KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 4 — Super League defending champions, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) began their 2018 campaign with a 2-1 win over Kedah in the Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup (Charity Shield) match at Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin, last night.
The success saw the Southern Tigers seize the cup back from the Red Eagles after losing to their opponents at the same venue last year.
In the game, Brazilian import player, Marcos Antonio was the toast of JDT when he netted the winning goal in the 57th minute after receiving a pass from La Vere Lawrence Corbin Ong.
Earlier, JDT and Kedah were tied 1-1 when Kedah seized the lead through a goal by Spanish import Plablo Pallares Marzo in the 15th minute before Argentine Luciano Figueroa equalised for JDT in the 28th minute.
Meanwhile Melaka United collected three full points after bouncing back from a goal down to beat Kelantan 2-1 at Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka last night.
Kelantan opened the score via Brazilian Bruno da Silva Lopes in the first minute before Melaka fought back to claim two goals through Yahor Zubovich in the 17th minute and a penalty by Jeon Woo Young in the 30th minute.
Also garnering full points were Super League newcomers, Perak State Development Corporation football club (PKNP FC) who edged Negeri Sembilan 1-0 at Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang through a solitary goal by Cambodian import Keo Sokpheng in the 49th minute.
Meanwhile, Terengganu FC I (TFC I) failed to capitalise on their home ground advantage when they were held 2-2 by PKNS FC at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
Terengganu's two goals were from their Ivory Coast import player, Kipre Tchetche in the 23rd and 73rd minutes while PKNS FC's two goals netted by Mohammad Qayyum Marjoni Sabil in the 39th minute and Rafael Ramazotti De Quadros in the 68th minute.
Two more Super League matches will be held tonight between Pahang and Perak at Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan while Kuala Lumpur will face Selangor at Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras. — Bernama
