Penang’s misery continued after they lost 2-1 at home to Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) as it all but confirms their exclusion for this year’s Malaysia Cup for the 2nd year in a row.
First half goals from Gonzalo Cabrera & Azammuddin Akil was enough for the Southern Tigers to get the three points, although Penang captain Rafiuddin Rodin’s penalty made the match all the more intriguing.
Penang though could’ve taken the lead as early in the 4th minute. A well-worked run from the right by Nigel Dabingyaba lead to the ball going to Syukur Saidin’s path. Syukur did well to strike it, but the shot went straight to Izham Tarmizi’s hands.
Two minutes later, JDT took the lead. Azammuddin’s cross on the right found Cabrera unmarked near the far post. His header was at a great height as the ball went over Penang keeper Sani Anuar and into the net.
On the 24th minute, it was two to JDT when Safiq Rahim’s left-wing free-kick found Aidil Zafuan, who broke free from his marker, and the defender’s header was saved point-blank by Sani. But the ball went straight back to Aidil and he heads the ball across goal for an easy goal for Azammuddin.
Penang tried their best to infiltrate JDT’s box, but they were ineffective and it didn’t help that the JDT defense was on top of their game. However, they were handed a lifeline on the 40th minute.
Fazly Mazlan was late in his challenge for the ball and he fouled S. Kumaahran instead, leaving the referee no choice but to give a penalty to the home side. The captain Rafiuddin stepped up and sent Izham the wrong way to keep Penang back in it.
When the 2nd half started though, both sides were slow and it was mostly uneventful with Gabriel Guerra’s ballooned shot the only highlight of the half as he wasted Fazly’s good work to cut the ball back to him.
The night got worse for Penang when Yong Kuong Yong was injured after preventing Cabrera to shoot and with all three subs used, the home side had to finish the match with 10-men.
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