Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) moved into second spot behind Felda United in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) on Saturday after a clinical 2-0 win at Terengganu at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium.
The reigning champions took control in the first half, thanks to goals from S. Chanturu and Jorge Pereyra Diaz and once Mario Gomez's men were ahead, they did not look like relinquishing the lead.
It was a disappointing start for new Terengganu coach Mike Mulvey who replaced the rested Ahmad Yusoff in midweek.
Under Ahmad, the east coast outfit won the opening league match of the season before losing to newly promoted Kedah. Elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of PKNS resulted in Mulvey -- who joined Terengganu as assistant in the close season -- taking charge. But JDT were too tough a test.
Terengganu have three points from the first three games, compared to the champions' seven. Felda United have the only perfect record with three wins from three.
The opening exchanges, however, were even and saw both teams miss chances to break the deadlock.
But the visitors, who thrashed Ayeyawady United of Myanmar 8-1 on Wednesday in their opening game of the 2016 AFC Cup, did so just before the half-hour. Pereyra Diaz collected the ball just outside the middle of the penalty area, rolled a pass to the right and there was S. Chanturu. He advanced into the box to hit a fierce low shot with the outside of the right boot that curled into the bottom corner.
The second came just after the half hour and was even easier on the eye. Azniee Taib broke free down the left-wing and while he fed Diaz, there was still plenty to do. The Argentine collected the pass just inside the left edge of the area, veered back to the 18-yard line past two defenders and then slotted a low shot into the Turtles' net.
Terengganu struggled to match the champions' penetrative powers. But, on the hour, Norsharul Idlan Talaha's shot from outside the area was destined for the top corner until a fine save from Farizal Marlias tipped it to safety.
"Terengganu are a good team," said JDT coach Mario Gomez. "We took the lead and then had to work hard. We are very happy with the win."
Gomez's opposite number was realistic.
"Our frailties have been laid bare and we are not as fit as we need to be," said former Brisbane Roar and Sabah boss Mulvey. "Both goals came from giving possession away but there is enough to build on. We played against a good team and we have to learn from that."
Elsewhere, Zainal Abidin Hassan saw his Selangor side come from behind against his old club, Pahang, winning 3-1 at Kuantan.
After Pahang took a shock 13th minute lead through Faisal Halim, Selangor's new striker Patrick Wleh struck twice in nine minutes just before half-time. Then, former Pahang winger R. Gopinathan scored a third for Selangor in the 67th minute to make sure of the victory. That result leaves Pahang still searching for a first league win in 2016.
Meanwhile, leaders Felda United made it three wins out of three after accounting for T-Team by 2-0, PDRM FA came from 1-0 down at the break to draw 2-2 with Pahang while Perak and Kedah played out a 0-0 stalemate in Ipoh.