Iskandar puteri: Domestic serial winners Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are brimming with confidence after their 2-0 semi-final, return-leg victory over Kuching City FC, seen as the perfect preparation for their upcoming FA Cup final against Sabah FC on December 14.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Southern Tigers head coach, Xisco Munoz, praised his team for their strong performance and character throughout the match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. The team created numerous chances and maintained control from start to finish, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory. Munoz emphasized the importance of replicating this level of commitment and intensity in the final against Sabah.
Munoz noted the significance of closing games efficiently and capitalizing on opportunities, stating, “One of the things the team can do moving forward is to close games efficiently and make the most of the chances created. When you have many chances, you must kill off the game.” He also discussed the absence of star player Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi due to injury and the club’s efforts to ensure his recovery ahead of the FA Cup title showdown.
Reflecting on Arif’s absence, Munoz remarked, “I miss him 100 percent. Arif is one of the best players in Asia. Losing a player of his quality is always difficult. We are working very hard to get him back to full fitness. The positive thing is that when he returns, he will come back stronger, and that is what matters the most.”
Looking ahead to their ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) match against Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC in Cambodia on December 4, Munoz stressed the importance of focus, intensity, and upholding the club’s values.
Meanwhile, Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak acknowledged the challenging nature of the match against JDT, recognizing the Southern Tigers as a stronger and more established team. He expressed pride in his team for reaching the semi-finals and praised his players for pushing JDT to the limit despite squad challenges and the absence of key players.
Aidil Sharin commented, “It’s unfortunate that we faced a team like JDT in the semi-finals. But, at the end of the day, the boys gave their best and showed that they have the quality to play against a big team.”
In the match, JDT scored through Bergson Da Silva in the 25th minute and Eddy Israfilov in the 82nd minute. Meanwhile, in another semi-final return-leg match, Sabah FC made history by qualifying for the FA Cup final for the first time after defeating 10-man Selangor FC in a dramatic penalty shootout at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium, prevailing 5-4.