KUALA LUMPUR: It was another perfect outing for Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) coach Esteban Solari as his men thrashed Kuala Lumpur City 3-0 in their Super League match on Wednesday.
The Southern Tigers received a gift when KL's Romel Morales scored an own goal in the 41st minute. Endrick dos Santos (52nd) and Arif Aiman Hanapi (90th) complete the rout for the visitors at KLFA Stadium in Cheras.
Solari tested three youngsters in Nathaniel Shio, Feroz Baharudin and Ramadhan Saifullah Usman in the match. Midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba also played his first game after eight months following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury last year.
Despite the impressive win, the 42-year-old coach said it was a difficult game against a strong opponent.
"However, the players achieved their objectives. It was difficult to play due to the wet condition. We had 70 per cent possession and scored three goals. The team also did not concede," he said after the match.
"It is a good result considering that we used several young players in the match. Syamer's return is a boost. His ability will offer us solutions."
It was JDT's second victory of the season after their 2-0 win over Terengganu in their opening match.
Meanwhile, KL's defeat means they have yet to win a match in the league. They drew 2-2 against Penang in their opening game.
"We will find our footing soon. My team did well to contain JDT until individual errors cost us the game.
"We played tight in the first half and conceded a goal. In the second half, we played an attacking for goals. However, JDT took their chances to extend their lead.
"Earning a point from two matches is not a good thing. However, I am confident the team will bounce back. We just need to fix some issues," said Bojan.