Malaysia Super League Team of the Week Match Day 7

MSL Team of The Week Match Day 7

Johor DT were held to a 2-2 disappointing draw against Lions XII

Norshahrul Idlan Talaha late equaliser can't hide the fact that Johor DT are still underperformed against the youthful Lions XII

It should be an easy home win for Johor DT, remind that Lions XII lack experienced overall other than Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan for instance, but the home side surprisingly struggled to put their local rivals away. 

Lions XII have an early lead through the 22-year-old midfielder Hariss Harun who received the ball from captain Shahril Ishak and fired the volley to the back of the net in the 4th minute. Lions XII continue to mount the pressure to the home side as Johor struggled to contain the Singaporean side. Johor equalised through a glancing header from Simone Del Nero who found a cross from Nurul Azwan Roya in the 15th minute. Lions XII have a lead again, this time through a set-piece from Shahril Ishak which met the head of Baihakki Khaizan in the 37th minute to make it 2-1 until the end of the first half. 

The Southern Tiger pushed hard since the start of the second half, trying to get the equaliser and possibly a winner in the match. But the home side were irritated by the Lions' stubborn and encouraging defending to deny any possibility for Johor DT. Their patience were rewarded though, as sensational striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha produced a magnificent strike just outside of the box to earn and finish the match with a 2-2 draw. It was a valuable point for the away side as they retained the second placed in the table while the scoreline spare the blushes for the home side as they moved to fourth in the table. Fandi Ahmad himself were not pleased with his players' attitude, pointing that they were not playing as a team and wondered of his side's mentality. Johor DT has improved since the famous defeat at the hands of Pahang in the first match of the 2013 season, in which they are currently unbeaten in six matches in a row. 

Next, Johor DT will face Felda United away at Kelana Jaya Stadium on February 22.

Johor Malaysia Super League Watch

Can Johor win the Malaysia Super League 2013 title?

When JCorp decided to allow Tunku Ismail Ibrahim to take the reins of the very top seat in football, that is the moment that will change Johor's fate forever. Once the 2012 season ends, the Crown Prince of Johor immediately signify the changes by spending heavily during transfer window in the off-season including two proven imports of European heavyweight, Euro 2008 winner Dani Guiza and Lazio legend Simone Del Nero. They later added a long list of Malaysia international star, Kelantan star Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Nurul Azwan Roya, Selangor star Safiq Rahim alongside ATM trio Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha and Azmi Muslim. They even went as far as trying to have a loan deal with Malaysia star striker Safee Sali while AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 tournament is in commence as if it wasn't enough for the Southern Tiger. Ludicrous it may seems, given that Johor FC only finished 9th in the Super League last season, a fair assessment to a very average performance throughout the season. They didn't just signed several players, but to the point that they revamp the whole Johor FC and Johor FA squad to make it under one management. Later, they assign Fandi Ahmad as their new head coach ,they change the emblem and even the name to Darul Takzim FC and Johor United. This may displeased the majority of non-Johor fans due to their financial and royal advantage but the prince get the support he wanted from the fans. While he may largely neglected one of the most important part of football which is local derby inside his own state, his ambition to succeed were applauded by many. It is remain to be seen whether such a short-term plan will end with glorious towards the end, but 2013 season will expected to be more interesting than ever before.

Key Player: Dani Guiza, Simone Del Nero, Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safiq Rahim, Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha, Azmi Muslim

Young Talented Player: Zamir Selamat, Muslim Ahmad        

Malaysia Super League 2012: finished 9th

Team Chance Status: Title candidate

Simone Del Nero is the latest signing for Johor

Photo Courtesy from kosmo.com.my

Johor has pulled another major transfer coup , after the capture of Dani Guiza, by landing former Lazio player, Simone Del Nero for a one year deal. The 31 year-old has been a free agent after his contract with Lazio ended in July 2012. Del Nero claimed that numerous offers has been made to him by a lot of bigger club, notably Serie A clubs, but he turn down all the offer to accept Johor bid for his signature. He stated that he is highly impressed with the Johor's plan to make the team as one of top footballing side in Malaysia, as well as winning titles and trophies. Johor concedes that Del Nero will make Johor's midfield more formidable and hope Del Nero could make an instant impact for a new season. Del Nero is part of Italy that won Olympic Bronze medal in Olympic Athens 2004 and is part of Lazio who is the winner of 2008-2009 Coppa Italia as well as 2009 Supercopa Italia.