Southern Tigers rule
Southern Tigers finally win Malaysia Cup
Johor Darul Ta’zim’s ( JDT) Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak (centre) celebrating after scoring against Kedah in the Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium last night. JDT won 2- 0.
SHAH ALAM: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) proved that they are the undisputed king of the M-League this season after edging FA Cup winners Kedah 2-0 to lift the Malaysia Cup.
An early second-minute goal from centreback Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak and midfielder Gonzalo Cabrera’s strike in the 62nd minute earned the Southern Tigers their first-ever Malaysia Cup. It was their second title of the season, having wrapped up the Super League crown with three matches to spare in August.
JDT coach Ulisses Morais’ decision to field tough-tackling Gary Steven Robbat as the holding midfield instead of the attack-minded Mohd Afiq Fazail proved to be the masterstroke. The Malaysian successfully shackled Kedah’s midfield maestro Liridon Krasniqi from creating any danger.
And it was Gary who won the corner kick which resulted in JDT’s opener. From his stinging shot from outside the box, Kedah goalkeeper Mohd If wat Akmal Che Kassim was forced to palm the ball away for a corner kick.
From the resulting corner, the unmarked Aidil rose the highest to power a header home.
Stunned by the goal, the Red Eagles regrouped but failed to make any headway.
As the match progressed, the 80,000 fans were treated to cynical fouls by both sides.
There were frequent free-kicks and the first half ended with JDT heading to the changing room with a narrow lead.
In the second half, JDT’s game plan was dealt a severe blow following injuries to Gary and Aidil. Morais reshuffled his side by bringing in Mohd Afiq and Junior Eldstal.
Defending champions Kedah were plain unlucky in the 55th minute as Baddrol Bakthiar’s header was denied by the crossbar.
And they suffered another setback when JDT doubled their lead from a counter-attacking move in the 62nd minute.
Argentinian Cabrera, who was having a subdued game in the first half, skilfully controlled Ahmad Hazwan Bakri’s cross and then rifled the ball home.
It was certainly not a night to remember for Kedah, particularly Baddrol. In the 66th minute, he could have reduced the deficit but his attempt hit the upright and went out for a goalkick.
Comfortable with the two-goal lead, JDT slowed down their tempo.
It frustrated the Kedah players as they resorted to rash tackles and argued with the referee. Winger Syazwan Zainon was lucky not to be sent off in the 82nd minute as he pushed the linesman’s hand away in a heated exchange.
In contrast JDT kept their cool, holding to their lead to end the night with their seventh trophy in four years.