Darul Takzim toil to Perak victory
Darul Takzim had to work hard to pick up their first points of the 2013 Malaysia Super League campaign after edging nine-man Perak at the Larkin Stadium on Wednesday.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Having thrown away a two-goal lead against Pahang on Tuesday to lose their opening game of 2013 3-2, Harimau Selatan entered the game desperately looking to kick-start their season.
They did get off to a dominant start and had their opponents pegged back in their own half but struggled to create any clear-cut openings, but their cause was helped in the 38th minute by the sending-off of Khairi Kiman, who picked up his second yellow for a foul on Dani Guiza.
On the stroke of halftime, things got worse for Perak as they were reduced to nine men after Hisyamuddin Mohamed Sha'ari was also issued his marching orders.
Three minutes after the break, Darul Takzim made their numerical advantage count when they took the lead, although they had an opposition player to thank as an error in judgement from Farizal Marlias allowed Aidil Zafuan to turn home a corner from Safiq Rahim.
Five minutes later, Perak were unlucky not to net an unlikely equaliser when Rafael Souza sent a header back off the bar and despite playing with two less men, the visitors continued to keep Darul Takzim at bay, although Fandi Ahmad's side ultimately did enough for the win.
Newly-promoted Pahang tentatively stayed top of the table after recording a 1-0 win at FELDA United.
Tok Gajah, whose winner against Darul Takzim earlier in the week came with seven minutes remaining in the game, once again left it late to grab all three points.
Mohamed Borji was the hero for Pahang as he netted the winner in the 90th minute, getting just enough on a cross by Fauzi Roslan to force the ball over the line.
In Friday's other game, Negri Sembilan and Terengganu played out a 0-0 draw.
Friday's Malaysia Super League Results
FELDA United 0-1 Pahang
Darul Takzim 1-0 Perak
Negri Sembilan 0-0 Terengganu