KUALA LUMPUR – Having missed out on the trophy in 2017, Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) captain Mohd Farizal Marlias has vowed to lead his team back to glory at the FA Cup final tomorrow night against Terengganu FC (TFC) at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Farizal, who has worn the Southern Tigers’ jersey since 2015, said that he would not want to miss the excellent opportunity to reclaim the cup, which JDT first won in 2016.
“I have been playing for JDT for quite a long time. I missed the chance to play in 2017 due to my suspension.
“Since this is my first FA Cup Final, I want to grab this opportunity to bring victory to JDT,” he said when met at the pre-match press conference at Bukit Jalil National Stadium here, today.
Farizal was slapped with a one-year ban by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2017 for violent misconduct towards match officials in the AFC Cup semi-final against Ceres Negros FC of the Philippines on May 31.
He was also fined US$40,000 (RM179,920) for his aggressive behaviour.
Meanwhile, JDT head coach Hector Pablo Bidoglio admitted that TFC would be tough opponents, proven by their effective attacks and good possession of the ball.
Bidoglio said the team are always thinking ahead of the game and only look to the past to learn from their mistakes.
“With respect to Terengganu as our opponent, their performance has been fantastic in previous matches.
“However, we have faith in our players.
“They are very focused on the final and prepared well for the game,” said the 54-year-old former Venezuela international who replaced Mexican Benjamin Mora in July.
Meanwhile, TFC head coach Mohd Nafuzi Mohd Zain said that the team feel no pressure for tomorrow’s game because they have achieved their target of reaching the final.
Most importantly, he wants his players to enjoy the game instead of pressuring themselves to win the cup.
“I prefer for my players to focus on ball possession, defence and attacks, rather than the pressure to beat JDT.
“We have a strategy, and we will follow it.
“It would be a bonus if we win the match, but if we don’t, it is great to be in the final,” Nafuzi said.
Nafuzi had won the FA Cup as a player for TFC in 2000 and for Kedah Darul Aman FC in 2007.
He added that, as a coach, winning a trophy would mean a lot to him as it would prove that he had done his best for the team.
TFC have won the cup twice in the past (2000 and 2011), while JDT have won once in 2016. – The Vibes, September 9, 2022
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