JDT almost in FA Cup semi-finals

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KUALA LUMPUR: Last year’s FA Cup runners-up Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have a clear path to the semi-finals after chalking up a 3-1 win over Kedah in the first-leg of their quarters-final match at the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin, Johor Baharu tonight.

The three goals of the Southern Tigers were netted by Mohd Amri Yahyah in the 14th minute; Hariss Harun (21st) and substitute player Luciano Figueroa in the second half.

Kedah pulled one back in the 23rd minute via Billy Osman Mehmet.

The match was, however, marred by the flashing of three red cards by referee Syed Azhar Syed Kamar to both teams.

JDT players Mohd Fazly Mazlan was the first player to be red-carded after a rough tackle on Kedah striker, Khyril Muhymeen Zambri in the 71st minute.

The visitors also had their fair share of rough play when their players Baddrol Bakhtiar and Muhammad Syazwan Tajuddin were ordered out of the pitch after receiving their second yellow cards in the 75th and 83rd minutes respectively.

Defending champions, Kelantan scraped through with a 3-2 win against Selangor PKNS FC at the Sultan Muhammad IV stadium, Kota Baharu.

Red Warriors captain, Mohd Badhri Radzi opened the scoring in the second minute through a free kick before Liberian import Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh equalised for PKNS FC in the 20th minute.

Tengku Hasbullah Raja Hassan put Kelantan one goal up in the 42nd minute before Ahmad Shakir Ali added the third goal in the 75th minute but South Korean import, Kim Dongchen slotted PKNS’s second goal seven minutes later.

Premier League leaders, Police could only muster a 1-1 draw with Pahang at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi, Seremban.

Charles Chad Souza opened scoring the “Cops” in the 13th minute before Argentinian import, Matias Ruben Conti equalised for Pahang in the 77th minute.

At the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium, Felda United FC and Sarawak were tied to a goalless draw.

The second leg of the quarter-finals will be held on Feb 18. — BERNAMA