DPMM FC to face Selangor again

DPMM FC are set to face Selangor in their first ever Malaysian FA Cup outing come next month but the Brunei's premier club is undaunted by the challenge at hand.

They take on the Red Giants in the first round of the competition at the Shah Alam Stadium on Feb 19 and have March 4 marked as the home leg at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Held annually since 1990, Selangor are the team with the best record in the competition and have four wins and one runners-up position under their belt.

"We know they are a strong team but nevertheless our goal is still to win at the Shah Alam Stadium," stated club manager, Hj Eady Sardi PDDSDP Hj Razak.

"This is our first time competing in the FA Cup, and we were invited to join by the Football Association of Malaysia," said Hj Eady, adding that it was probably because they were not allowed to compete in the Malaysia Cup this season.

DPMM face Selangor tomorrow at the Shah Alam Stadium in the 11th round of Malaysian Super League action, but Hj Eady insists that a loss will not affect the team's confidence going into their FA Cup clash.

"I really do not think that if we lose tomorrow it will hinder our chances of winning on February 19," said the club manager.

"Instead, I think it will help us find a solution as to why we lost, and will give us time to make changes in tactics and things like that," he added.

When asked which competition would be a priority for the already depleted team, Hj Eady replied that the club did not have a priority in terms of whether to field their best 11 for the MSL or for the FA Cup.

In addition to striker Shahrazen Hj Md Said who is nursing a fractured ankle, winger Sairol Hj Sahri is also out of action due to a fractured shoulder.

Defender Hasnawi Ismail is another key player who will not be able to feature for the side, as he is only one match into his three-game ban after picking up a straight red during DPMM's 2-1 away loss to Police on Jan 16.

The second round of the FA Cup is followed by the quarter-finals.

The Brunei Times