KUALA LYMPUR: PJ City celebrated like they had "won the Super League" after the final whistle against eight-time champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya on Thursday.
Kogileswaran Raj's sensational goal in the first minute of stoppage time denied JDT, who lead the Super League standings, three points in the 2-2 draw.
The all-local PJ City are only the fourth team in the league to hold JDT to a draw this season. However, the Southern Tigers comfortably lead the standings with 43 points, while P. Maniam's PJ City are 10th on 17.
Maniam admitted his players got overexcited after the final whistle.
"JDT seldom drop points, and scoring a stoppage time goal to deny them a win is a big deal to us," said Maniam after the match.
"My players were disciplined and compact in the game. We did not allow JDT to create many scoring opportunities. I am proud of my team for this performance.
"I hope the management will be happy with the point. As a team, I think we are heading in the right direction."
JDT striker Bergson da Silva scored for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 48th minute. However, Darren Lok equalised for PJ City in the 73rd minute before JDT regained their lead through Akhyar Rashid four minutes from time.
With the clock ticking away, Kogileswaran scored from the edge of the box for the equaliser.
"We controlled the game and had chances to record a win. It is our second straight draw in the league," said JDT coach Hector Bidoglio.
"PJ City were tactically ready and stopped our counter-attacks efficiently, so it was hard to press.
"I think we did enough and deserved three points, not a draw. We did everything to win this match."
Meanwhile, Melaka United held KL City to a 0-0 draw at Hang Jebat Stadium.
KL coach Bojan Hodak was happy to earn a point.
"We have been travelling for matches in the last two weeks. We were on the road for matches in Sabah, Pahang and India (against ATK Mohun Bagan in the AFC Cup) before arriving in Melaka for this game.
"My players had little time to recover in-between matches, so a point from this game is satisfactory," said Hodak.
KL are sixth with 26 points, while Melaka are ninth on 18.
The Super League takes a break for two weeks for the international window.