Selangor end JDT's winning streak

By TIMESPORT - March 19, 2021 @ 8:50am

IT was a Wednesday night to forget for mighty Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) as two missed penalties against Selangor ended their 100 per cent record in the Super League.

Ifedayo Omosuyi scored for Selangor in the seventh minute, only for Bergson da Silva to level five minutes later before JDT missed their spot-kicks.

JDT coach Benjamin Mora, who was first very confident of beating Selangor, was surprised with the Red Giants' tactical approach.

"We gave Selangor the believe that they could win the game. However, we could have killed off the game had we converted our chances," said Mora.

"They were very dangerous on the counter and played a high-pressing game, but we defended well.

Mora added: "Selangor were intense and aggressive. They moved the ball around very quickly and did a good job.

"Selangor treated the match like it was a World Cup final, and they earned a point.

"They used their resources well. We will face them again later this year, so we will see how it goes."

Selangor coach Karsten Neitzel wants his team to build on Wednesday's performance and do better in the remaining matches.

"I think the players were motivated after JDT had missed their first penalty. We mixed our game around, and I think that surprised them a little.

"I need the team to play as they did today in every single match.

"We are happy with the result here, but let's not get carried away. We need to focus on our next match," said Neitzel.

Playing at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, the Red Giants shocked JDT by taking the lead in the seventh minute when Omosuyi curled the ball passed JDT goalkeeper Farizal Marlias.

JDT, however, did not take long to respond, as Brazilian striker Da Silva converted a short pass from the left by Gonzalo Cabrera to equalise in the 12th minute.

However, JDT could have recorded a convincing win had they converted their two penalties.

In the 43rd minute, JDT earned their first penalty when Arif Aiman Hanapi was brought down by Ashmawi Yakin.

Cabrera stepped up but ballooned his attempt high over the crossbar.

JDT again earned a penalty in the second-half following a foul on Arif Aiman inside the Selangor penalty box.

However, Da Silva's thunderous attempt from the spot was blocked by Selangor goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid, who had a busy night denying JDT, especially in the final 15 minutes of the match.

Despite the draw, JDT remain at the top of the table with 10 points from four matches while Selangor stay in fifth on five points.

The draw is a huge boost for Selangor following an unconvincing start to the season.

However, instead of celebrating, the Red Giants should focus on improving before their next game.

JDT may have had a hiccup on Wednesday, but the Southern Tigers were still the better side.