JDT’s jumbo thrill
Beating Elephants is like winning a final, says Longhi
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) inched closer to their fifth Super League title after they extended their unbeaten run to eight matches this season with a win over Pahang.
They pulled off the win in style with a 1-0 win over 10-man Pahang, thanks to skipper Harris Harun’s winner in the 18th minute at the Larkin Stadium on Friday.
Southern Tigers coach Raul Longhi was glad that his side overcame their bitter rivals Pahang who knocked them out 3-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals at the Larkin Stadium on April 20.
The win also extended JDT’s unbeaten run in the Super League at home to 63 matches which started in 2013. They are within touching distance of sealing yet another league title and booking their berth in the AFC Champions League for the 2019 season.
“When we play an important match, it is as if we’re playing in a final. We know the players were under pressure and many were afraid of making mistakes,” said the Argentine.
“We played a cautious game. I’m happy with the match result but we need to work on our weaknesses too.”
The win strengthened JDT’s lead in the 12-team standings with 35 points and they now lead second-placed Pahang by 11 points with eight matches to go.
Despite the slim win, it was a perfect day at office for JDT as their new signing Fernando Elizari made a perfect debut as he was in the heart of his side’s attacking moves.
Singapore midfielder Harris Harun gave his side an early lead after his shot could not be cleared on the line by Pahang defender Bunyamin Umar in the 18th minute.
The Elephants’ hopes of a fightback took a massive dent after defender Safuwan Baharudin was sent off for picking up his second booking in the 68th minute.
JDT opted to conserve their energy after the lead and notched their 11th victory of the season.