Shortlived joy: Kedah’s Habib Haroon scored in the 87th minute but JDT’s Romel Morales broke their hearts with the winner in injury time. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Kedah were hoping they would be the first side to hold Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) this season but it was not meant to be.
The Canaries narrowly lost 1-2 to the Southern Tigers in their FA Cup semi-final first leg at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar on Friday.
JDT first took the lead through wingback Oscar Arribas in the 24th minute but after that goal, both sides exchanged attacks with the home side coming close several times.
Kedah eventually got the equaliser in the 87th minute through midfielder Habib Haroon and were expecting to hold on and get a draw.
But striker Romel Morales played spoiler when he scored JDT’s winner in injury time to give the away side an advantage before the second leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Aug 4.
Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain said the result was a disappointing one.
“Performance-wise, I am really satisfied. Every player that played yesterday gave their best.
We are hot happy with the result, especially when we conceded a goal towards the end,” he said.
“It would have been better if we had drawn. But we have to accept the defeat. Maybe it was not meant to be for us. I hope this performance did not disappoint the fans.”
The supporters felt Kedah should have been awarded a penalty kick when Shahrul Saad handled the ball in the penalty area but after a video assistant referee (VAR) check from referee Nazmi Nasaruddin, the decision went against the home side.
Nafuzi added: “The referee we had today is at a high level, licensed by FIFA. I believe he is wise enough to make a decision. Maybe luck is not on our side. We have to accept the decision.”
Meanwhile, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio said the game was a difficult one but believed his side could have scored more if their finishing had been better.
“We knew it would be difficult. Both sides played well.
“This game was tough because Kedah had a good side. For us, it was a good game in the first-half. We moved well and found spaces.
“In the second-half, both sides went on the attack to get a win. They have good players in set-pieces. After 1-1, we recovered and fought till the end to win the game.”
