KUALA LUMPUR: The Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) juggernaut continued in the Malaysia Cup with a third straight win last night.
The defending champions defeated Sabah 2-0 at the Likas Stadium to top Group D.
The Southern Tigers pounced early, scoring in the fourth minute through Hazwan Bakri, who capitalised on Sabah's Nazirul Naim's defensive mistake.
And nine minutes later, JDT were already two-up when Leandro Velasquez passed to Gonzalo Cabrera to beat Sabah goalkeeper Rozaimie Rohim.
The Rhinos made a couple of good attempts through former internationals Amri Yahyah and N. Thanabalan. Sabah's best chance came in the 15th minute but Thanabalan's kick was denied by the crossbar.
In another Group D match, Petaling Jaya City subdued Kelantan 2-1 at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
PJ City striker Darren Lok struck in the 11th minute for his second goal in three Malaysia Cup games. The Phoenix doubled their score in the 19th minute through Kogileswaran Raj.
Kelantan reduced the deficit in the 36th minute through Greek import Christos Intzidis who scored with a free kick.
However, Darren, who is of English-Malaysian parentage, was not done yet as he rifled a shot into the back of the net in the 81st minute to make it 3-1 for PJ City.
At Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka United recorded a 2-1 win over Kelantan United to lead Group C with three straight wins.
The Mousedeer opened account in the 25th minute through Sony Norde for his second Malaysia Cup goal this season.
Kelantan United equalised in the 43rd minute with Shuhei Fukai finding the net, but Adriano Narcizo's goal in the 54th minute secured Melaka the three points.
RESULTS
GROUP C
MELAKA UTD 2 KELANTAN UTD 1
GROUP D
SABAH 0 JDT 2
PJ CITY 3 KELANTAN 1