JDT denied Champions League football by Muang Thong United

Photo: Official Muang Thong United website mtutd.tv

Johor Darul Takzim FC (JDT) eliminated by Muang Thong United 3-0 on penalty shoot-out after battling for 120 minutes in the second round of AFC Champions League play-off at SCG Stadium, Nonthaburi, Thailand yesterday.

Both sides struggled to create chances early in the first half as they unable to break through the defence.

However, as the game progressed in the 30th minute, Muang Thong managed to find the space through the JDT defence, especially through the flank, but left undone by a weak finishing.

JDT have considerable amount of chances as well, especially a piledriver from Mahalli Jasuli, but his shot missed only inches away.

The game changed completely in the second half as both team have a wide number of chances to score, Muangthong through Negrao, Cleiton and Sarach Yooyen, while JDT have chances through Diaz and Safiq Rahim but all of them have blown their chances away, forcing the game to go through extra time. The only bright thing is Farizal Marlias, who has been busy, saving numerous shot from Muangthong players, becoming a real saviour for his team.

As the extra time went on, the game begin to slow down, with majority of the players low on stamina, cramped and exhausted.

Despite fighting through the end, trying to get the golden goal, they have to settle it with a penalty shoot-out.

JDT's confidence continue to rise, as they did not expect to hang on to Muangthong until the end of extra time and they still have a chance to qualify for the third round. The dream has yet to over.

But it's all starting to go wrong when Diaz, one of the most revered player by JDT fans, kicked the ball to the left but was saved by Kawin.

As Muangthong scored the first goal, Marcos Antonio focused on equalising the goal for his team. But his shot was saved, again by Kawin.

The pressure is high among JDT players as Muangthong scored again to make it 2-0. It's all up to Hariss Harun to change the tides.

His shot, was well saved, again by the mighty Kawin. Three times in a row. Muangthong United have no problem scoring the third, and with that, JDT were eliminated.

While it's all over for JDT in AFC CL this year, they will return in AFC Cup, but this time as a defending champions and their quest this time is to defend the trophy.

Malaysian Football Awards 2015

Best Goalkeeper: Farizal Marlias

Best Defender: Aidil Zafuan

Best Midfielder: Safiq Rahim

Best Striker: Amri Yahyah

Best Foreign Player: Luciano Figueroa

Best Young Player: Matthew Davies

Best Head Coach: Mario Gomez

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Safiq Rahim

Kelantan crush league leaders JDT as the title race goes on

Farhan celebrates the third goal as Kelantan beat JDT 4-1 at Kota Bharu.- asiana.my

Kelantan put a huge dent in JDT's title bid as the league leaders suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to The Red Warriors at Stadium Sultan Muhammad IV, Kota Bharu. A brace from Gilmar helped the home side to victory.

The Southern Tigers were expected to win and enjoy a large travelling crowd with 20 buses to Kota Bharu as they continue their charges towards the league title but that did not deter Kelantan from proving the league leaders wrong. After two defeats in a row against two East Coast side, they bounced back with a style.

Kelantan took only three minutes to lead the game after a low cross from Norfarhan met the hands of Farizal Marlias who fumbled the ball in front of Gilmar and easily slotted home to make it 1-0. 

The home side continue to press forward through NorFarhan, Gilmar, Amutu, Wan Zaharulnizam. They finally rewarded with another goal albeit in a controversial circumstances.

Gilmar put the ball through to Amutu who suddenly fell inside of the box and the referee ruled Amutu was fouled by Marcos Antonio and shown the spot kick.

Temper flares among the JDT players as well as their head coach Mario Gomez who was fuming with the referee's decision.

Piya keep it cool and scored the goal confidently past Farizal to make 2-0.
    
JDT have several chances to score as well only to let down by poor finishing and solid Kelantan defence at the back.

As the second half starts, JDT determined to get back into the game, and duly delivered when Mahalli Jasuli converted a corner through chaotic Kelantan defence, narrowing down the two-goal deficit to one. 

However, not even a minute after JDT scored, Kelantan quickly restored the two-goal lead when Norfarhan burst into JDT defence who unleashed the ball from outside of the box, scoring third goal of the game for the home side.

JDT desperately trying to score again despite poor in creating chances and finishing only to found themselves on the back foot as Kelantan once again in a delightful counter attack. 

Nor Farhan chipped the ball which found the unmarked Gilmar who scored with a stunning half-volley to the back of the net, putting the final nail in the coffin for JDT.

"I want to thanked to the fans for their support, I am especially delighted that we were able to win tonight," said Zahasmi Ismail.

"I hope we can continue to play this way for the next two games."

"The second goal was no penalty," said Mario Gomez, who suffered his first league defeat as JDT head coach.

"We must improve for the final two games."

While Pahang failed to capitalise the opportunities after only held 1-1 draw by Perak, sharing the league points and goal difference with their title rivals JDT , Pahang are back to the top of the league due to a massive difference in goal scored in the league.

Next game, JDT welcome Perak at Larkin while Pahang host Felda at Kuantan.

Kelantan won the FA Cup 2013 title

Kelantan retain FA Cup title

A golden assist from Piya to find Nor Farhan Mohd who slotted the ball beautifully into the back of the net to make it 1-0 and it was enough for The Red Warriors to capture the FA Cup title for the second consecutive times after a long hard-fought battle against mega-rich side, Johor DT. 

Kelantan met two of their former players, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Nurul Azwan Roya who previously won the FA Cup title together last season.

But the one of the most talked about during the game was three quick changes from the Southern Tiger when the match were just inside 45 minutes.

Man of the Match: Piya

What's more, Johor DT striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who best known as Matyo, allegedly thrown his runner-up medal into the dustbin, locked himself in the dressing room and refused any interviews from the media. 

Johor DT players were promised earlier by Tengku Mahkota Johor before the FA Cup final clash that they will have Audi Q7 each if they win the cup both as bonus and motivation for the team. It results in failure though.