Home, sweet home
JDT are invincible at Larkin Stadium, says winger Azamuddin
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) winger Azamuddin Akil is banking on home comfort to overcome Selangor in their Malaysia Cup final Group D match at the Larkin Stadium tonight.
The outcome of this game will also determine their quarter-final opponents – either Group C winners and defending champions Kedah or runners-up Melaka.
Super League champions JDT top the group with 10 points and are ahead of Selangor on goal difference.
Third- placed Sarawak ( 4pts) and basement side Terengganu (3pts) are out of the running for the quarter-finals.
The Southern Tigers are unbeaten in 39 matches at home in all competitions since their 2-1 loss to Felda United in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals in 2015.
With JDT so used to winning at home, Azamuddin is confident they can make it 40 home wins today.
“I believe we are invincible at home. We don’t feel any pressure when we play here. We just know that we won’t lose in front of our home fans,” said Azamuddin yesterday.
“Selangor have beaten us twice in Selayang in the Super League and Malaysia Cup. We owe our fans a good performance and a home win to make up for those two losses.”
Azamuddin, who is fondly known as Alex, joined the Southern Tigers last season and helped the team clinch the double – the Super League and the FA Cup.
Having helped Pahang win the Malaysia Cup in 2013 and 2014, he now wants to help JDT clinch their first- ever Malaysia Cup title.
“The Malaysia Cup is a special competition for me as I have won it twice with Pahang. JDT have yet to win it, so this competition is our target after winning the Super League,” said the 31-year-old.
“The season is resuming after the SEA Games and international break and everyone is eager to play. We have prepared well and everyone has worked hard in training for this match.
“I believe I have given my best in training to make the starting XI.
“We have a very strong squad and the players face heavy competition to make the final 18.”