Argentine assassin: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Fernando Forestieri (second from right) celebrating after scoring the second goal against Terengganu. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: They may not admit it but Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) hard-earned 2-1 win over Terengganu in the Super League is a worthy dress rehearsal for their FA Cup final.
The Southern Tigers were made to sweat against the determined Turtles at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Wednesday.
JDT had to thank the clinical finishing of Brazilian striker Bergson Da Silva and Argentinian winger Fernando Forestieri, who scored in the 32nd and 47th minutes, for the three points.
Terengganu replied through Hakimi Abdullah in the 51st minute and could have scored more but their finishing left much to be desired.
JDT coach Hector Bidoglio wasn’t surprised they faced such strong resistance from Terengganu, especially in front of their home crowd.
“I knew it was going to be tough because Terengganu can play quality football and were eager to keep their unbeaten home record.
“There were times when we struggled to maintain long spells of possession.
“But the most important thing is to get the win. Moving forward, I’ve seen some things we need to work on from the games we’ve played to keep our winning momentum.”
JDT remain top of the league with 38 points from 14 games.
Before the loss to JDT, Terengganu were unbeaten in six games at home.
Terengganu coach Nafuzi Zain was proud of his charges’ display as they were missing some key players.
“Playing 120 minutes against Selangor in the FA Cup semi-final took a bit of a toll on us.
We lost some key players due to sickness and injuries,’’ he said.
‘’Against JDT, Petrus (Shitembi) had to be taken off in the first-half because of injury. But whoever was on the field, they fought and impressed.
“We will look to bounce back when we face Sarawak United at Gong Badak on Aug 13.”
Terengganu are sixth with 17 points from 13 matches.
