KOTA BHARU, May 18, 2026 – In a pulsating encounter at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, Kelantan WTS FC battled back twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim II in the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League. The result leaves both sides locked in a tight mid-table battle, with the home side showing tremendous character after falling behind on two separate occasions.

Match Overview

The match kicked off under the lights at 8:45 PM local time, with both teams eager to climb the standings. Kelantan WTS FC, known for their passionate home support, were looking to bounce back after a narrow defeat last week. Johor Darul Ta'zim II, the reserve side of Malaysian giants JDT, came into the game with a reputation for technical play and young talent.

The opening exchanges were cagey, but the visitors struck first in the 23rd minute. A swift counter-attack caught the Kelantan defence flat-footed, and JDT II's forward slotted home coolly from 12 yards. The home fans were momentarily silenced, but Kelantan responded well and equalised just before half-time through a powerful header from a corner kick.

Key Moments

• 23' – Goal JDT II: A well-worked team move ends with a clinical finish to give the visitors the lead.
• 42' – Goal Kelantan WTS FC: Centre-back rises highest to nod home from a corner, making it 1-1 at the break.
• 67' – Goal JDT II: The away side regain the advantage with a strike from the edge of the box – a shot that takes a slight deflection.
• 79' – Goal Kelantan WTS FC: Substitute winger cuts inside and unleashes a curling effort into the top corner to level again.
• 90+4' – Late Drama: JDT II have a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR check, preserving the 2-2 scoreline.

Tactical Analysis

Kelantan WTS FC set up in a 4-3-3 formation, looking to press high and use the flanks. However, JDT II’s midfield trio controlled possession for large spells, with their short passing game causing problems. The home side’s equalisers came from set pieces and individual brilliance – areas where they showed distinct danger. Defensively, both teams were vulnerable to quick transitions, which led to the four goals.

Johor Darul Ta'zim II’s young squad displayed excellent composure, but were undone by lapses in concentration during key moments. Kelantan’s never-say-die attitude earned them a deserved point, and they will take confidence from this performance ahead of a tough run of fixtures.

Standings Impact

With this draw, Kelantan WTS FC move to 10 points from 7 matches, sitting 8th in the Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League table. Johor Darul Ta'zim II remain in 5th place with 13 points, still within striking distance of the top three. The competition remains wide open, with only four points separating the top seven clubs.

Man of the Match: The Kelantan WTS FC substitute who scored the late equaliser provided the spark needed when his team looked down and out. His goal was a moment of pure quality.

Both sides will now turn their attention to next weekend’s fixtures as the race for promotion heats up in Malaysia’s second tier.