SHOCKING WEEKEND
Mifa produce biggest upset in Malaysia Cup opening round
THERE were plenty of upsets in last weekend’s Malaysia Cup proceedings with Premier League side Mifa pulling off the biggest shocker by edging former AFC Cup champions Johor Darul Ta’zim 2-1 in a Group C match at Larkin Stadium.
Three other second-tier sides — Felcra, Sabah and Felda United — all had decent opening matches by earning a point each against fancied Perak, Pahang and Melaka respectively.
Police were the only Premier League side to fall, losing 5-2 to PKNS in Group B.
Liberia striker Kpah Sherman (19th) and South Korean Bae Beom-geun (80th) were on target for Mifa while JDT responded through Argentine Fernando Marquez (68th).
It was JDT’s first defeat at home since they were handed a 30 thrashing by Pahang in the FA Cup in April. However, JDT should feel embarrassed as Mifa are a club with a small budget.
Mifa coach K. Devan attributed his team’s success to tactics.
“We used the 5-4-1 formation and this worked as our tight defending denied JDT from scoring more goals. I had extra men in midfield to make sure JDT could not function in the middle,” said Devan, who guided Mifa to third place in the recent Premier League season.
“I must also thank my goalkeeper Muhaimin Mohamad for doing a great job throughout the match. We had nothing to lose going into the match and my players were not in any pressure.
“My players just played to tactics and did not feel inferior against JDT. It is our first Malaysia Cup appearance and winning our first game against a big club is a huge motivation.”
Mifa will play Kelantan in their second game in Petaling Jaya on Friday.
JDT coach Raul Longhi said: “It was just not our night.
“We had a good start and created numerous opportunities, but it was Mifa who scored the goals. The Premier League side are a good team. Although, they chose to play defensively, they were effective in attack.
“My players worked hard. The absence of midfielder Hariss Harun affected us. We will focus on our next match against Kedah at home,” Longhi added.
Terengganu 5 KL 1, Perak 0 Felcra 0;
Police 2 PKNS 5, Felda 0
RESULTS – Group A:
Pahang 1 Sabah 1, Selangor 0 Perak SEDC 3.