PFA face exit as Bravo 995 cruise

PFA    2-3   Bravo 995 FC

Daniel   Qayyum

PFA bowed out from the tournament as Bravo 995 FC secured their place in the semi-final thanks to a 3-2 victory on a nervy night in BSRC. It was win or bust for Bravo 995, who got off to the fast start and PFA’s defence was oftenly in danger being over-run on the flanks.

PFA knew that a draw would guarantee progression to the last four and the onus was on Bravo 995 to win the match, so they had no choice but to throw more men forward in the early period. Their efforts materialized when they managed to score two early goals which rocked down the confidence of the PFA’s players.

Daniel then gave PFA a lifeline when Ninak picked out him with a deliciously precise through ball and the striker stayed onside, kept his nerve to find a gap between the goalkeeper and the post to fire home 2-1. Momentum is sky high for PFA as they were looking for the second goal immediately.

Jafni was denied a penalty when a flick from Daniel find him through and went down after touching legs with the goalkeeper. There was a definite contact but the referee thought otherwise. Soon after, PFA suffered a heartbreak again when Bravo 995 scored their third goal of the night and it was a mountain to climb for PFA.

Knowing they were likely to need two goals to give them a chance of reaching the last four, PFA made a brighter start to the second half as Duan replaced Fizu. Ali and Saiful were replaced by Nameng and Ipin to add more pace and creativity in the team as the clock ran down. Ninak wasn’t able to complete the match as he was unfit and had been replaced by Jul.

15 minutes from time, the introduction of PFA’s No.7 Bebek lent some urgency to the PFA’s attack, winning a free-kick outside the box leading to the second goal for PFA as Qayyum hammered an unstoppable shot into the net. Bravo 995 FC were losing their discipline and Qayyum was the victim of a crude challenge by the Bravo's fullback who was red-carded soon after.

The opportunity to play against 10-man Bravo was squandered when Jul had to stretched off due to ankle injury and PFA had already used all their subs. The red-card now did not turned out to be on PFA's favour as the game went on 10 against 10 for the final ten minutes.

Qayyum went within inches of putting PFA into semi-final when Bebek’s clever flick set up a chance for Qayyum but his shot grazed the outside of the left-hand post with the goalkeeper beaten. That was agonizingly close and the crowds were shaken by the near-miss. Only two minutes of injury time was quite a bit of surprised from the officials considering how the game went on.

It was too little too late for PFA as the referee blowed the final whistle and Bravo 995 FC booked their semifinal date next week. PFA would like to thank the PBDB’s committee led by Hj Salleh Bostaman for putting such a great efforts to get this tournament running so proficiently.

Last but not least, PFA players would like to express gratitude to PFA Management for giving us the chance to play in this tournament and we are regretful of not paying the tremendous efforts from you guys to reach the semi-final. As we all may know, they have continuously demonstrate commitment and responsibility into the team ever since it was founded.

JJ, Dillah, Aziz, Boy Habs…we are proud of you! Well done!

1st half:

Hj Kaharoul, Saiful, JJ, Alai, David, Ali, Ninak, Jafni, Qayum, Fizu, Daniel

Subs: Aqil, Nameng, Ipin, Jul, Duan, Bebek

2nd half:

Hj Kaharoul, Saiful (Nameng), JJ, Alai, David (Aqil), Ali (Ipin), Ninak (Jul), Jafni, Qayum, Fizu (Duan), Daniel (Bebek)

Subbed out: Saiful, David, Ali, Ninak, Fizu, Daniel