KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) capped another dominant season in style by clinching a fourth straight quadruple with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Kuching City in the Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
The triumph also secured JDT’s sixth Malaysia Cup and their fourth straight crown since 2022, further underlining the Southern Tigers’ status as the country’s undisputed domestic powerhouse.
However, the final was far from straightforward for the defending champions as Kuching City pushed JDT all the way in a tense encounter decided only in the closing stages.
Qatari referee Mohammed Ahmed Al-Shammari stamped his authority on the match early, booking JDT captain Afiq Fazail in just the second minute for catching midfielder Petrus Shitembi with a raised arm during a challenge.
Kuching City impressed in the opening half and created several promising opportunities, including a glaring miss from winger Ramadhan Saifullah in the 19th minute.
The chance came after an excellent solo run by Timor-Leste winger Joao Pedro, who beat two defenders before drilling in a dangerous low cross from the left. But Ramadhan, with the goal at his mercy, shockingly guided his effort wide.
Kuching goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli was also instrumental in keeping his side in the contest, producing a string of fine saves to deny JDT striker Bergson Da Silva.
Bergson thought he had opened the scoring in the 11th minute after blasting a fierce volley past Haziq, but the effort was ruled out after the referee adjudged that the Brazilian had fouled Kuching captain and centreback James Okwuosa in the build-up.
JDT struggled to impose themselves in the first half and coach Xisco Munoz responded with an early tactical switch, introducing Spanish midfielder Ager Aketxe for Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo in the 36th minute.
Hidalgo was visibly unhappy with the decision, but the substitution helped JDT regain control after Kuching had threatened to dominate proceedings.
JDT emerged stronger after the break, with Bergson and fellow Brazilian Marcus Guilherme leading a wave of attacks. Yet JDT continued to be frustrated by a resilient Haziq, who stood firm with several crucial saves.
Against the run of play, Kuching nearly snatched the lead in the 54th minute when Jerome Mpacko Etame burst past two defenders with a clever turn and pace, only to see his shot saved by JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi.
Kuching were then handed a golden opportunity six minutes later after Ramadhan was brought down by La’Vere Corbin-Ong inside the penalty area.
But the winger endured a night to forget as he dragged his penalty wide.
The JDT faithful were lifted in the 64th minute with the return of star winger Arif Aiman Hanapi, who made his comeback after nearly seven months on the sidelines.
His introduction for Corbin-Ong was greeted with rapturous applause from the crowd.
JDT finally found the breakthrough in the 80th minute when Marcus Guilherme produced a composed right-footed finish from the left side of the box after being picked out by Filipino wingback Oscar Arribas.
And Arif got on the scoresheet when he took a shot from outside the box, which hit the inside post and crept past Haziq in injury time.
Stuart Wilkin nearly added the third goal for JDT but it was later disallowed.
JDT celebrated yet another glorious chapter in their remarkable dynasty, while Kuching City were left to reflect on missed opportunities that could have changed the course of the final.
