Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
BRUNEI got one foot into the final round of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 after a 6-2 win over Timor Leste in the first leg of their qualifier on Saturday.
The duo of Azizi Ali Rahman and Razimie Ramlli each bagged a brace.
Azwan Salleh and Wafi Aminuddin were the other names on the scoresheet.
The Wasps opened the scoring in the 18th minute after Azizi was sent through on goal at the Balapan Track and Field in Berakas.
He then fired it past an onrushing Junildo Pereira just outside the box.
The hosts doubled their advantage after Nur Ikhwan Othman headed a corner to the far post for Azizi to volley home from close range.
Timor Leste pulled one back in first half added time against the run of play.
Olagar Xavier put a good cross in for their skipper Mouzinho Lima to score at the far post.
It was 3-1 on the hour mark after a goalkick was headed on for Razimie to give chase.
He outmuscled Juvito Moniz before putting the ball past the Timor Leste custodian.
Timor Leste stayed in the game as they netted a second minutes later.
The ball was pulled back for Jhon Oliveira for a good strike from outside the box to make it 3-2.
Brunei's fourth goal came from a combination of substitutes.
Adi Said did the work to get past his marker on the left before cutting back for Azwan to fire home from six yards.
Wafi scored his first senior goal after getting at the end of a corner to watch his header bounce in at the far post in the 88th minute.
Brunei completed the rout with Adi delivering a ball into the box for Razimie to head home.
The second leg will be held at the same venue on Tuesday. Kick off is slated for 2.30pm.
