Man-of-the-match: JDT’s Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan celebrating after scoring against Kuala Lumpur. — JDT
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan is a defensive midfielder but he was at his attacking best in the FA Cup final – and aptly won the man-of-the-match award.
The 22-year-old stepped up for the Southern Tigers by scoring a superb goal in the team’s 2-0 win against Kuala Lumpur at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Saturday.
When the City Boys kept frustrating many of the JDT attackers with their solid defence, it was Nathaniel who kept things ticking with his forward passes and opening up spaces for them to strike.
And when they still could not make inroads in Kuala Lumpur’s penalty box, the former Wolves trainee took matters into his own hands by unleashing a thunderous shot, 30m from the goal post, in the 66th minute.
So good was his technique that goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza had no chance of saving it as it went straight to the right top corner as the team celebrated.
It was special as it was Nathaniel’s first-ever goal for the club since joining them in 2021.
The other goal was scored by Leandro Velasquez in the 74th minute.
The player born in Croydon, England, was happy to help out but remained modest.
“It was a lucky shot. I got a good ball from Jambu (Afiq Fazail) and the chance opened up for me. I’m not the one who usually make attempts at goal, but I did and luckily it went in,” he said.
“I’m grateful to have scored but it was a team effort but personally, the award should have gone to Syihan (JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi) as he deserved it. He saved us in the first half.”
As much as Nathaniel wants to tone down his performances, he has been a standout for JDT this season, showing great composure in midfield and if he keeps it up, he is certainly a good candidate to make his debut for Malaysia soon.
Nathaniel said Esteban Solari has been instrumental in his performances this season.
“The manager has been good to me. He has given me loads of confidence and his notes has helped me to improve my game,” he said.
Solari admitted that he was surprised to see Nathaniel scoring a goal but was glad to see him shine.
“He showed that he has that shooting ability. I asked him if he wanted to pass it to Arif (Aiman Hanapi), but he said he saw the opening and decided to take a shot,” said the Argentine.
“It’s a golazo (a term to describe a spectacular goal) of course. Muy bonito (beautiful in Spanish). Fantastic goal. It’s a top-drawer goal.”
“I’m so happy for Hong Wan. He is the kind of player who puts his heart into the team every game.
“I’ve always told him, you will have your moment. He is covering spaces for everybody, working for everybody and now a goal in a final. Perfect!”
