KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are on the brink of creating history by clinching their 11th consecutive Super League title after a crucial 1-0 victory over Terengganu FC at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Nerus tonight.
Spanish import midfielder Juan Muniz emerged as the hero for the Southern Tigers, netting the winning goal in the 12th minute to secure three valuable points for Hector Bidoglio’s side.
JDT, who are comfortably leading the league table with 52 points, now have a bright chance of sealing the title, sitting 13 points clear of second-placed Selangor FC with six matches remaining.
The club made history last season by winning their 10th consecutive Super League title, maintaining dominance since their reign began in 2014.
Meanwhile, Selangor’s hopes of securing three points were dashed when a last-minute penalty forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw against Penang FC at the City Stadium in Penang.
Rafael Vitor was the saviour for the hosts, successfully converting a penalty in added time of the second half. The penalty was awarded by referee Suhaizi Shukri following a VAR review of a foul by Selangor captain Safuwan Baharudin on Alif Ikmalrizal Anuar.
Earlier, the Red Giants took the lead in the 10th minute through a strike from outside the penalty box by Chilean import forward Ronnie Fernandez.
In another match, Sabah FC claimed a crucial victory in their bid to challenge for the runner-up position by defeating Negeri Sembilan FC 2-1 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi.
Sabah led 2-0 with goals from Saddil Ramdani in the 5th minute and Joao Pedro in the 71st minute before the hosts narrowed the deficit through Hein Htet Aung’s strike in the 83rd minute.
Sabah, having played 17 matches, sit third with 32 points, while Terengganu, with 16 matches played, are in fourth place with 24 points.– BERNAMA
