SELAYANG: Argentinian midfielder Bruno Martelotto bagged a brace to hand Armed Forces a deserved 4-1 win against Johor in a Group A Malaysia Cup match at the Selayang Stadium last night.
Martelotto scored in the 40th and 90th minute while hitman Marlon James and winger Christie Jayaseelan netted in the 75th and 81st minute respectively for the much needed win.
Midfielder Mohd Rashid Aya’s netted Johore consolation goal in the 76th minute.
The win also propelled the Gladiators to the top of the group with seven points after four matches to put themselves closer to a place in the quarter-finals.
Coach B. Sathianathan wanted his boys to put up a more disciplined display following their 3-3 draw with the same opponents last Tuesday.
And they did not disappoint with Martelotto opening accounts five minutes before the break with a shot from outside the box.
Marlon doubled the lead with a well taken header in the 75th minute but Johor clawed back into the game with Rashid netting barely a minute later.
A scrappy goal from nippy winger Christie and Martelotto second towards the end of the match sealed full points for the Gladia-tors.
Meanwhile, at the Shah Alam Stadium, Selangor were held to a 1-1 draw by Sime Darby.
The Red Giants under the guidance of caretaker coach P. Maniam went ahead through Liberian striker Francis Doe in the 46th minute but Karlo Primorac equalised for Sime Darby in the 79th minute.
Sime Darby dropped to second, below Forces on goal difference, although both have seven points.
Johor are third with five and Selangor prop the group with two points.
Already a subscriber? Log in.
Limited time offer:
Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!