Turning on the speed: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Arif Aiman Hanapi outpacing Malaysian Universities’ Mohd Arif Danial Zawawi during their FA Cup quarter-final first leg match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football heavyweights Selangor and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) both had contrasting results in their FA Cup quarter-final first leg matches on Saturday.
The Red Giants will need to mount a comeback after losing 1-2 to Kuching City while Super League leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) cruised to a 5-0 win over A1 Semi-Pro League side Malaysian Universities.
Selangor have their work cut out as they need to win by two goals in the second leg against Kuching City at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Nidzam Jamil said that all hope was not lost but does not want his men to be distracted by external issues in regards to their fine by Malaysian Football League (MFL) for skipping the Charity Shield.
“There were many factors at play, but it’s not fair to be talking about all those things. The results of a match are in our control,” said Nidzam.
“I will defend my players because they played well, especially in the second half.
“Praises to Kuching City as well because their defence was good.
“But I think the players are positive and looking forward to getting the win at home on Saturday.’’
Selangor’s Chilean Ronnie Fernandez scored first in the 31st minute, but Kuching’s James Okwuosa of Nigeria and Ghanaian Jordan Mintah equalised and then got the lead for Kuching City.
Meanwhile, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio said the Southern Tigers would not take University Tigers for granted when they face them again on Friday in the second leg.
“We’re not getting comfortable, even after a 5-0 win because anything can happen in football,” he said.
“The players seemed to face a tough time during the match, especially in the first half because our opponents were very tight at the back, making it difficult for us to break through.
“Fortunately, we found space in the second half and continuously attacked with pressure from the midfield and switching to the wings, which opened up space for us to score four goals.”
JDT’s La’vere Corbin-Ong scored first after just two minutes, followed by the team’s four goals in the second half. Portuguese midfielder Francisco Geraldes fired a brace in the 48th and 61st minutes before centreback Shahrul Saad then made it four in the 71st minute.
Colombian Romel Morales completed the rout with 10 minutes to go at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
The second leg will also be played in Johor instead of the UPM Sports Centre due to commercial and broadcast rights.
