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.

Malaysia Super League Team of the Week Match Day 3

MSL Team of the Week 3

Malaysia Super League Team of the Week (Match Day 1)

MSL Team of the Week Match Day 1

Kelantan Malaysia Super League Watch

Can Kelantan repeat the 2012 success?

What a year for Kelantan. Winning Super League title, FA Cup title, and Malaysia Cup in one season is a terrific achievement. They are way far better than any other team this season and showed to the whole nation that they are now should be considered one of Malaysian giants. The team that consisting mostly from local talent, Kelantan started dreadfully this season, losing 2-1 narrow defeat in the hands of Negeri Sembilan in a Charity Shield and marked a slow start in the league under the English head coach Peter Butler. Couple of draws and surprise defeat put Kelantan title bid in jeopardy. Ghaddar's unimpressive start alongside Nwoha's dire performance did little to raise the team up in the table. But until the point when Peter Butler suddenly went AWOL and both him and Kelantan decided to part ways in the middle of the season, the appointment of Bojan Hodak marked a significant impact to Kelantan season, try to overturn Kelantan's fate in the process  When they brought in tough defender Obinna Nwaneri and rejuvenate Ghaddar's form, everything begin to turn in favour of them. First, they beat Sime Darby to win their very first FA Cup albeit from a Ghaddar's penalty goal. Second, they keep pushing to win as many league matches as possible to overtake Lions XII first place position who sit first in most of the season. They did so finally, even beating Lions XII ruthlessly to earn the first spot in the league table and thus defended the title they win in previous season. In Malaysia Cup, they showed a scintillating form in front of the crowd, having no real trouble to qualify in the final while defeating fierce rival Selangor in semi-final round. Three wonderful assist from Piya and a great performance from Norshahrul Idlan Talaha rounded off Kelantan domination in Malaysian football. The new season will be much tougher than before, as one of their valuable striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha decides to transfer to Johor alongside Nurul Azwan Roya, S. Chanturu join Perak, Ramzul Zahini and Afiq Azmi went to rivals Selangor, as well as Ghaddar's over-the-top demand makes it harder for Kelantan in the future. They managed to sign on-loan a 20 year-old Dimitri Petratos from Hyundai A-League outfit, Sydney FC though Bojan decides to use the experience Keita Mandjou to Kelantan's attack. Unlike any other team in the Super League, Kelantan does not have to rely heavily with one certain player to score goals, as Piya, Farhan and Indra combination are proved to be a deadly attacking trio. The whole Kelantan team deserves to play at the highest level given their magnificent ability in football, but went largely uncredited from Malaysia national coach, K. Rajagobal who were overlook the majority of Kelantan player before losing expectedly to neighbours Thailand. Despite the loss of key players, Kelantan remains favourites to win 2013 Super League title although they have to be wary with the challenge of Johor, ATM, Lions XII, Selangor and possibly Perak in the upcoming season.

Key Player: Indra Putra Mahyuddin, Nor Farhan Mohammad, Badhri Radzi, Daudsu Jamaluddin, Shakir Shaari

Young Talented Player: Nik Shahrul Azim, Aris Zaidi, Izuan Salahuddin

2012 season: Finished 1st in Malaysia Super League

Team Chance Status: Title candidate 

The Omar Sports Malaysia Player of The Year

Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi

Piya, Kelantan's Captain Marvel

Better known as Piya, the 30 year-old midfielder captained his local team Kelantan to win their first ever treble, Malaysia Super League 2012 title, FA Cup 2012 and Malaysia Cup. He scored eight goals in the league and remarkably assisting three goals in Malaysia Cup 2012 final. A big surprised for most fans though, as he was overlooked by Malaysia national head coach, K. Rajagobal.