KUALA LUMPUR: A slight drizzle greeted fans at the National Stadium on Saturday (May 23), but the rain did little to dampen the electrifying atmosphere ahead of the Malaysia Cup final.
Supporters of Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and Kuching City flocked to the stadium hours before kick-off, creating a colourful and festive scene outside the grandstand entrance.
JDT fans travelled from across Johor, including Johor Baru, Batu Pahat and Segamat, while Kuching City supporters made the journey from Kuching and Sarikei to rally behind their side in one of the biggest nights in Malaysian football.
Despite the high stakes, the atmosphere remained friendly and respectful as both sets of supporters celebrated their teams’ remarkable journeys to the final.
The Southern Tigers entered the match chasing their sixth Malaysia Cup title and a fourth consecutive crown since 2022.
Kuching City, meanwhile, were aiming to cap their meteoric rise from an amateur club formed in 2016 to a team set to compete in the AFC Champions League Two next season with a first-ever Malaysia Cup triumph.
For Sarikei-born IT expert Tung Ai, 48, the occasion carried special meaning.
Now based in Kuala Lumpur, Tung Ai said it was heartening to see a Sarawak side return to the Malaysia Cup final for the first time since 1999, when Sarawak lost 1-2 to Brunei.
"I have followed Sarawak football for more than 30 years, so it is wonderful to see Kuching City reach this stage," said Tung Ai, who attended the match with his brother Jimmy Tung.
"I started following them last season because of their coach Aidil Sharin. It has been a long time since we saw a Sarawak team making an impact in Malaysian football.
"Hearing the fans shout ‘Ngap Sayot’ made it feel like home again.
"Back then, I used to listen to match commentaries on the radio. Now, I am here in the stadium hoping our team can create history. JDT are a great side, but we still have hope because we have a good coach."
Among the notable faces spotted at the final was actress Nadia Brian, who praised the growing standard of Malaysian football and the unity the sport brings.
"Football unites Malaysians and people around the world," she said.
"I came to support JDT and I’m impressed with the quality of Malaysian football. Winning or losing is part of the game, but I think JDT will win 4-0 because they have many top players."
Some of the notable attendees during the game will be Johor Regent and JDT owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
