Timor-Leste national team took advantage in the first match after beating Brunei DS national team scoring 1-0 in the ASEAN Mitsubushi Electric Cup 2024 Qualifying round first leg at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Bandar Seri Begawan.
Brunei, aiming to qualify for the tournament’s group stage for the second consecutive time, started the match with confidence, coming off an impressive five-match winning streak. However, despite sustained pressure in the second half, they were unable to breach the Timorese defense.
Timor-Leste, seeking their first appearance at the tournament since 2020, had the game’s first real chance when Claudio Osorio burst forward and set up Zenivio Mota, whose shot forced a save from Brunei’s goalkeeper Haimie Nyaring. Brunei quickly responded, with Hakeme Yazid Said showcasing his speed and skill, but Timor-Leste’s goalkeeper Junildo Pereira pulled off a brilliant save to keep the match level.
As the first half drew to a close, both sides traded blows, but neither could find the back of the net. Hariz Danial Khallidden tested Junildo with a powerful strike, while Hakeme’s shot went narrowly wide just before the halftime whistle.
Timor-Leste’s breakthrough came just a minute into the second half when captain Paulo Gali stole possession from Najib Tarif on the right wing. Gali drove into the box and, from a tight angle, fired a powerful shot into the roof of Nyaring’s net, giving his side the lead.
Brunei pushed for an equalizer, coming close when Hakeme’s corner hit the far post, but Timor-Leste’s defense managed to clear the danger. The home side had a golden opportunity to level the score when Nazry Aiman’s cross was misjudged by Junildo, but Brunei captain Azwan Ali Rahman headed over from close range.
As the match wore on, Brunei dominated possession, piling on pressure in the final 20 minutes. In the sixth minute of added time, Abdul Hariz came agonizingly close with a free-kick that flew just wide, but Timor-Leste held firm to secure the 1-0 victory.
Following a tense goalless first half at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, it was Timor-Leste’s captain Paulo Gali who broke the deadlock shortly after the restart. His goal proved decisive, giving his team the upper hand as they prepare for next week’s return leg in Chonburi, Thailand.
Credit Photo : AFF
