After an emotional weekend, with the passing away of Tok Guru Nik Aziz, Kelantan secured a momentous 2-0 win over LionsXII earlier today.
The match started at an even pace, though Kelantan looked visibly dangerous in the opening minutes of the game; something that eventually led to the first goal. On the sixth minute mark, Jonathan McKain produced a stunning header at the near post, finding the back of the net to give the hosts an early lead.
Gabriel Quak then threatened through a counter attack but his efforts were nullified by the Kelantan defence, before Carillo’s shot was parried away by Izwan Mahbud.
Khairul Nizam picked up an injury halfway through the first half, and Sufian Anuar was brought on to replace him, before Madhu Mohana had a glorious chance to restore parity, if not for McKain’s excellent block on the 32nd minute.
But just when it seemed like LionsXII were slowly building their momentum, the home side delivered a timely blow just before half time, with Piya curling home through a brilliant free-kick to make it 2-0 on the night.
After the break, Kelantan adopted a cautious style of play, knowing that they had the victory in the bag if they were able to stay calm and composed. And that was effective in keeping Fandi’s men at bay, because they barely created a solid chance until the 64th minute, when Gabriel Quak fired a decent shot straight at Khairul Fahmi.
Wan Zack could have made it 3-0 for Kelantan from a free kick but his attempt was dealt with comfortably by Izwan. Khairul Amri then had a sensational chance 4 minutes before the end, but his terrific effort went over the bar.
George Boateng’s men did enough to then sit back and hold on, as they secured their second win of the season, to join Perak FA at the top of the table with six points.
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