Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei DPMM FC will be counting their lucky stars after making the semifinals of the Aceh Governor Cup despite not recording a single win in the group stage.

A Titus Bonai hat-trick for the Indonesian side, Semen Padang FC, condemned Brunei DPMM FC to a 4-2 defeat in their opening game on Saturday.

They followed that up with a 1-1 draw against defending champions of the Malaysia Super League, Kelantan FA on Monday night.

Trialist Rocha Romeiro opened the scoring for Brunei DPMM FC in the 66th minute after reacting fastest to a spilt shot by the Kelantan goalkeeper to take his tally to two goals in as many games, but Dimitri Petratos netted just six minutes later to even the scores.

That meant that Semen Padang had to beat Kelantan by two goals at least, and by chance, Kelantan would suffer the same fate as Brunei DPMM FC, losing 4-2 to the Indonesians, who were inspired by an Edward Junior Wilson hat-trick.

Following a draw to see whether Kelantan or Brunei DPMM FC would make the semi-finals, Kelantan FA drew the short straw and were sent packing last night, which means that Brunei DPMM FC will be playing Group A winners, Aceh United, in the semi-finals after the Indonesians beat Selangor FA 1-0 last night.

The semi-final match will be played tomorrow (December 19). Kick-off is at 5pm local time.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin