Perkasa captain Juraimi Zulkifli in action (C) against Wasabi FC during their Group A match of the Veteran Football Association (VFA) President Cup yesterday. Perkasa won the match 2-0. BT/ Ak Fauzi Pg Salleh
Perkasa recorded their first win in Group A of the Veteran Football Association (VFA) President Cup yesterday after defeating Wasabi FC 2-0 at the Awang Semaun Secondary School in Lumapas.
Captain Juraimi Zulkifli was Perkasa's best player with the midfielder showcasing good leadership in the middle of the field, contributing a goal in the win.
Striker Pg Sabtu Pg Hj Yusof was the other scorer for Perkasa.
Juraimi opened the scoring early in the 10th minute with a brilliant effort from outside the penalty box defeating Wasabi goalkeeper Jifri Hj Abdul Rahman.
Wasabi replied almost immediately when Mohd Nordin Hj Abu Bakar put Mohd Ali Sabri Hj Abang through, but the midfielder was denied by Perkasa goalkeeper Hj Khairuddin Hj Matusop's acrobatic save.
Hj Khairuddin pulled off another fantastic save moments later, this time from Mohd Nordin whose volley from inside the box looked certain to end up at the bottom corner of the net.
However it was Perkasa who scored again when Pg Sabtu struck from close range in the 41st minute to give his team a 2-0 lead heading into the second-half.
Wasabi played aggressively after the restart, hoping to find the net, but they were unlucky not to convert any of the chances created.
Wasabi's Mohd Roni Hj Jumat and Mohd Nordin had the best chances of the team, but both fell short of scoring.
Mohd Roni should have pulled one back when he found himself in a one-on-one situation against Perkasa's goalkeeper, but the midfielder sent this shot just wide.
The 35-year-old came close again at the hour mark but his shot was vitally blocked by a Perkasa defender.
Wasabi continued to press for goals in the final 20 minutes of the game but they could not find their way past Perkasa's solid back-line.
"It is good to have everyone back in the team," said Perkasa assistant coach Saini Hj Tasim in an interview with The Brunei Times.
"We lost 5-2 to Rimba Star FC in our first game and a number of key players did not play, but today we welcomed everyone back in the team and I am happy that we managed to get our first three points.
"Our captain Juraimi was very influential during the game, and he led the team very well and also managed to score a goal for the club. he is our best player today.
"Last year we only managed to reach the quarter-final, but this year we want reach the final and I believe that we have the players that can do that," he added.
The other match saw Pondok 12 held to a 1-1 draw by Manggis FC.
