Kelantan survive after comeback, Sarawak relegated from MSL

Alessandro Celin scored two late goals to keep giants Kelantan in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) after they won 3-1 away to Melaka United on Saturday night.

It is a result that relegates Sarawak after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to T-Team in a simultaneous kick off.

Kelantan completed a stunning comeback to score three times in the last 16 minutes, including Celin's decisive double in the 81st and 88th minutes.

Kelantan had their backs against the wall coming into the match at Hang Jebat Stadium, hoping that their East Coast neighbours T-Team would do them a favour by grabbing a draw in Kuching.

A tense first half burst into life after English-born Malaysian defender Nicholas Swirad headed home a free kick on 30 minutes.

Melaka headed to the break with a 1-0 lead, meaning Kelantan needed a big 45 minutes to save their season.

They improved significantly in the second half, pushing more bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

Nor Farhan Mohamad hit a wayward shot from a good position after 55 minutes, and almost drew level through their best move of the night five minutes later.

Badri Radhzi spotted Indra Putra Mahayuddin's darting run, and his dink found the forward with only the keeper to beat.

Unfortunately, Indra could only stab an effort directly at Fazli Paat for a corner.

The goalkeeper pulled off a flying one-handed save to deny Mamdou Danso's header from that corner, with the ball bouncing off the upright before Melaka hacked to safety.

Kelantan's intense pressure finally paid off 15 minutes from time, as Abou Bakr El Mel popped up with a downward header past Fazli to make it 1-1.

Azwan Aripin's left-wing cross was right on the money, and the Lebanese attacker stole in to plant a firm header and give Kelantan hope.

Five minutes later, Celin sent the away fans into delirium with a phenomenal header that left Fazli flat footed to end up in the bottom corner.

Margaro Gomis swung in a cross from the right, and the Brazilian-Italian forward arched his back and headed in from a tight angle for 2-1.

Celin would seal the win with a close-range finish three minutes from time. It was a priceless strike that guaranteed Kelantan stay in the top flight for 2018.

Malaysia Cup finalists Kedah and Johor Darul Ta'zim, meanwhile, played out to a goalless draw at Darul Aman Stadium.

Pahang and Perak also cancelled each other out in a 1-1 draw, while Rufino Segovia struck a brace to give Selangor a 3-1 win over already relegated Penang.

The other result of the night saw Felda United down PKNS FC 4-2, courtesy of Thiago Fernandes' double.

Melaka United: Fazli Paat (GK), R. Surendran, Nicholas Swirad, S.Sivanesen, Marko Simic, Felipe De Souza, Syawal Norsam, Jeon Woo-Young, Fauzi Roslan, Jasmin Mecinovikj, G. Puvaneswaran (Nor Hakim Isa 78'), Khair Jones

Kelantan: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (GK),Daudsu Jamaluddin, , Abou Bakr El Mel, Mamadou Danso, Badhri Radzi (C), Nor Farhan Mohamad, Azwan Aripin, Margaro Gomis, Indra Putra Mayhuddin, Farisham Ismail, Fadhilah Pauzi