PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have advanced to their fourth consecutive FA Cup final after defeating Kuching City 4–1 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
In Sunday’s (Nov 30) second leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, the four-time FA Cup champions secured a 2–0 win over the Cats, adding to their 2–1 victory in the first leg.
Brazilian striker Bergson Da Silva opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a poacher’s finish. Spanish wingback, Oscar Arribas delivered a cross that was headed down by fellow wingback La’Vere Corbin-Ong into Bergson’s path.
The forward cut inside onto his left foot and fired past goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli.
The match remained 1–0 until the 80th minute, thanks largely to Kuching goalkeeper Haziq, who produced several key saves and confident claims to keep JDT at bay.
Centreback Rodney Celvin Akwensivie also impressed with strong challenges that made it difficult for JDT attackers to find space.
However, after Rodney was forced off with an injury in the 81st minute, gaps began to appear.
JDT capitalised just two minutes later when Spanish playmaker Samu Castillejo threaded a pass to former Azerbaijani international centreback Eddy Israfilov, who finished clinically in the 83rd minute to seal the tie.
The Southern Tigers will face either Selangor or Sabah in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, which is scheduled to be held on Dec 14.
