Johor Darul Ta’zim are champions of the Malaysian Super League for the seventh consecutive season after they defeated Sabah 4-1.
In a shortened season, Johor have won the title with a game to spare after winning eight of their ten matches and drawing the other two. If they avoid defeat in their final match against Melaka United, then they will finish the season unbeaten.
The Southern Tigers rebranded in 2013 and are now the most successful club in Malaysian football history, overtaking Selangor FA.
Benjamin Mora’s side missed a chance to win the title last week after they drew to Petaling Jeya City, but they only needed a point to win it at home against relegation-threatened Sabah and they didn’t waste the opportunity this time.
It took them 38 minutes to break the deadlock with Diego Luis Santo finding the breakthrough. Safawi Rasid then doubled the champions’ lead after being sent through on goal by Nazmi Faiz.
Sabah halved the deficit in the 74th minute through Dennis Buschening, but Rasid who is close to moving to Portuguese side Portimonense SC, scored his second of the match and his seventh in his last five matches to take the game away from Sabah.
Leandro Velazquez added a fourth with a free-kick to finish it off in style. Sabah are two points above the relegation drop-zone ahead of the final match and need a win on the final day to guarantee safety.
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