JDT nearly embarrass Chelsea, draw 3-3

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) showcased their prowess by holding English Premier League giants Chelsea to a thrilling 3-3 draw in a friendly match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, fielded a squad featuring a mix of established players like Nicolas Jackson and Liam Delap alongside younger talent such as Estavao. Despite the youthful lineup, Chelsea showed early promise, with Delap's shot in the fourth minute being denied by JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed. Estavao and Jackson also had early chances but failed to convert.

JDT struck first in the 12th minute through Arif Aiman Hanafi, who capitalized on a swift counter-attack initiated by Marcos Guilherme. Oscar Arribas nearly extended JDT's lead in the 32nd minute, but his shot went wide. Chelsea were then awarded a penalty after JDT's new import, Kevin Medina, fouled Delap. Delap calmly converted the spot-kick in the 42nd minute to level the score.

In the second half, JDT's new import Shahab Zahedi had an opportunity in the 48th minute but was denied by Chelsea's fourth-choice goalkeeper, Gabriel Slonina. Chelsea were awarded another penalty in the 62nd minute when Arribas fouled Jamie Gittens. Delap stepped up again, scoring his second penalty to put Chelsea ahead 2-1.

JDT responded quickly, with Arribas's free-kick finding the net in the 65th minute to equalize. Substitute Bergson Da Silva then put JDT in the lead in the 86th minute. However, Chelsea salvaged a draw in the 89th minute when Antonio Glauder scored an own goal while attempting to block a cross from Mykhailo Mudryk, ending the match in a 3-3 stalemate.

“

When I say disarm Hamas, I mean heavy weapons, light and medium weapons, and all weapons. We want real disarmament, not a show.