Argentines on target as JDT down Felda to reach third round
PETALING JAYA: Defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) scored a goal in each half to march into the FA Cup third round after a 2-0 win over Felda United. Argentine striker Gabriel Guerra gave the Southern Tigers the lead, slamming home a loose ball after only 14 minutes at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka last night.
Felda had their chance to equalise six minutes later but striker Gaston Cellerino hit the upright with only goalkeeper Mohd Izham Tarmizi to beat.
The Fighters started the second half with more intent but could not break pass JDT’s stubborn defence led by Brazilian centreback Marcos Antonio.
JDT only managed to put the match out of Felda’s reach in the 80th minute.
Gonzalo Cabrera, also an Argentine, was the quickest to pounce on a rebound to score the second goal.
The biggest upset of the night was recorded by Malacca. The reigning Premier League champions sent PKNS, last year’s FA Cup finalists, packing with a 1-0 win at the Hang Jebat Stadium.
Former JDT striker Mohd Amri Yahyah was the hero, scoring the winner in the 65th minute.
At the Darulaman Stadium, Farhan Roslan netted a hat-trick to steer Kedah to a 4-2 triumph over Premier League side Kuala Lumpur.
Midfielder Liridon Krasniqi opened the scoring for the homesters in the 38th minute. Farhan made it 4-0 with three strikes in the 40th, 43rd and 64th minutes.
But Kedah let their guard down to allow KL to score two consolation goals – an own goal by Australian centreback Zachary Anderson in the 75th minute and an Ibrahim Syaihul effort deep into injury time.