The Brunei Polo team, comprised His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar and Farid Abdullah, during the polo match against Malaysia. PHOTO: BRUNEI CONTINGENT SECRETARIAT
Brunei and Malaysia polo teams in action. PHOTO: BRUNEI CONTINGENT SECRETARIAT
Brunei Darussalam’s polo team delivered a spirited performance on Thursday evening but fell 5-6 to Malaysia in the Preliminary Round of the Polo 2–4 Goal event at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
Representing Brunei were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen, Her Royal Highness
Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar and Farid Abdullah.
The match, at VS Sports Club and Polo Siam Park in Samut Prakan, Bangkok, was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, the national polo team manager, accompanied His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah.
Polo coach Guillermo Willington Arias said the first chukka began evenly, with Brunei sticking to its game plan under pressure.
His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen scored the opening field goal with two minutes remaining, before Malaysia equalised in the final minute to end the chukka at 1-1.
In the second chukka, Malaysia converted a penalty to move ahead 2-1.
Brunei created opportunities but were unable to convert, allowing Malaysia to retain their advantage at the halfway mark.
The third chukka saw Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar level the score at 2-2 with a well-executed field goal.
Malaysia quickly replied to regain the lead, but His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen struck again to equalise 3-3.
A 5B penalty in favour for Brunei, from Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar sent the ball to Farid and scored the goal to put Brunei 4-3 up. Malaysia, however, found the target late in the chukka to bring the score to 4-4.
In the final chukka, Malaysia gained the early advantage before Brunei countering effectively.
Farid Abdullah narrowly missed a chance by inches, and play was paused due to an injured Malaysian horse.
Malaysia broke through to lead 5-4, but Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Bahar converted a 40-yard penalty to tie the match at 5-5. Malaysia secured the decisive goal with a minute remaining to seal a narrow 6-5 victory.
Despite the close defeat, Brunei showcased strong determination and maintained consistent competitiveness throughout the match.
Brunei now ranks among the top four of five teams and advances to the semi-finals based on total goal difference. Indonesia has been eliminated.
Competing teams in the 2-4 Goal category are Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. The semi-finals will be held on December 8. Meanwhile, the secretariat has begun preparations for the arrival of Brunei’s athletes on December 7, including karate, sepak takraw and taekwondo teams.
A total of 39 individuals – comprising athletes, coaches, team managers, secretariat personnel and medical staff – are scheduled to depart for Bangkok. – James Kon
