ALOR SETAR: Defensive errors were among the reasons behind Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) 3-1 defeat to Kedah in Friday’s Malaysia Cup Group C clash at the Darulaman Stadium here.
JDT manager Luciano Figueroa said his charges had played well but were let down by their own defensive mistakes.
"We tried everything we could but after trailing in the second half we failed to score more goals," said Figueroa.
"Kedah played well and the two goals they scored in the first half and early in the second put pressure on JDT.
"We had 60 per cent possession, managed a lot of shots on goal and played well, the problem was that our defence made mistakes."
Figueroa added that he was disappointed with the lack of understanding among his defenders.
He, however, assured that JDT would bounce back from the defeat and strengthen their defence.
"We cannot afford to have a situation where our strikers and midfielders play well but our defence commits mistakes.
"That affects team morale. Wait and see, we will make changes and move forward,” he added.
Sandro Mendonca (sixth), Akhyar Rashid (47th) and Liridon Krasniqi (90th) scored for Kedah while JDT netted through Fernando Marquez (36th).
Mifa and Kedah have eight points each but the former lead on goal difference, followed by JDT are third on sixth and Kelantan with five. The last round of Group C is on Sept 16.
Results
Group C — Kedah 3 JDT 1, Kelantan 0 Mifa 0