NEGRI SUFFERED A RUDE SHOCKED AT PAROI

JOHOR FC shocked the defending champions Negri Sembilan 1-0 at Paroi with a late winner through substitute Mohd Ezaidy Mohd Khahar to give the club side a one goal advantage in the first-leg of the Malaysia Cup semifinal match last night.

With the match still at 0-0 and heading towards the final minutes. A long clearance by a Johor FC defender saw Ezaidy racing for the through ball. Negri goalkeeper Sani Anuar Kamsani unnecessarily came out of his line and the striker easily lift the ball over the onrushing keeper straight into the empty net.

Despite the loss credit must be given to the defending champions for their continuous effort putting the visitor under tremendous pressure right from the start. They dominated the match but luck was not on their side. One costly error, Negri paid a heavy a price and saw them going a goal down for the second-leg in Pasir Gudang on Saturday.

The home side should have easily taking the lead as early in the 3rd minute. A poor clearance by a Johor FC defender saw the ball ran straight to midfielder Abdul Halim Zainal. The midfielder hit its first time into the box but Shuhairain  just fails to connect.

The visitor too had a clear sight at goal in the 11th minute when Khairul Ismail powerful drive was pushed over the bar by Sani. In the 14th minute the visitor must thank defender Mohd Reduan Maon for his great effort clearing a goal-bound header by Aidil Abd Razak with goalkeeper Anis Faron already beaten.

With Negri starting to dominate the match, they were dealt with a severe blow when captain's Rezal Zambry suffered an injury and was replace by Rahman Zabor. Defender Shukur Adan had a glorious opportunity to put Negri in the lead but he rifled his shot high.

With the first half ended a scoreless draw gave the Johor FC coach Azuan Zain a huge relief for half of the job has been done by his players.

In the second half it was a one sided affair with Negri running all over the Johor FC defence but they manage to hold their ground and continues to frustrated the home side. Johor FC must thank their lucky stars when Aidil powerful drive took a wicked deflection by a defender Hamsani Omar with Anis Faron diving the wrong way but the ball just miss the target. 

With the match heading towards the final minutes Johor FC broke the deadlock through Mohd Ezaidy Kahar for the all important goal.