KUALA LUMPUR: Super League defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) managed to pip Pahang to the top spot in the standings despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Terengganu FC (TFC) at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu tonight.
JDT now have seven points from three matches, one more than Pahang, who can regain top spot if they beat Melaka at the Hang Jebat Stadium tomorrow.
In Kuala Terengganu, hosts TFC stunned their more illustrious opponents by taking a sixth-minute lead through Khairul Izuan Rosli, who slotted home a cross from Lee Andrew Tuck.
JDT were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute when Brazilian import Diogo Luis Santo was fouled in the box by Nasrullah Haniff. Diogo took the spot kick ̶ and missed.
The Southern Tigers had a second bite at the cherry when they were awarded another penalty in the 62nd minute. This time, substitute Muhammad Safawi Rasid was spot on.
Diogo made amends for his earlier penalty miss when he put JDT 2-1 up off a corner from Aaron Niguez in the 68th minute.
Undaunted, TFC fought back and found the equaliser in the 89th minute when Kamal Azizi Zabri scored off a goalmouth melee.
The other Super League clash today between Kuala Lumpur and Perak, which was supposed to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras, was postponed to allow Perak to prepare and travel to South Korea for their Feb 19 Asian Champions League third qualifying round match against Ulsan Hyundai.
In the Premier League, JDT II edged Perlis 2-1 for their third straight win at the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council Stadium in Johor Baru.
Nicholas Alberto Fernandez played a pivotal role in JDT II’s win with an assist and a goal.
JDT II broke the deadlock when Bruno Gabriel Soares headed home Nicholas’ corner kick in the 71st minute before Perlis equalised through a Kevin Osei screamer in the 85th minute.
Nicholas then had the final say, netting the winner three minutes later to allow JDT II to be perched atop the standings with nine points after three matches.
At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, UiTM FC turned on the style to stun hosts Negeri Sembilan 4-1.
Ahmad Azriddin Rosli scored a brace for UiTM in the 25th and 62nd minutes before Robert Waly Lopez Mendy (57th) and Zarko Korac (90th) added one apiece.
The Deer’s sole reply came from Matheus Fernandes Vila Real at the stroke of halftime. – Bernama
