KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) confirmed their undisputed spot as the current kings of Malaysian football, securing yet another Super League title, their sixth straight triumph, after defeating Melaka 2-1 at Hang Jebat Stadium.
The three points on Wednesday night, meant that JDT have a 16-point lead over second-placed Pahang.
Having won their first Super League title in 2014, the Southern Tigers have been relentless in their pursuit of the domestic title and once again booked their place in the AFC Champions League group stage next year.
Zainal Abidin Hassan’s Melaka were one of the form teams in the league but on the night, only had the bridemaids role to operate.
Nazmi Faiz Mansor was used from the start as Leandro Velazquez was not available, and the pint-sized mifielder justified his selection with the opening goal after just seven minutes.
Diogo Santo doubled the away side’s lead 20 minutes later, tricking his way into the penalty box before calmly finishing from close range.
Melaka were better in the second half but could only find a consolation goal late on when captain Shukor Adan (84th minute) reacted the quickest after Farizal Marlias had foiled Davy Angan’s penalty.
The win also meant that JDT remained unbeaten in the league campaign, having managed 14 wins and four draws from their 18 matches.
Coach Benjamin Mora will, no doubt, be looking to keep this run going in the final four matches to repeat JDT’s unbeaten 2016 season.