Favourites Johor Daruk Takzim failed to keep their winning momentum in Group B in the Malaysia Cup competition when relegated PKNP (Perak SEDC) snatched a 2-2 draw at the Manjung Municipal Stadium in Manjung on Friday.
 
It ended the Southern Tigers two-match winning run in the group but remained on top with seven points from three matches. JDT defeated UiTM FC (3-1) and Petaling Jaya City FC (4-2) in their first two matches – both played at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru. 
 
For PKNP, the stalemate in Manjung kept their hopes of a top-two finish alive and are second in the group with four points from one win, one draw and one defeat.  
 
JDT, winners of the Super League for a record six times looked good to secure their third win in the group with a brace by Gonzalo Cabrera in the ninth and 14th minutes. However, a penalty converted by Yashir Pinto on 35 minutes changed the scenario for PKNP.
 
Giancarlo Lopes sent the home fans wild when he plundered the second goal past JDT goalkeeper Izham Tarmizi in the 79th minute for a valuable point that could spell the team’s fate in the Malaysia Cup.
 
It was also a disappointing trip for Kedah to the Shah Alam Stadium as the Red Eagles dropped more points with a 1-1 draw against Selangor outfit PKNS FC in a Group A match.
 
Kedah, the FA Cup champions, who had lost 2-0 to a 10-man Terengganu at home two weeks ago, took the lead through their Spaniard striker Fernando Rodriguez after 21 minutes. However, Colombian hitman Romel Romales equalized in the 70th minute.
 
Terengganu leads the group with six points after two wins while Kedah and PKNS are second and third respectively on four points each with goal difference separating the two teams. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
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