Junior Eldstal red card as JDT lose to Felda United in MSL

Felda United striker Thiago Augusto struck a brace to condemn Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions Johor Darul Ta'zim to a rare 3-2 defeat at Shah Alam Stadium in a rescheduled game on Thursday night.

The defeat was only JDT's third of season, and they will blame a red card to defender Junior Eldstal on the loss.

This match was originally scheduled to be played on Wednesday at Felda's Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka.

But because the visitors had to travel over an hour to the stadium as the nearest hotel was fully booked, organisers Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership changed the venue to Shah Alam.

Felda did not seem to mind the stadium change, as they surged into a 27th minute lead through Augusto.

JDT immediately came at Felda after conceding, with Gabriel Guerra forcing Farizal Harun into a save before shooting just wide.

But they were level nine minutes later through a rare Junior Eldstal goal. The Swedish-Malaysian defender notched his first strike in over two years after an injury-marred career with JDT.

The game looked to be locked at 1-1 heading into half-time, until Ifedayo Olusegun fired home in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-1.

JDT's task would be made harder as Eldstal turned villain after earning his second caution for a rough challenge on Wan Zack Haikal.

But again the visitors looked hungry after falling behind, as they threatened through Guerra who smashed the crossbar.

Ulisses Morais' men would find the equaliser in the 57th minute through Gonzalo Cabrera, as the game swung from one end to another.

JDT's parity did not last long. Augusto, who had threatened the whole match, notched his double in the 64th minute.

That goal was the Brazilian forward's 15th goal of the season, the most in his three years playing in the MSL.

JDT did not lie down and tried to come from behind for a third time through a succession of set pieces.

Safiq Rahim came within centimetres of finding his range through a free kick, but saw his effort cannon off the bar in the 76th minute.

The MSL champions failed to find an equaliser in five minutes of added time to slump to only a third defeat of the season.

For Felda, victory gives them the perfect boost ahead of their Malaysia Cup semifinal showdown against Kedah on Oct. 15.

JDT will play Perak in the other semifinal on the same day.

The final MSL fixtures will take place on Oct. 28.

Johor Darul Ta'zim: Haziq Nadzli (GK), Junior Eldstal, Fadhli Shas, S. Kunanlan, Fazly Mazlan, Afiq Fazail, Gonzalo Cabrera, Gabriel Guerra, Mohammed Ghaddar, Natxo Insa, Safiq Rahim (C)

Felda United: Farizal Harun (GK), Shukor Adan (C), Wan Zack Haikal, Zah Rahan Krangar, Stuart Wark, Thiago Augusto, Sai Wan Hashim, Nor Fazly Alias, Alif Yusof, Curran Ferns, Ifedayo Olusegon