PETALING JAYA: It was 11 years ago when Pahang broke the hearts of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) fans and they have not forgotten it.
In a dramatic Malaysia Cup final, the Elephants came from behind to force a 2-2 draw and triumph in a nerve-racking penalty shootout, winning 5-3. It was their last appearance in the final – until now.
Fast forward to 2025, the two sides are set to clash once again tonight at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil (9pm), but the stage and stakes have changed dramatically.
JDT are now the undisputed giants of Malaysian football. With an astonishing 11 consecutive Super League titles and a slew of domestic records shattered, they have redefined the meaning of dominance.
Led by head coach Hector Bidoglio, their squad are stacked with quality, not just to conquer Malaysia but to make waves across Asia.
Pahang, meanwhile, had a tougher road. They finished eighth in the 13-team Super League and endured an inconsistent campaign.
All fit for battle: Johor Darul Ta’zim players at a training session at the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil. Top: The Pahang team going through their paces. — Bernama
While JDT are the Goliath of this final, the Elephants will be hoping to reprise their role as the fearless David.
The Southern Tigers boast star power across the pitch. Brazilian forwards Bergson Da Silva and Heberty Fernandes have each scored six goals in the tournament, terrorising defences with clinical finishing and flair.
On the wings, Arif Aiman Hanapi is a constant menace, while Uzbek-born Eddy Israfilov marshals the backline with composure and class.
Pahang, however, face a major blow. They’ll be without two of their top attacking threats –Liberian striker Kpah Sherman, suspended after picking up three yellow cards, and Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo, who’s ineligible as he’s on loan from JDT.
Despite these absences, head coach Fandi Ahmad has been busy in training, testing different line-ups to cope with the challenge.
His game plan is expected to be pragmatic, solid at the back and disciplined in structure, hoping to catch JDT off guard.
Defenders Adam Nor Azlin, Aleksandar Cvetkovic, and Stefano Brundo will be key.
They’ll need to be at their absolute best to contain JDT’s firepower and keep Pahang in the game. The team have shown grit and resilience in their tough path to the final, the qualities they’ll need to pull off the biggest shock of the season.
