The matchday 5 of the MSL began with an early kick-off in Kuala Terengganu where T-Team hosted the Lions. It was a drab game with scrappy play throughout 90 minutes. A late penalty by Badrul Hisyam Morris gave Peter Butler's team a 1-0 win over the Singaporeans, who slumped to their second loss of the season.
The match of the day was the clash between Perak and Selangor at the TLDM Stadium in Lumut where the referee garnered more attention for his controversial and poor decision-making earning the wrath of the fans and Irfan Bakti alike. Selangor lost Amri Yahyah to a dubious red card late in the first half but took the lead on 66 minutes via a Francis Forkey Doe stunner. Perak equalised nine minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by another ex-Terengganu player, Abdul Hadi Yahya. Selangor could have won the game but Doe and substitute Wan Hoesne failed to convert their chances.
In the East Coast derby, Pahang crushed Terengganu 3-0 in Kuantan with to take them to the top of the table with 12 points, two ahead of ATM and Selangor. Top scorer Fauzi Roslan opened the scoring before Hafiz Kamal got a brace to send Terengganu to the bottom of the table.
Champions Kelantan were held to a goalless draw at home by Negeri Sembilan. The scoreline reflects the toothless attack of the Red Warriors after the departure of their attacking players, notably Mat Yo and Mohammed Ghaddar. Marlon Alex James and Shukor Adan scored to help ATM secure a 2-0 win over Felda United while big-spenders Johor Darul Takzim etched out a 3-1 win on the road over PKNS FC.
After 5 games, Pahang lead the pack with 12 points with ATM and Selangor on hot pursuit with 10 points each, with ATM ahead of the Red Giants on goal difference. Negeri Sembilan and Terengganu remain at the bottom edge of the table, still winless.
The MSL will take a break to make way for the FA Cup and the international week, where Malaysia face Iraq in an international friendly in Dubai before taking on Qatar in an Asian Cup qualifier in Doha.
MAJULAH BOLASEPAK UNTUK NEGARA
Vinod Nair
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