KELANTAN CLAWED THEIR WAY BACK 2-2 AGAINST 10 MEN NEGRI SEMBILAN

Negri Sembilan striker Norizam Salaman in control pix by Utusan

KELANTAN clawed their way back with a precious 2-2 draw against 10th men Negri Sembilan at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, Paroi in a high-tension match which saw the referee gave away two red cards for the defending Malaysia Cup Champions in a Group A match last night.

The Red Warriors trailing by 0-2 in the 60th minute looks certain going back home without a points but left back Zairul Fitri goal in the 66th minute gave them hopes and substitute Akmal Rizal headed home the important equaliser.

The visitor made a bright start knowing a wins will give them a great chance to go for the top spot in Group A and book the Malaysia Cup quarter-final berth. But they suffered a huge blow when Negri Sembilan took the lead in the 26th minute. 

Midfielder Abdul Halim Zainal finds S.Kunalan on the left. The left sided midfielder wrestle his way and made a fine cross in the box. Idris Karim cleverly back-heel laid perfectly into Shuhairain Abu Samah path. He wasted no time to blast the ball past Kahirul Fahmi into the roof of the net.

But in the 39th minute, Negri Sembilan were down playing with 10 men when referee Anuar Che Husin send defender Rahman Zabor into the dressing room for his second offence. Just a minute before the break Negri coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan also suffered the same fate when he too was red carded for his outburst at the byline.

In the second-half, Kelantan's coach B. Sathianathan brought in Nor Shahrul Idlan Talha for S.Chantaruu to beef up the attack but it was Negri who nearly got their second goal from Shukor Adan in the 51st minute.

In the 58th minute the visitor had a glorious chance to drew level but midfielder Badri Razi placed his shot just wide of target.

Negri made it 2-0 in the 60 minute when Abdul Halim Zainal converted from the spot after defender Azizi Mat Derus brought down S.Kunalan in the box.

In the 66th minute Zairul Fitri brought cheers to the 5,000 travelling Kelantan's fan when he struck a left shot past Negri goalkeeper Anuar Kamsani. Sathianatan made a tactical change by bringing on striker Akmal Rizal. 

Just two minutes in the match the substitute made a quick impact with a looping header to level the scoreline at 2-2. The visitors surged going forward to find the third goal but Negri playing with a man short holds their ground firmly until the final whistle. 


In another Group A match, Selangor PKNS moved up to the second spot with six points after they beat KL Plus 3-2. Kelantan in third place with 5 points.


Meanwhile in Group D, Selangor confirm their quarterfinal berth with a comeback 2-1 win against T-Team in Kuala Terengganu. Safiee Sali scored the winner after Amirulhadi Zainal cancel out Harris Safwan early goal. In another match, Perlis brushed aside newly crown Premeir League Champions Felda United 5-0 to stay in contention with T-Team for the other quarterfinal spot.  

Defender Fazilidin Kadir of Selangor tussle with Harizul Izuan

In Group B, Sabah edged Kuala Lumpur 3-2 to remain at the top with 8 points. While Terengganu back in contention with an important 2-0 win against Pahang and moved up to second spot to pip Kuala Lumpur with better goal difference also with 4 points.


While in Group C, Kedah and Johor stay on course for the quarterfinal after playing to a scoreless draw. In another match ATM blew their chances when they suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Perak.