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Check out the video of the opening ceremony of Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launched the Fifth Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament last Saturday.

Held at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, His Majesty was joined by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel and Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah.

Greeting His Majesty upon arrival at the stadium was His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, the president of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BDNOC); the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah; and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina Othman.

His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam launched the Fifth Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for ASEAN Youth Football Tournament. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times.

It’s not a great start for Brunei Darussalam in the opening of the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy 2014. They have lost their opening match against Cambodia with a 1-0 score line. According to national football coach Kwon Oh-son of Brunei U-21, they lost on skills and not luck. The dressing room’s confidence is not high due to the loss in the first game. You can read more of the article here from The Brunei Times.

Even my friends shared how Brunei didn’t shine on the opening match. The other down side is that the U-21 players are not fully fit as they have a few injured players taken off during the loss to Cambodia. Maybe the friendly match against Sabah was a bit too close to the tournament as some of the players are recovering from minor injuries sustained during the friendly matches.

Now they will have a huge task against Indonesia, a late entry into the tournament, and Indonesia will want to avenge their defeat in the finals back in 2012 where they lost 2-0 to defending champions Brunei. Well, in football, anything can happen and the ball is round. All Brunei need is just a win under their belt especially in the beginning of the tournament to boost their confidence.

I’m still optimistic that Brunei has a 50/50 chance of making the cut but they can’t afford to slip more after the loss.

Brunei will take on Indonesia tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Monday 11th August. I expect a feisty affair as both teams are favourites to get past the group stage. Good luck!! Note: I won’t be covering this match as I am still outstation.

You can follow official updates from their official website – hassanalbolkiahtrophy.gov.bn 

Team Cambodia during the opening ceremony. Image taken by @zackhardie14

It was good to see Adi Said back in the match as he was doubtful before the tournament. Image courtesy of The Brunei Times

The t-shirt for HBT 2014 available

Wristband perhaps from Armtrix Enterprise

You can buy some of the merchandise at the national stadium