Mitsubishi Electric Cup

But first, the Hornets go up against Timor-Leste in a two-legged qualifier tie with only the winner earning the right to participate in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 alongside nine other national teams from Southeast Asia. 

Brunei Darussalam’s association with the showpiece event began back in 1996 when they took part in the tournament’s inaugural edition where they were paired with Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. 

They did not have to wait long to secure their first win as Irwan Mohammad’s goal in Kallang handed them a 1-0 victory against the Philippines in their third game. However, that win has remained their only win in the tournament as they failed to qualify again for 26 years before returning in 2022 by beating Timor-Leste 6-3 on aggregate in the qualifiers. 

In 2022, a Brunei DS side, coached by Mario Rivera, suffered defeats against Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines to exit in the group stage. But Razimie Ramlli’s goal – only the nation’s second in the championship – against Thailand proved to be a silver lining for the Hornets. 

Brunei DS will now look to apply the lessons learned from their setbacks two years ago as they aim to qualify for consecutive editions of the tournament for the first time in their history.

Scottish tactician Jamie McAllister played in Scotland's top flight for clubs including Aberdeen and Hearts as well as in England's Championship for Bristol City in a playing career that also included a short stint with Kerela Blasters in the Indian Super League where he also was assistant coach. Having been part of the backroom staff at clubs in England and Scotland since retiring, he then moved to Brunei DS side DPMM in mid-2024 and took over the national team in September.

One player who will be key to Brunei Darussalam’s fortunes in the  ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 qualifiers will be Hakeme Yazid Said who plays for DPMM FC in the Singapore Premier League. The 21-year-old started all four of his country’s group matches in the 2022 edition and will be keen to leave his mark on the tournament in his second appearance. The winger, who mainly operates on the left, has pace to burn and loves taking on a defender or two while also being a threat with his set-pieces. 

Brunei Darussalam go into the two-legged qualification tie with a five-match winning streak and bags of confidence. Their last defeat came against Bermuda in March and they’ve since then overcome Vanuatu and Sri Lanka, twice, in friendly fixtures before beating Macau 4-0 over a two-legged playoff in September to make it to the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. 

First Leg: Brunei Darussalam vs Timor-Leste    

Venue: Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Bandar Seri Begawan 

Kick-off: October 8, 8:30 PM (Local Time)  

Second Leg: Timor-Leste vs Brunei Darussalam   

Venue: Chonburi Stadium, Mueang Chonburi

Kick-off: October 15, 7:30 PM (Local Time)