JDT will go the distance, says Morais

JOHOR BARU: The Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT)’s never-say-die attitude will take them far this season.

That is coach Ulisses Morais’ assessment after the Southern Tigers got off to a roaring start by beating Kedah 2-1 to lift the Charity Shield at the Larkin Stadium on Saturday.

The Portuguese said his boys did not cave in under pressure despite an onslaught from Kedah and he commended their mental strength.

Kedah drew first blood in the 15th minute via striker Pablo Marzo who capitalised on a silly mistake by goalkeeper Mohd Izham Tarmizi.

Luciano Figueroa, who came out of retirement after two years to rejoin JDT, equalised with a trademark header in the 28th minute.

JDT’s Brazilian centreback Marcos Antonio, named man of the match, turned unlikely hero when he headed home the winner in the 58th minute to give the four-time Malaysian Super League champions their 10th trophy.

Morais admitted they conced- ed an early goal due to a mistake but the team stood together to bounce back from the setback.

“Like any other team, we don’t want to make mistakes but it’s bound to happen. I don’t want to blame anyone,” he said.

“What’s important is that the team stepped up and went on to get the three points.”

He applauded Antonio, who just returned from injury, for his sterling performance.

“Antonio played without even thinking about his injury and even scored the winning goal.

“We took him out later as we

didn’t want him to get injured again.

“Our new player Corbin Ong also played well and I believe that he can be one of our key players,” he added.