KUALA LUMPUR: Despite ongoing salary disputes, Kedah's first-team players made a strong return to Super League action, earning a 2-2 draw against Sri Pahang in a thrilling encounter at the Darulaman Stadium, Alor Setar, on Friday.
After a tightly contested first half, the match exploded into life in the second half with four goals within 30 minutes.
Sri Pahang's Sergio Aguero broke the stalemate in the 52nd minute, only for Kedah's Halim Saari to respond just six minutes later, levelling for Nafuzi Zain's side.
Momentum shifted in Kedah's favour when Sukhrob Nurruloev found the back of the net in the 64th minute, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
However, Fandi Ahmad's side refused to back down, with Kpah Sherman delivering a crucial equaliser in the 79th minute to secure a hard-fought point for the visitors.
The draw sees Sri Pahang maintain their sixth position in the Super League table with 11 points, while Kedah remain 10th with nine points.
Last week, Kedah fielded an Under-23 side and were thrashed 5-0 by KL City in Cheras.