Lethal winger: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman takes a shot as Pahang’s Adam Nor Azlin tries to block during Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The wonderkid Arif Aiman Hanapi turned match winner when it mattered most.
Most valuable player award winner Arif capped off a stellar season by scoring the decisive goal to help Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) lift the Malaysia Cup for the fifth time after a 2-1 win over Pahang at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.
The 22-year-old struck in the 74th minute to settle a physically charged and heated match which saw two players from both sides sent off.
The Elephants drew first blood in the 14th minute when winger T. Saravanan pounced on a rebound off a save by JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
JDT thought they had levelled in the 26th minute through a clever flick by striker Bergson Da Silva from Juan Muniz’s lofted free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Pahang suffered a major blow when playmaker Sergio Aguero was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent.
Despite being a man down, Pahang dominated the first half with a combative display, led by a standout performance from centreback Adam Nor Azlin, who made several crucial interventions to deny JDT.
In the second half, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio rang in the changes, bringing on striker Romel Morales and midfielder Iker Undabarrena in a bid to shift the momentum.
Controversy struck in the 51st minute when referee Razlan Joffri Ali, assisted by VAR, awarded JDT a penalty after a foul by Pahang’s Azrif Nasrulhaq on Oscar Arribas.
Although replays suggested Azrif had gotten a touch on the ball, it was ruled that he had clipped Arribas’ leg during the challenge.
Da Silva made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting the penalty to put JDT level.
The Southern Tigers were then reduced to 10 men just three minutes later when South Korean centreback Park Jun-Heong received his second yellow card.
The game tightened as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with poor decision-making letting them down in key moments.
JDT nearly snatched the lead in the 71st minute when Arif whipped in a dangerous low cross from the right, but none of his teammates could connect.
Moments later, Arif seized the spotlight.
Latching onto a long ball from wingback La’vere Corbin-Ong, he beat Saravanan with a slick dribble before firing a low shot past Pahang goalkeeper Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin to give JDT the lead.
JDT held firm in the closing stages to complete a historic third straight quadruple — the Charity Shield, FA Cup, Super League and Malaysia Cup.
It was also their third straight Malaysia Cup triumph, cementing their status as the dominant force in Malaysian football.
As for Pahang, they can hold their heads high after a brave and spirited display.
PETALING JAYA: The wonderkid Arif Aiman Hanapi turned match winner when it mattered most.
Most valuable player award winner Arif capped off a stellar season by scoring the decisive goal to help Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) lift the Malaysia Cup for the fifth time after a 2-1 win over Pahang at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.
The 22-year-old struck in the 74th minute to settle a physically charged and heated match which saw two players from both sides sent off.
The Elephants drew first blood in the 14th minute when winger T. Saravanan pounced on a rebound off a save by JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
JDT thought they had levelled in the 26th minute through a clever flick by striker Bergson Da Silva from Juan Muniz’s lofted free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Pahang suffered a major blow when playmaker Sergio Aguero was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent.
Despite being a man down, Pahang dominated the first half with a combative display, led by a standout performance from centreback Adam Nor Azlin, who made several crucial interventions to deny JDT.
In the second half, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio rang in the changes, bringing on striker Romel Morales and midfielder Iker Undabarrena in a bid to shift the momentum.
Controversy struck in the 51st minute when referee Razlan Joffri Ali, assisted by VAR, awarded JDT a penalty after a foul by Pahang’s Azrif Nasrulhaq on Oscar Arribas.
Although replays suggested Azrif had gotten a touch on the ball, it was ruled that he had clipped Arribas’ leg during the challenge.
Da Silva made no mistake from the spot, calmly converting the penalty to put JDT level.
The Southern Tigers were then reduced to 10 men just three minutes later when South Korean centreback Park Jun-Heong received his second yellow card.
The game tightened as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with poor decision-making letting them down in key moments.
JDT nearly snatched the lead in the 71st minute when Arif whipped in a dangerous low cross from the right, but none of his teammates could connect.
Moments later, Arif seized the spotlight.
Latching onto a long ball from wingback La’vere Corbin-Ong, he beat Saravanan with a slick dribble before firing a low shot past Pahang goalkeeper Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin to give JDT the lead.
JDT held firm in the closing stages to complete a historic third straight quadruple — the Charity Shield, FA Cup, Super League and Malaysia Cup.
It was also their third straight Malaysia Cup triumph, cementing their status as the dominant force in Malaysian football.
As for Pahang, they can hold their heads high after a brave and spirited display.
