Kuala Lumpur: AFC Cup quarter-finalists Johor Darul Ta’zim saw fellow continental hopefuls Pahang replace them at the top of the Malaysia Super League table on Saturday after the Southern Tigers succumbed to a 4-1 defeat away at Kelantan.
Despite JDT’s slip, Pahang were not fully able to capitalise as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Perak, the point was however enough to take the Elephants level on points and goal difference with their title rivals, but crucially ahead on the number of goals scored.
In what is proving to be a thrilling finale to the Malaysia Super League season, reigning champions JDT found themselves 2-0 down within the first 13 minutes at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Bharu.
Brazilian import Gilmar opened the scoring for Kelantan, before Badri Radzi tucked away a contentiously awarded penalty to put his side well and truly in the deriving seat.
JDT, who are set to face Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol in the AFC Cup’s last eight, reduced the deficit five minutes after the break through Mahali Jusali, only for Nor Farhan to instantly restore Kelantan’s two-goal advantage with a rasping drive from the edge of the area.
Gilmar completed the scoring with his second of the night on 81 minutes, to leave JDT ruing what could have been with only two games to go.
Meanwhile, Pahang started slowly away at Perak, but were finally rewarded for their endeavours when Hafiz Kamal delightfully curled home home a free-kick shortly after the half hour mark.
With an AFC Cup last eight showdown with South China looming large, Pahang maintained their lead until the 79th minute when Bobby Gonzales duly popped up to grab Perak’s equaliser and ensure a share of the spoils.
In their final matches, Pahang are scheduled to play Felda United at home on Wednesday and away at Teregganu on Saturday, while JDT will entertain Perak before travelling to face Felda.
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