group team in action against foreign opposition on home soil.

Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud attended the match.

FABD President Pengiran Haji Matusin bin Pengiran Haji Matasan was also present.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin