Football
Teo Teng Kiat 9y

S.League: Brunei DPMM coast to 3-1 win against Harimau Muda

Much has been made of former Premier League striker Craig Fagan signing for Brunei DPMM FC, but another forward stole the show as they beat Harimau Muda 3-1 on Sunday night in the Great Eastern Yeo's S.League.

DPMM's new boy Rafael Ramazotti had a debut to remember for the hosts, as he bagged a hat-trick at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to lead Steve Kean's men to victory in their 2015 league opener.

Last season's runners-up were handed a relatively easy opening tie against Razip Ismail's Malaysian youngsters and they laid down a marker of intent, aided by their new Brazilian marksman.

Hendra Azam and Boris Raspudic had gone close to breaking the deadlock before Ramazotti made his chance count on 24 minutes.

A corner from Azwan Ali, who had a breakthrough 2014 season, was met with a darting header into the back of the net from the 26-year-old.

A cheeky attempt from Fagan to lob goalkeeper Farhan Abu Bakar went narrowly wide on the half hour mark, with the assist coming off the head of Ramazotti.

Fagan returned the favour on 39 minutes and his strike partner was much more clinical this time, volleying a stunning effort into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Ramazotti blasted another good chance wide towards the end of the half, but he did not have to wait long to complete his hat-trick.

Reacting quickest after Farhan failed to hold on to a fierce free-kick, Ramazotti slotted in the rebound in the 52nd minute to give the Wasps a commanding lead.

The home side eased off the throttle afterward but could still have added a fourth, with Azwan spurning two excellent chances in the final 10 minutes.

The Young Tigers did manage to bag a consolation goal as a reward for their persistence, with Ridzuan Abdunloh sending a 25-yard strike past Wardun Yussof.

Harimau Muda will play hosts to Warriors FC on Mar. 5 at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca while DPMM will take on Albirex Niigata (S) two days later.

Brunei DPMM Line-up: Wardun Yussof, Awangku Fakharrazi, Brian McLean, Boris Raspudic, Azwan Saleh (C) (Sairol Sahari 90'), Joseph Gamble, Hendra Azam (Yura Indera 70'), Aminuddin Zakwan, Azwan Ali, Craig Fagan, Rafael Ramazotti (Shahrazen Said 85').

Harimau Muda Line-up: Farhan Abu Bakar, Azrul Nizam (Ridzuan Abdunloh 68'), Ashmawi Yakin, Nazirul Hashim (C), Wan Ahmad Zafran (Irfan Zakaria 55'), Annas Rahmat, Kenny Pallraj, Shahrul Igwan, Faizat Ghazali, Adam Nor, Kumaahran Sathasivam.

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