PETALING JAYA: Brunei coach Jamie McAllister admitted his side were below par after a string of defensive errors led to a 1-3 defeat against Immigration in Kangar on Sunday.
Brunei had taken an early lead but were ultimately undone by costly mistakes at the back and a lack of energy throughout the match.
“We were a bit flat and I thought we lacked energy,” said McAllister.
“We made too many defensive mistakes, which cost us dearly. If you don’t defend properly and do the fundamentals, clear your lines and make good decisions, you get punished.”
Brunei went ahead in the 10th minute through Australian striker Jordan Murray, but their advantage lasted only briefly.
A failure to deal with danger in their own box allowed Immigration to equalise just two minutes later through Colombian striker Wilmar Jordan.
The match remained evenly poised after the break before another defensive lapse proved costly. Brunei conceded possession cheaply instead of clearing their lines, allowing Immigration to take the lead early in the second half.
“After the second goal, our decision-making and quality in possession were poor,” McAllister added.
“We didn’t create much after that, and they controlled the game better before getting a third goal from another defensive mistake. It’s a tough one to take.”
Midfielder Fadzrul Danel Nizam put Immigration ahead in the 51st minute, while winger Fayadh Zulkifli sealed the win with a late strike in the 89th minute.
McAllister also pointed to his side’s inability to compete physically.
“You’ve got to give the opposition credit. They looked as if they had more energy and wanted the one-on-one duels more than us. I don’t mind losing if we compete better, but there were too many lost one-versus-one battles.”
With the win, Immigration are now sixth in the standings with 28 points from 22 matches, three points ahead of Negri Sembilan and five clear of Brunei in eighth.
Brunei will next face Sabah at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan on Saturday.
