Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) started their Malaysia Cup campaign on a low note after being held to a 2-2 draw against familiar foes PKNS at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru tonight.
The Southern Tigers head coach Mario Gomez left a number of key players from the starting line-up such as team captain Safiq Rahim, Aidil Zafuan, Hariss Harun and top goalscorer Juan Martin Lucero, whereas The Red Ants boss E. Elavarasan kept faith in all of his foreign players by fielding Gonzalo Soto, Matias Jadue, Juan Manuel Cobelli and star man Gabriel Guerra.
The home team controlled most of the possession in the first half but failed to create chances and score past goalkeeper Nor Haziq Aris, who was opted ahead of G. Jeevananthan.
The likes of Gary Steven Robbat and Amirulhadi Zainal failed to step up to the plate in light of the exclusion of Safiq Rahim and Hariss Harun from midfield as they seemed too stagnant.
The second half kicked off and the reigning FA Cup winners picked up where they left off in the first half against the FA Cup runners-up — in control of the game but unable to capitalize on their chances. However, a few minutes after the referee blew the whistle to indicate the start of the half, captain of the night Safee Sali stepped up and scored the opening goal.
Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Juan Martin Lucero was substituted into the match and scored his 20th goal of the season with an easy finish on the 56th minute. The Boys Of Straits made themselves noticed around the stadium with powerful sounds.
Argentinian sensation Gabriel Guerra pulled one back for The Red Ants on the 81st minute of the tie, before Juan Manuel Cobelli scored a last minute equalizer from the penalty spot.
The referee blew the full time whistle to indicate a point each in the Group C opener.
Perak will face PDRM in the other Group C match at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh tomorrow.
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