Darul Ta’zim charge to title in ruthless fashion
DARUL Ta’zim, who are the “indestructible” force of Malaysian football, are closing in on setting the biggest title winning margin in the history of the Super League.
Many thought Darul Ta’zim had lost their zest following the setbacks in the FA Cup and AFC Cup, but they have answered their critics with a ‘massive’ 11point lead in the Super League.
Darul Ta’zim are likely to wrap up their fourth straight league crown with matches to spare.
In the 2014 season, the Johor side won their first title by only three points and retained it the following year with a seven-point gap over second-place Selangor.
Last year, Darul Ta’zim won the league undefeated by 15 points with three matches to spare.
With six matches left, Ulisses Morais’ side could break their 15point margin record for the title this season.
But breaking the record will depend on whether Darul Ta’zim’s closest rivals drop points and that they still keep winning.
On Saturday, Darul Ta’zim produced a scintillating second half performance in the 3-1 win over Sarawak at Larkin Stadium.
Mohammed Ghaddar took his league tally to 21 league goals this year (including 18 goals when he was with Kelantan) with a double in the 11th and 75th minutes while substitute Safawi Rasid netted the third in the 77th minute.
Sahil Suhaimi gave Sarawak hope with an equaliser in the 63rd minute to cancel out Ghaddar’s first half goal but Darul Ta’zim were not to be denied three points.
Darul Ta’zim lead the standing with 39 points, followed by Kedah on 28 and Pahang with 27.
“Obviously, I am happy with the win but I am not too happy with some actions of play. We started the match with an early goal but after that we did not make the right decisions,” Morais told TV3 on Saturday.
“But our tempo became better after Sarawak’s equaliser. We are now at the top of the league, but we cannot get too comfortable. Although we have an 11-point lead, it does not mean we can relax.”
On Ghaddar’s performance, Morais said the Lebanese is a good player and has good scoring sense.
“However, I do not want to talk about one individual. Everyone contributed in the match. I am happy with defender Hasbullah Abu Bakar. He is not a left-back, but he gave a good performance in that position.
“He is young and has a good future. His performance today has given me more options,” Morais added.
Captain Safiq Rahim said the lack of discipline was the reason Darul Ta’zim struggled slightly in the first half and the opening minutes after the breather.
“We have six games left and we cannot take them lightly. We are not focused on other teams. We are taking matters game by game in pursuit of winning the title,” said Safiq.
Darul Ta’zim will resume their Malaysia Cup campaign against Selangor at Selayang Stadium tomorrow.