Eyes on the ball: Kedah’s Manuel Ott (left) and JDT’s Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan tussle during their Super League match at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Saturday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Kedah midfielder Manuel Ott has described the 3-3 draw against Johor Darul Ta’zim as the best game this season.
It was only a draw but it was masterclass and entertaining as Kedah and JDT scored three goals each in the Super League at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Saturday.
Manuel is happy that Kedah prevented the Southern Tigers from sealing their 10th consecutive league title and gave their home fans a worthy show.
“It felt like the best game we have played this season,” said the 31-year-old.
“We felt really good in the first-half, especially with the 1-0 lead. It was an excellent performance from everyone, there was a lot of desire and passion.
“Giving JDT such a fight, it was for the whole country, for Malaysian football.
“We came off a tough game from Penang despite winning 2-1 and then we gave a good fight against a side that has won all the matches.
“I’m proud of the lads for producing such a top-class performance
“Everybody gave 100 percent and showed the belief that they can challenge the best. JDT would have been a bit surprised with what had happened.”
Kedah were in scintillating form as they took a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun in the 36th minute and Ott in the 50th. But JDT fought back through goals from leftback La’vere Corbin-Ong (52nd), Brazilian striker Heberty Fernandes (58th) and winger Arif Aiman Hanapi (74th).
In injury time, the Canaries made sure to steal a point when substitute Tajikistani midfielder Amirbek Juraboev scored the equaliser in the 92nd minute.
Argentinian midfielder Manuel Hidalgo was truly the talisman when he assisted all three goals for Kedah.
Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain wants the boys to continue that momentum in their quest to finish top two in the league.
“To be the best, you need to face the best. It is good because we do not have to rely on other teams to drop points. It is us who decide the outcome. This is better.
“But the one point against JDT will not be valuable if we drop points in future matches. We have to keep this same form and fire going.
Kedah’s next five matches in the league are away games against Kuala Lumpur (Sept 30), Kelantan (Nov 24), Sabah (Dec 17) and home matches against Negri Sembilan (Oct 28) and Selangor (Dec 2).
They are third in the league with 44 points from 21 matches, five points behind Selangor, who have 29 points from 22 matches.
