Johor Darul Ta’zim bounced back from their AFC Champions League Elite disappointment with a gritty 2-1 victory over Melaka FC at Stadium Hang Jebat.
Despite already securing the league title, the Southern Tigers showed no signs of slowing down, maintaining their winning rhythm under head coach Xisco Munoz.
Melaka FC entered the fray with a clear defensive blueprint, deploying a disciplined 5-3-2 formation designed to frustrate the champions.
For the opening 40 minutes, the strategy worked. Captain Irfan Zakaria marshaled a backline that repeatedly denied Bergson da Silva and Marcos Guilherme.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 44th minute by substitute Ager Aketxe, whose clinical finish bypassed the crowded Melaka box.
JDT capitalized on the home side’s momentary lapse in concentration, doubling the lead in stoppage time when Marcos Guilherme found the net, sending the Southern Tigers into the locker room with a commanding 2-0 cushion.
Determined not to be rolled over, E. Elavarasan introduced Aiman Danish and Che Rashid to inject pace into the Melaka counter-attack.
The tactical shift bore fruit in the 73rd minute when Bosnian midfielder Dino Kalesic fired home to make it 2-1, igniting hope for the home crowd.
Sensing a shift in momentum, JDT manager Xisco Munoz responded by introducing Ajdin Mujagic and Manuel Hidalgo to regain control of the midfield and keep Melaka’s defense occupied.
Despite a frantic final ten minutes where Melaka pushed for an equalizer, JDT’s experience shone through as they saw out the result.
JDT move to 64 points, maintaining their iron grip on the table. While the league title is already in the cabinet, they still remains as prepare for last home match in this season with KL City on May 2, followed by a high-stakes Shopee Cup semi-final against Buriram United on May 6.
For Melaka, it’s a quick turnaround as they prepare to host Negeri Sembilan on May 3.
Credit Photo : JST
