TITANIC BATTLE IN STORE
JDT and Pahang to square off in Malaysia Cup quarter-finals
FANS can expect a blockbuster clash between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Pahang in the twolegged Malaysia Cup quarter-finals.
JDT topped Group C with nine points thanks to the 3-0 win over Mifa at Shah Alam Stadium, while Kelantan got through on goal difference following a 2-0 success over last year’s runners-up Kedah in Kota Baru, both on Sunday.
JDT manager Luciano Figueroa expects a tight battle against Pahang who denied their dreams of winning the FA Cup this year in the quarter-finals.
In the Super League, JDT defeated Pahang in both rounds but the former AFC Cup champions lost 3-0 on aggregate to Dollah Salleh’s side in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
“This game is like a derby to us. It has always been tough against Pahang, but we will be ready to play our football,” said Figueroa on Sunday.
On the victory over Mifa courtesy of Safawi Rasid’s brace and Gonzalo Cabrera’s penalty, Figueroa said: “We played good football. Congratulations to the players.”
However, the win came at an expense as JDT forward Fernando Marquez will likely miss the first leg at Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan next week.
Marquez was rushed to the hospital following a collision inside the Mifa penalty box in the 63rd minute. The Argentine broke his nose.
“He is (Marquez) okay. He broke his nose but he’s good now. I have to say congratulations to him because he gave his life on the field.
“He is a very important player. He gave 120 per cent on the field and this three points is for him,” the former Argentine international added.
Having led the group for a long time, Mifa just could not replicate the performance they produced in the opening match which they won 1-0 away at JDT.
Without the services of striker Kpah Sherman and centre-back Elizeu Melo, Mifa looked lost and resorted to defending to prevent JDT from scoring.
“If we look at the team’s performance, of course, I’m not happy even though they were committed and were able to defend well in the first half,” Mifa coach K. Devan explained.
“But after we won possession, we weren’t able to pass and keep the ball. If we compare the first game away to JDT to tonight, it wasn’t very good.”
Quarter-finals: Felda United v Terengganu, Perak v PKNS, Pahang v JDT, Kelantan v Sabah.