Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: AFC Cup quarter-finalists Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) retained their Malaysia Super League crown on Saturday, a night of high drama that saw both them and nearest rivals Pahang beaten away from home.
JDT, who face Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol in the first leg of their AFC Cup’s last eight clash on Tuesday, had gone into their game at Felda United with a two point cushion at the top of the table and knowing that a win would secure back-to-back title wins.
However their best laid plans were soon ripped to shreds as Shahrul Saad opened the scoring for Felda and Indra Putra Mahayuddin converted a penalty after Junior Eldstal - who was duly sent off - had upended Ndumba Makeche in the box with only 11 minutes gone.
Prolific Argentine striker Luciano Figueroa reduced the deficit in the 35th minute with a spot kick of his own following Christie Jayaseelan’s handling offence.
JDT huffed and puffed throughout the second half, but failed to get back on level terms, although it mattered little in the end as news filtered through that fellow continental hopefuls Pahang had lost 3-1 in Terengganu to ensure Mario Gomez’s side of top spot.
Photo: Kamarul Akhir / www.asiana.my