Perak’s hopes of finishing second in the 12-team Malaysian Super League and the chance to play in next year’s AFC Champions League qualifying round went up in smoke with a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of PKNS FC in their final match at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.
Despite the big defeat, Perak, however, remained in second place in the league with 36 points but all that could change on Sunday when Pahang play relegated Kelantan in Kota Bahru while Terengganu takes on Selangor at the Shah Alam Stadium to complete their final fixtures.
Both Pahang and Terengganu are in third and fourth place with 34 points each, separated by goal difference. If Pahang and Terengganu lose, Perak can thank their lucky stars. However, it is all over for Perak if either Pahang and Terengganu secure victories and 37 points with their second place fate decided on goal difference.
PKNS were 1-0 up as early as the second minute through a Bruno Matos goal. Perak, however, drew level on 10 minutes with Brazilian Gilmar Da Silva getting into the scoring act.
Rafael Ramazotti (39th), Matos (78th) and Romel Oswado finalized the score at 4-1 and leave Perak’s hopes in tatters.
At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, relegated Negri Sembilan were also at the receiving end with a 3-1 defeat to Melaka United. Negri needed a win to keep their Malaysia Cup hopes alive.
Two goals by Ifedayo Olusegun and an own goal by Negri skipper Nasriq Baharom paved the way for Melaka’s win. Flavio Junior netted Negri’s consolation goal just before the final whistle.
Johor Darul Takzim, crowned five-time League champions, defeated Kuala Lumpur 2-0 at the Larkin Stadium for their 19th win and 59 points. Incidentally, JDT’s only defeat in the league was at the hands of KL, losing 1-0 at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras. RIZAL ABDULLAH
RESULTS
MALAYSIAN SUPER LEAGUE (July 28, Sat)
PKNS FC 4 PERAK 1
N.SEMBILAN 1 MELAKA 3
JDT 2 K. LUMPUR 0
