Southeast Asia Malaysia

Tigers Struck Down Turtles to Win Malaysia FA Cup

Johor Darul Ta’zim once again proved themselves to be leagues above everyone else after winning their 20th title since 2013 on Saturday’s Malaysia FA Cup final. Taking on Terengganu FC at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, the Southern Tigers emerged out 3-1 victors thanks to a goal from Arif Aiman and a brace from Bergson.

Having last won the FA Cup in 2016, JDT took no prisoners and broke through a stubborn Turtles defense in the 34th minute, with rising start Arif striking past Terengganu goalie Rahadiazli Rahalim to give the Southern Tigers the lead.

JDT doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute after Bergson scored a perfect penalty following a foul on him by Rahalim.

Terengganu captain Kipre Tchetche gave the Turtles some hope after he pulled one back in the 75th minute, however JDT sealed their second FA Cup win in their history after Bergson struck again in the 78th minute, taking advantage of a Rahalim error to chip a Mohamadou Sumareh ball into the Terengganu goal.

Desperate to win their first major title in 11 years, Terengganu tried their best in keeping up with their opponents however at the end of the day, the Southern Tigers were just above the Turtles in terms of overall quality and they deservedly outplayed their opponents.

The FA Cup triumph guaranteed yet another Asian adventure for JDT as they’ve qualified into the 2023/24 AFC Cup group stages, however the Southern Tigers won’t contend with just that. Hector Bidoglio’s men are currently six points clear at the Liga Super summit, meaning another qualification into the AFC Champions League through the league is a real possibility.