JDT Holds Chelsea to Thrilling 3-3 Draw in High-Stakes Friendly at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 9 — Malaysian powerhouse Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) produced a remarkable display to hold FIFA world club champions Chelsea to a pulsating 3-3 draw in an international friendly match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today.

The Southern Tigers stunned the Premier League giants early in the contest, opening the scoring in the 14th minute through winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi. Arif Aiman superbly converted a well-placed pass from Marcus Guilherme to send the home supporters into raptures.

Chelsea found a route back into the match late in the first half when striker Liam Delap was brought down inside the penalty box. Delap stepped up to convert the resulting 43rd-minute spot-kick to level the score at 1-1. The Englishman had a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead just before the half-time whistle during a one-on-one encounter with JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi, but his effort drifted slightly off target.

The visiting side eventually surged ahead in the 62nd minute as Delap earned and converted his second penalty of the evening. However, Chelsea’s lead proved short-lived as JDT responded just three minutes later. Oscar Aribas expertly dispatched a free kick in the 65th minute to draw the home team level once again.

JDT appeared to have sealed a famous victory when star striker Bergson Da Silva struck with just five minutes remaining in regulation time to make it 3-2. However, the Malaysian champions were denied a famous win in dramatic fashion during injury time, when JDT defender Christian Glauder turned the ball into his own net to hand Chelsea late relief.

The thrilling encounter marked the conclusion of Chelsea’s Pre-Season Tour in Asia. The Blues will now return to London to face Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Aug 15, before opening their Premier League campaign away against Fulham on Aug 25.

–NMT