NBT hold Jerudong FC

NBT FC and Jerudong FC battled to a 2-2 draw in yesterday's Hyundai Cup Group A match at the Berakas Sports Complex, in a game filled with goal-mouth action in both ends.

In what was the first match in the competition for both teams, the opening minutes started off encouragingly enough with prolonged periods of pressure from both teams.

NBT were slightly better than their opponents in the earlier exchanges and got the goal they deserved in the 12th minute through Afindi Yati Tuah during a set-play.

After a free kick on the left was not cleared by the Jerudong defence, a low pass across the face of the goal saw Afindi first to the ball and he scored with a simple tap in.

However, their joy was short lived as Jerudong equalised three minutes later.

Mohd Radzi Tamat's free kick from around 35 yards found the back of the net, sending his teammates into celebration.

Jerudong got in front for the first time in the 35th minute when Muhd Abu Bakar Mahari scored from outside the box, after latching on to a loose ball which NBT failed to take care of.

Leading 2-1 going into the locker room, Jerudong were the better team in the second half, but were unlucky to have been denied by the woodwork twice.

They were left to rue their missed chances in the 74th minute when NBT's persistence paid off as Mohd Najib Tarif evened the score with a cheeky chip over the onrushing Jerudong goalkeeper.

Though there were many other chances until the final whistle, the game ended in a draw.

In the other Group A match held at the Belapan Track and Field, Wijaya produced a shock 2-1 win over the reigning Brunei League champions, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Erni Hakim opened the account for Wijaya a minute before half-time, but RBAF equalised through Ak Mahale Pg Sulaiman in the 68th minute.

Mahsuri Hayat's goal in the 74th minute ensured Wijaya of all three points, putting them at the top of Group A. The Brunei Times