Segala Brunei→banar banar semua ada bah!⤴︎

***Over 17,000 football fans throng renovated stadium to witness Brunei-Indonesia match, evoking memories of bygone era.*** Situated in Bandar Seri Begawan, the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium epitomises the embodiment of the nation’s sporting passion. This iconic multi-purpose arena, primarily dedicated to hosting thrilling association football matches, offers a grand stage where athletic dreams come to life. With a seating capacity of 28,000, this majestic venue was inaugurated on the memorable day of September 23, 1983, chosen to commemorate the 69th birthday of Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Muhammad Jamalul Alam. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/OURI-IfkkakVq7bzchICX-M6-vi9WxO8dxsJYRiGIjZ.jpeg) Enthusiastic football audience during the match. PHOTO: KHAYR ZAKARIYYA The stadium had undergone a stunning transformation since 2021 and was recently re-opened that seemed to transport us back in time. As I stepped into its hallowed grounds, a palpable surge of energy and excitement enveloped the air, instantly evoking a sense of nostalgia. Among the throngs of enthusiastic spectators, I was one of the many who found themselves transported to a bygone era as we experienced the magic of the stadium. This captivating ambience unfolded during a pivotal moment in the Brunei national team’s journey – a second-round match against Indonesia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the first round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) showdown. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a mystical glow over the stadium, the arena came alive. Over 17,000 fervent football enthusiasts had gathered under the canopy of stars, creating an electric atmosphere that felt like a window to the past. It was a time-honoured spectacle that united fans, young and old, in their unwavering support for the beautiful game. Amidst the exhilarating energy, national football fans breathed life into the stadium, fervently cheering for their cherished teams. The stands were adorned with a sea of Indonesian and Bruneian flags, each flag a vivid emblem of allegiance. On both sides, the supporters united their voices in harmony, joining in the spirited chants that reverberated through every corner of the national stadium. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/uTU0mrn6U9A6MaDnmjqXG-p8tBkrhb4UtsAPBGRNIOc.jpeg) Amirul Adli. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR “The sensation coursing through me now is reminiscent of my days as a ball boy during the 2014 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy invitational tournament,” remarked Amirul Adli. This time, as a member of the media team, Amirul has the privilege of witnessing first-hand the impressive modifications made to the freshly revitalised stadium. “One standout feature that has captured my attention is the immersive lighting, a dynamic addition that promises to enhance the thrill of the matches played on the field,” he continued. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/4nwjg0ZkJxp2eSM9k96r4-Xh9QJP1d8YbWbcxjkvWDf.jpeg) Hajah Yanti. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR As expressed by Hajah Yanti, a vendor offering an array of football shirts, the anticipation in the air was palpable. “Since late afternoon, folks have been streaming in,” she observed. “It’s like a breath of fresh air – it’s been quite some time since we’ve relished such a festive ambience, especially with the spectre of COVID looming over us and the national stadium undergoing extensive renovations,” she continued. The convivial atmosphere at the stadium appeared to be a source of delight for both Bruneian and Indonesian residents residing here, as attested by the brisk sales of both Brunei and Indonesian football jerseys. “We’ve already moved over a hundred jerseys today,” she noted. In the stands, there was a heart-warming sight as friends and families came together. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/bOR4TSsqbQM9niv2_bghu-RyzSirdNg4a5Uj6wL1lgG.jpeg) Mazizul Akmal Syahmie with his family. PHOTO: ADIB NOOR Nineteen-year-old Mazizul Akmal Syahmie, part of a group of more than 20 family members, beamed with enthusiasm, saying, “I’m here with my entire family, over 20 of us, all set to cheer for Brunei!” “It’s been quite a while since we’ve had the chance to savour an experience like this,” he remarked, echoing the sentiments of many in attendance. Mazizul and his family couldn’t help but admire the stadium’s upgraded facilities. “The seats and the overall stadium look fantastic,” they remarked, their excitement mounting as they looked forward to a gripping match. Ahmad Faizin, an Indonesian expatriate working in Brunei, was elated to witness and support his national team. As fellow countrymen amalgamated, waving their flag with pride, they played their part in passionately cheering their national squad towards the next stage of the competition. “We secured our tickets as soon as they became available; it’s not every day that we have the opportunity to vocally back our exceptionally talented national team,” he shared. The Indonesian fans arrived in full force, creating an adrenaline-charged evening. The energy in the stadium remained consistently high throughout the night, with the crowd erupting in cheers at every goal attempt, celebrating wildly whenever the ball found the back of the net. For me, the resonance of this energy transported me back to the glory days of the Brunei Tabuan team, as a flood of nostalgic memories washed over me while climbing the stadium steps in search of my seat. Despite Brunei’s loss on that particular night, it was undeniably a memorable experience, not only for me but for countless others in attendance. The people have wholeheartedly embraced the newly renovated stadium, and their appetite for more nights of international tournaments and matchups, filled with passionate cheers under the night sky, remains insatiable.

Segala Brunei→banar banar semua ada bah!⤴︎

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