MELAKA United caretaker coach Asri Ninggal reckoned his team had a chance for a "good result" when Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) striker Bergson Da Silva limped off with an ankle injury in the 16th minute.
He was right.
Without Brazilian Da Silva, the Southern Tigers seemed toothless. and they scored not a single goal in the whole of the second half.
The Super League match at Hang Jebat Stadium on Friday ended 1-1, which was a good score for lowly Melaka, who were expected to be overran by JDT.
The Southern Tigers drew first blood in the 27th minute when Argentine Leandro Velazquez scored from a cross from Safawi Rasid. But Melaka hit back with the equaliser in the 39th minute through Filipino centreback Justin Baas after a corner kick by Sony Norde.
"When Da Silva was not there, JDT's attacking line was not so great. It's not to say JDT are not good, but Da Silva is really good and is their top scorer," said Asri.
"We know JDT have good ball possession, but we have done our homework, and it helped that there were plenty of fans," added Asri.
JDT coach Benjamin Mora said: "I don't think this (draw) will affect our performance, it's part of football. Can you tell me which teams in the world never concede (goals)? We do well but we can concede and make mistakes, it's part of football."