Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) produced another devastating attacking performance at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, crushing Kelantan Red Warrior 9-0 to strengthen their early position at the top end of the Unifi Liga Super Malaysia 2026/27.
Iranian striker Shahab Zahedi stole the show with an extraordinary four-goal performance, while Jairo da Silva, Eddy Israfilov, Nahuel Leiva and Arif Aiman Hanapi also found the net in a one-sided contest.
The victory came just days after JDT lifted the Piala Sumbangsih, allowing Xisco Muñoz’s side to maintain their momentum in the opening stages of the 2026/27 campaign.
JDT immediately imposed their authority. Zahedi needed only two minutes to open the scoring, continuing his impressive early-season form with another clinical finish.
Kelantan RW struggled to contain JDT’s attacking movement, with Juan Diego Molina Rodriguez “Stoichkov”, Jairo and Zahedi constantly stretching the visiting defence.
JDT were then forced into an early change in the 18th minute when La’Vere Corbin Ong replaced Shane Lowry.
Despite the adjustment, the Southern Tigers continued to dominate.
Zahedi struck again in the 37th minute, beating Kelantan RW goalkeeper Amin Faisal Mohd Saidi to double JDT’s advantage.
The pressure continued into first-half stoppage time, when Kelantan defender Muhammad Mohd Faudzi unfortunately turned the ball into his own net.
JDT went into the interval with a commanding 3-0 lead.
There was no let-up after the restart. Jairo da Silva added JDT’s fourth goal in the 49th minute, before Zahedi completed his hat-trick just one minute later.
The Iranian forward then added his fourth goal in the 61st minute, producing a remarkable individual performance.
Former Real Sociedad player Jon Landa made his JDT debut in the 59th minute, replacing Jonathan Silva.
Later, Bergson da Silva and Nahuel Leiva were introduced as JDT continued to attack.
Leiva, who had only recently entered the match, added JDT’s seventh goal in the 77th minute, finishing a pass from Arif Aiman Hanapi.
Three minutes later, Eddy Israfilov got his name on the scoresheet. The goal provided some personal satisfaction after an earlier effort from the defender had been ruled out.
With Kelantan RW completely stretched, JDT continued to search for more. In the 89th minute, Arif Aiman completed the demolition with JDT’s ninth goal.
The Southern Tigers continued pushing during the closing minutes, but the score remained 9-0 at the final whistle.
The result marks another emphatic statement from the Malaysian champions.
After winning the Piala Sumbangsih and beginning the league campaign with impressive momentum, JDT have immediately demonstrated the depth and attacking firepower that makes them one of the most dominant teams in Southeast Asian football.
For Kelantan RW, the defeat follows their opening-day loss to Selangor and underlines the scale of the challenge facing the newcomers in their first Super League season.
JDT will next face Star City FC on 29 August, while Kelantan RW travel to meet Kuching City on the same day.
Credit Photo : JST
