Take that: JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi scores his first goal against Perak in the Malaysia Cup second-leg semi-final match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The roar at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium was deafening after defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) stormed into the Malaysia Cup final with a 8-1 mauling of Perak in the second-leg semi final on Thursday.
But JDT coach Esteban Solari was not celebrating, instead, he was lamenting over the one goal conceded at the last minute goal.
JDT’s goals were scored by Brazilian strikers Bergson Da Silva (27th and 58th minutes), Heberty Fernandes (30th, 90th); substitute striker Syafiq Ahmad (61st, 76th); winger Arif Aiman Hanapi (11th) and Argentinian striker Fernando Forestieri (52nd).
Perak’s substitute midfielder Firdaus Ahmad Fuad scored the consolation goal in the 92nd minute.
JDT qualified for the final again thanks to a healthy 12-2 aggregate, after winning the first-leg 4-1 but surprisingly, the Argentinian was unhappy that they did not keep a clean sheet.
“That last goal shouldn’t have happened. We lacked focus in the last 10 seconds. Imagine if it had happened in an AFC Champions League game where games are tight, we could have paid dearly,” he said.
“We worked a lot on defensive setups for set-pieces and then we conceded that. It was a learning experience for the boys.”
Solari however, commended his team for reaching the fourth straight Malaysia Cup final.
“Fourth consecutive final, it is a brilliant achievement for the club. We played at a high standard. We pressed and attacked. We deserve to be in the final and we will be out to win it,” he said.
“I want to congratulate Perak too for playing football that can help the country to grow. They did not waste time at all, they played bravely at our home.”
JDT defeated Selangor 2-1 in the final last year, lost to Kuala Lumpur 0-2 in 2021; and had beaten Kedah 3-0 in 2019.
Perak’s coach Yusri Che Lah took responsibility for the defeat.
“We know JDT’s quality. That is the reality. We did not come here intending to lose 8-1 but it happened. We should not be ashamed because they were far superior. I take full responsibility.”
