Johor Darul Ta’zim booked their spot in the 2023 Malaysia FA Cup final after obliterating Selangor FC 4-0 in Monday night’s semifinal. Arif Aiman was the star for the Southern Tigers as he bagged himself a hat-trick, further establishing himself as one of ASEAN football’s hottest commodities.
Monday’s semifinal has always been a tough order for 5-time cup winners Selangor, taking on a JDT side who had yet to lose a game in the current campaign at their very own Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
Led by captain Jordi Amat, JDT had Selangor on the ropes from the get-go, with the Southern Tigers racing into a 3-0 lead in the first half alone. All three goals were scored by Arif, in the 20th,30th, and 38th minutes.
With JDT effectively had their ticket to the final sealed and confirmed, Fernando Forestieri added the icing on the cake in the 47th minute with the Southern Tigers’ fourth goal of the night.
Prior to Monday night’s semifinal, Arif also impressed on international duty, scoring four goals as Malaysia demolished Papua New Guinea 10-0 in a friendly match on June 20th.
JDT will take on Kuala Lumpur City FC in July 22nd’s final at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, with Bojan Hodak’s men booking their spot in the centerpiece match after edging out Terengganu FC on penalties after 120 goalless minutes at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.