PETALING JAYA: Adib Ibrahim Adnan made a challenge to his Johor teammates before the Malaysia Games (Sukma) football event began – win the gold for those who would never get another chance.
On Saturday night, in front of some 20,000 fans at the Petaling Jaya Stadium, the 20-year-old captain kept his word.
Johor beat Selangor 4-2 on penalties after the final ended 1-1 following 120 fiercely contested minutes to claim a long-awaited Sukma football title.
“Alhamdulillah. After years of trying to get this Sukma trophy, we finally did it,” said Adib.
“This is my final year in Sukma because I’m 20. That’s why I told my teammates: if you care about the friends who won’t be able to play in Sukma anymore after this, help them bring the trophy home.”
Daniesh Amiruddin put Johor ahead in the 19th minute with a curling volley from outside the box, only for Selangor’s Haykal Danish Haizan to level from the penalty spot in the 29th minute after being fouled in the box. Selangor dominated possession after the break, while Johor looked to hit them on the counter.
Tempers flared in the 81st minute when Danish Hakimi Sahaludin’s strong challenge on Haykal sparked a brief clash between both benches, though officials and coaches quickly restored order.
The game grew even more tense in extra time when Hakimi had to be stretchered off following a collision from a corner and taken to hospital.
With scores locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, the final went to penalties, where Johor goalkeeper Danial Idraqi Mohd Asmir proved the difference, saving spot-kicks from Hafifi Muhtadee Billah Zailani and Mohd Zairul Aidid Mokhtar.
Naim Zainuddin converted the decisive fifth penalty to spark Johor’s celebrations.
Adib, meanwhile, has his own sights set on breaking into the senior JDT squad.
“We have to work hard like always, identify where we fall short, and do extra work,” he said.
For head coach Pedro Collado Celda, the win reflects steady progress under Johor Darul Ta’zim’s backing.
“I feel very happy because finally, Johor have this gold medal in football,” he said.
Johor’s squad will now get a break before regrouping for the President Cup, which resumes on Sept 17.
