ISKANDAR PUTERI, Johor: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) held FIFA world club champions, Chelsea, to a 3-3 draw in an international friendly match at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here today.
The home team managed to score first through winger, Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, who superbly tucked in a pass by Marcus Guilherme in the 14th minute, while the visitors managed to equalise in the 43rd minute with a penalty by striker Liam Delap after he was tackled in the penalty box.
However, Delap failed to put Chelsea ahead at the end of the first half when his attempt went slightly off target during a one-on-one encounter with JDT goalkeeper, Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
Chelsea made up for the failure when they went ahead in the 62nd minute with another penalty by Delap but JDT managed to equalise just three minutes later courtesy of a free kick by Oscar Aribas.
The home team then managed to take the lead again through Bergson Da Silva with only five minutes remaining in regulation time but was foiled by an own goal by JDT defender, Christian Glauder, in injury time.
The friendly match is Chelsea’s last of its Pre-Season Tour in Asia and they will return to face Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15.
Chelsea will open their English Premier League campaign against Fulham away on August 25. – BERNAMA
