Thai Son Bac Club experienced a disappointing loss on Malaysian soil in the friendly encounter with Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) futsal team continued their pre-season preparations by securing a 3-2 victory over Thai Son Bac, the representative from Vietnam, in the friendly match held at Pasir Gudang Stadium on March 31.
The clash with the runner-up of the Vietnamese futsal league was seen as an opportunity for Coach Joao Almeida's players to refine their tactics before the Malaysia Premier Futsal League (MPFL) kicks off.
In the first half, JDT opened the scoring with a goal from Abu Haniffa Hasan. However, Thai Son Bac managed to equalize thanks to Thanh Phong's strike, bringing the match to a 1-1 balance before halftime.
In the second half, the game became more lively as both teams continuously launched attacks seeking goals. Ekmal Shahrin helped "The Southern Tigers" regain the lead by easily converting a chance created by Danial Dain.
Nevertheless, the Vietnamese representative once again leveled the score after a self-inflicted goal by Firdaus Ambiah, where Jediael Mota's shot deflected off him, leaving goalkeeper Zainulzahin Sinuan helpless.
The decisive goal that secured JDT's 3-2 win was scored by Bruno Taffy, their top scorer from last season's MPFL, with a powerful strike that defeated the opposing goalkeeper.
According to the plan, JDT will continue with another friendly match against a representative from Indonesia , Cosmo JNE, on April 7. Meanwhile, Thai Son Bac will continue their training camp in Malaysia with three friendly matches organized by Selangor futsal club, including a match against Selangor on April 5.