Johor earn Boban’s praise
JOHOR’s football team moved a step closer towards securing a Malaysia Games quarter-final berth with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Selangor at the State Stadium yesterday.
Having drawn 1-1 with Perlis in their opening group A game on Tuesday, Johor coach Ervin Boban was more than pleased to see his charges collect full points.
“I am really proud of the boys as they really worked hard for themselves and the state against very good opponents,” said Boban.
“Selangor are a really quick and brave team and I am happy with both the result and the performance.
“As I have said earlier in the tournament — all games will be close like this. We expect the same when we play Malacca (tomorrow).”
Both sides were evenly balanced in the first-half though Selangor had the more dangerous chances with Badrul Amin Rusalan heading A. Namathevan’s cross just wide in the 22nd minute.
Muhammad Faizzudin Mohd Abidin’s freekick from outside the box then whistled just past the post in the 27th.
But Johor captain Shahwan Shaharudin scored what turned out to be the match winner against the run of play in the 33rd. He blew past the Selangor central defence and calmly slotted home.
Malacca, who lost 2-1 to Selangor in their opening game, bounced back with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Perlis to keep the group wide open. Perlis play Selangor tomorrow.