Huge win: Bergson Da Silva (right) and Arif Aiman Hanapi celebrate after scoring JDT’s first goal. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Discipline was the key for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their 10-0 thrashing of Brunei in the Super League on Saturday.
JDT head coach Xisco Munoz praised his players for putting on a stellar performance at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium to remain unbeaten in the league.
“It’s a big win. A big congratulations to the players because they played very well,” said Munoz.
“But now, we need to start thinking about the next game very soon.”
JDT would not have much time to bask in their victory as they now prepare to host Penang in the FA Cup quarter-finals second leg match today.
The Southern Tigers have the edge on Penang after winning the first leg match 2-1 last week at the City Stadium.
The team’s biggest win of the season on Saturday was thanks to four goals from scoring machine Bergson Da Silva, and one each from Oscar Aribas, Manuel Hidalgo, Arif Aiman Hanapi, Jairo Da Silva, and Romel Morales.
Brunei’s Yura Indera unfortunately contributed an own goal to JDT.
Munoz added that rotating players has been important for his squad due to their hectic schedule, but he is confident the players’ chemistry on the pitch will come through.
“Not all players can play every match in the season. We need good connections between them. We’re lucky to have good chemistry between players that can be rotated,” he said.
Meanwhile, Brunei head coach Jamie McAllister admitted that the early red card shown to defender Mohd Syafiq Safiuddin Abd Shariff in the first half had a big impact on their game.
“We need 11 men on the pitch, especially when going against one of the best teams in the league.
“Going down to 10 men against JDT made it almost impossible.
“It’s a tough defeat to take, but we have to learn and move on. The match has shown us the standard we need to reach,” said McAllister.
Brunei’s next match will see them host Negri Sembilan on Nov 2.
