BY Fadhil Yunus

Brunei Darussalam’s national football team provided the fervent home supporters a cause of celebration and optimism following a 1-0 win against Laos during a Tier I international friendly match at the Track and Field of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was present to spectate the match.

Brunei forward Naziruddin bin Haji Ismail opened his account in international colours in the 26th minute, which proved to be the match winner.

It also represents the national team’s first victory under the reign of newly-appointed head coach Mario Rivera Campesino.

Laos substitute Anousone Xatpanya nearly made an instant impact moments after coming on after connecting to a decent cross by Thanouthong Kietnalonglop, but Brunei goalkeeper Haimie anak Nyaring was equal to the ask.

Visith Bounphaserth had a sight of goal but his shot ended straight to the welcoming arms of Haimie much to the relief of the Brunei defence. Brunei attacker Muhammad Nur Asyraffahmi bin Norsamri offered threat with his mazy dribbling ability and his shot from the edge of the box was his side’s first chance in the second half.

It was only fitting that goal-scorer Naziruddin received rousing applause from the home crowd that had swarmed the venue when his number was up.

The visitors seemed to have lost an opportunity after a brief moment that saw a player clear on goal, but the chance was alive when he managed to feed teammate Bounphachan Bounkong, who then skiied his effort.

The Wasps were hit with injury concerns after defender Yura Indera Putera was forced to leave the field on a stretcher.

Brunei forward Hakeme Yazid bin Said showed good play to hold off his marker and though his subsequent pass did not reach Razimie Ramlli, there was clear intent to make a difference.

Laos won a free-kick on the edge of the box but Phoutthavong Sangvilay ballooned his effort wide. Brunei had a good opportunity to put the game to bed when a loose ball fell invitingly into the path of Nur Asyraffahmi but the attacker could not find the target to trouble visiting goalkeeper Phounin Xayyasone.

Bounkong put his header wide in injury time, but would not have counted as the linesman flagged for offside.

With all the Bruneians taking refuge in Laos box in the dying seconds of the game, the country held firm for a precious win.

Brunei national head coach Mario Rivera Campesino said that his charges deserved the victory after two weeks of intense training.

The head coach told the Bulletin in a post-match interview, “I’m very happy with the players for their efforts and they had the belief to try out things.”

He continued, “The players have been working so hard for the past two weeks and they deserved to win.”

The head coach revealed that they fared better during the game against Maldives.

“We did not play well in attack but our defence was good and we won.”

“The Laos team pressed a lot and they were intense with their play. But, we have to keep the good things and try to correct the wrong things.”

With the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 qualification match against Timor Leste on the horizon, the friendly matches served as good preparation.

Campesino said, “This victory will help a lot for us in preparing for the qualifiers not only because of the result, but the feeling of winning is very important.

“We need that feeling of being able to win a football match. With the work and belief of the players, we can improve and qualify for the main draw of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup.”

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin