Like true Warriors
Kelantan hold JDT to draw, Felda stun Selangor to go top
PETALING JAYA: Kelantan staged a dramatic fightback to hold Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to a 2-2 draw at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru.
The Southern Tigers came into last night’s clash with a 12-match unbeaten run. They seemed headed for an easy victory after a brace from Argentine striker Juan Lucero in the 10th and 52nd minutes.
But the Red Warriors managed to salvage a point, thanks to goals by Indra Putra Mahayuddin (54th) and Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria (67th).
The draw left JDT red-faced as they dropped to second in the 12-team standings after Felda United regained the lead with a 3-1 win over Malaysia Cup champions Selangor 3-1 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Jengka, Pahang.
Felda scored through Hadin Azman (ninth), Zah Rahan Krangar (75th) and Francis Doe (77th) while the Red Giants replied through Patrick Wleh (71st). Felda now have 18 points, one more than JDT.
JDT, who became the first Malaysian side to win an Asianlevel club tournament with their AFC Cup triumph last season, fielded their strongest line-up in a bid to maintain top spot.
But they were let down by poor finishing.
They dominated the first half but could only manage a goal through Lucero, who chested the ball into the net after collecting a rebound.
JDT skipper Safiq Rahim could have put his name on the scoresheet but goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat pulled off a brilliant reflex save.
Just before the break, Argentine Jorge Diaz had all the time to score but sent his cheeky lob wide over the out-of-position Khairul.
In the second half, JDT continued to surge forward.
Barely seven minutes into the half, Lucero latched onto Mohd Azamuddin Akil’s through pass to lob the ball over Khairul.
But backed by the vociferous home fans, Kelantan came alive.
In the 54th minute, former international Indra managed to reduce the deficit with a glancing header.
Then in the 67th minute, Wan Zaharulnizam beat the tight JDT defence with a diving header.
Kelantan continued to attack but JDT held on and were lucky to walk away with a point.