JDT Continue To Dominate Season By Crushing Kelantan TRW 4-1
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) once again demonstrated their prowess as defending champions by showcasing absolute dominance to thrash Kelantan The Real Warriors (TRW) FC 4-1 in their 2025/2026 Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tonight.
The hosts opened the scoring through a powerful header by Jairo De Macedo Da Silva in the 22nd minute, following a lofted cross from Manuel Federico Hidalgo Gasparini, much to the delight of their loyal supporters.
That goal sparked a surge from the Southern Tigers, as JDT immediately increased their intensity, controlling possession and launching a series of attacks before Alberto Diaz Martin doubled the lead in the 43rd minute by tapping in a pass from Jairo Da Silva.
The second half saw JDT emerge even more aggressive, continuing to pressure the visitors' defense. Oscar Arribas Pasero put the hosts further ahead in the 53rd minute, before Muhammad Nazmi Faiz Mansor added the fourth goal just four minutes later, effectively crushing any hopes of a Kelantan TRW comeback.
However, Kelantan TRW refused to give up easily and managed to grab a consolation goal in the 74th minute through a long-range lob by Muhammad Nor Azam Abdul Azih, which beat JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed.
The squad under the guidance of Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli nearly secured a second goal through an effort from outside the penalty box by Muhammad Syaahir Saiful Nazim in the 78th minute, but the shot went wide to the right of the goal.
Meanwhile, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah FC suffered unexpected home defeat, falling 1-3 to the Bruneian side DPMM in a match held at the Likas Stadium.
DPMM FC opened the scoring in the 20th minute when Indonesian national striker Ramadhan Sananta sprinted to meet a header from Jordan Murray during a counter-attack before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Damien Lim.
The Bruneian team then doubled their lead in the 74th minute of the second half through a goal by Tommy Mawat Bada but the home side managed to close the gap just two minutes later with a fine finish by Ajdin Mujagic.
However, DPMM FC captain Azwan Ali Rahman successfully capitalised on a goalmouth scramble in the 86th minute to secure the advantage and seal the win for his team.
At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi, Negeri Sembilan FC who hosted Kuala Lumpur City, shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw tonight.
The City Boys, coached by Risto Vidakovic, opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute through a swift counter-attack finished of by Kpah Sean Sherman.
The home team nearly equalised via a free kick from Jovan Motika in the 15th minute, but his attempt sailed wide of the goal. Sherman had another opportunity to score in a one-on-one situation, but the goal was disallowed as he was ruled offside in the 42nd minute.
Moving into the second half, NSFC import player Jovan Motika almost leveled the score when his powerful strike in the 64th minute nearly beat the opposing goalkeeper, but the ball was successfully parried by Quincy Julian Kammeraad.
At the very end of the second half (90th minute), a precise pass from NSFC captain Takumi Sasaki was met with a clinical header by Joseph Esso, effectively sealing the draw for the night.
--BERNAMA
