KUALA LUMPUR — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) showed no mercy as they dominated the pitch today, thrashing Selangor FC 6-1 to lift their third consecutive FA Cup title at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
The match’s opening minutes were filled with drama as referee Nazmi Nasaruddin faced loud jeers from the Selangor ultras after issuing a yellow card to Selangor’s left-back Fazly Mazlan for a light challenge on JDT’s Arif Aiman in the fifth minute.
Known for his calm demeanour throughout the season, Selangor head coach Nidzam Jamil found himself in the referee’s book as well, receiving a yellow card shortly after Fazly’s booking.
Arif Aiman, making his 69th appearance for JDT, was relentless on the pitch, continuously exploiting Selangor’s 4-2-3-1 formation with his explosive runs. In just 10 minutes, he created four attacking chances for the Southern Tigers.
Selangor, whose last FA Cup win was in 2009, nearly took the lead in the 20th minute, but Ronnie Fernandez’s shot was easily tipped away by JDT goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi.
JDT capitalised on Selangor’s weak link-up play, executing a swift counterattack with five passes from their backline between the 21st and 23rd minutes, which connected Heberty Fernandes, Juan Muniz, and Bergson da Silva.
The defending champions’ efforts paid off in the 26th minute when Muniz effortlessly beat Selangor goalkeeper Sammuel Sommerville with a stunning 25-yard free kick.
The Southern Tigers, boasting a history of four FA Cup titles, extended their lead just before halftime with a header from Arif Aiman, off a left-corner cross by Heberty.
Selangor looked dominant in the opening minutes of the second half, creating several chances from the left through their winger, Alvin Fortes.
The Cape Verdean winger then scored in the 59th minute, bringing his side back into the game.
However, Bergson, JDT’s “Mr. Final” since joining the club in 2021, continued his scoring form in his seventh final for the club.
He outmuscled Safuwan Baharuddin and beat Sommerville at the bottom corner, giving JDT a comfortable 3-1 lead in the 62nd minute.
The remaining 28 minutes were disastrous for Selangor as they conceded two more goals. Muniz struck in the 68th minute, followed by Heberty in the 76th.
Muniz, who has made nine appearances for Spain’s under-17 and under-19 squads, added insult to Selangor’s injury by completing his hat-trick with a left-footed free kick from 18 yards, beating substitute goalkeeper Azim Amin.
With tonight’s victory, JDT now equals Kedah FC and Selangor’s record as one of the most successful teams in the FA Cup, each with five titles.
A total of 80,350 fans attended the 34th edition of the FA Cup today. — August 24, 2024
