Five-time champions Johor Darul Takzim further strengthened their hopes of a sixth successive Malaysian Super League title when they defeated a 10-man Selangor at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru on Wednesday.
Full points off the Red Giants gave JDT 43 points after 17 matches and a healthy 13-point lead at the top of the 12-team league over second-placed Pahang who have 30 points and a match in hand.
The defeat saw Selangor slip to fifth place with 2 points. Kedah is in third place with 26 points – ahead of Melaka United on goal difference. Melaka United defeated Kuala Lumpur 1-0 at the Cheras Football Stadium.
The Southern Tigers scored two quick goals in the first 12 minutes to rattle Selangor. Argentine hitman Gonzalo Cabrera got the first on 10 minutes with an unstoppable pile driver from an assist by Diogo Luis Santo.
Two minutes later JDT scored their second – this time Leandro Valezquez made it count before Selangor pulled one back with a well-executed free kick by former international Khyril Muhymeen from 25 minutes just before the halftime break.
JDT, however, increased their tally to 3-1 on 61 minutes when international Safawi Rasid beat Khairul Azhan when he ran into space to intercept a pass by Velazquez and drill home an angled shot into the far corner.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Selangor did not give up and earned a penalty and substitute Sandro Mendonca made no mistake from the spot.
Melaka United scored their winner through Philippine’s international Patrick Reichelt in the 43rd minute for their narrow 1-0 win over KL. RIZAL ABDULLAHÂ
