Brunei's DPMM flex their muscles

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SINGAPORE - Brunei outfit DPMM's stock rose last night when they defeated eight-time champions SAFFC 2-1 in the 2012 Great Eastern-Yeo's S-League at the Chua Chu Kang Stadium.

Goals from Basiru Osman in the 17th minute and Shah Razen 10 minutes from time silenced the home crowd. The Bruneians, who drew 2-2 with defending champions Tampines in their season opener last week in Bandar Seri Begawan, played like a side determined to settle unfinished business in the S-League.

They were challenging for the title the last time they featured in the competition in 2009, but were forced to pull out towards the end of the campaign after their national association were suspended by FIFA.

The Warriors, usually a tough proposition on their home turf, were a shadow of the side that won four straight titles from 2006 and their solitary goal by Tatsuro Inui in the 68th minute failed to lift the spirits of nearly 1,500 fans that turned up at the stadium.

With their second loss in as many starts to the season - SAFFC fell to Albirex Niigata in their season opener - the Warriors face a tough task to lift themselves for the uniform derby with arch-rivals Home United on March 4.

In the other match last night, Woodlands defeated Geylang 3-1 at the Woodlands Stadium.