Kelantan Red Warrior FC were unable to stop Johor Darul Ta’zim II (JDT FC II) from collecting all three points in the 2025/26 Liga A1 Semi-Pro campaign after suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Pasir Gudang last night.
The result saw Irfan Bakti’s side drop to seventh place in the standings, while JDT FC II continued to apply pressure on league leaders Selangor FC at the top of the table.
Early Exchange Of Attacks
The match began at a lively pace, with both sides trading attacks in front of the home crowd. JDT FC II, who fielded their strongest lineup including several heritage players, made the first breakthrough in the 20th minute when imported defender Miquel Cuesta powered home a header from a Muhammad Alif corner kick.
KRWFC, however, responded well and found their equalizer just before the interval. Phillip Dandada Musa delivered a precise cross into the box, and Aikal Daniel rose highest to head in the leveler, sending both teams into the break tied at 1-1.
Late Defensive Error Proves Costly
The second half remained tightly contested as both teams searched for a decisive goal. But in the 78th minute, a costly defensive lapse from Kelantan Red Warrior FC allowed top scorer Celso Bermejo to pounce on a loose ball inside the area and finish clinically for JDT FC II’s winner.
Despite KRWFC’s late push for another equalizer, JDT FC II goalkeeper Zulhilmi Sharani stood firm and produced two important saves in the closing moments to preserve the lead and secure victory for the home side.
Standings Impact
The win lifted JDT FC II to 48 points in second place, while Kelantan Red Warrior FC remained on 38 points from 21 matches.
Although KRWFC showed plenty of fight in Pasir Gudang, the late setback meant they left empty-handed after a hard-fought contest against one of the league’s strongest challengers.
