[UPDATED] Malaysia Cup final: JDT crowned champions after crushing Selangor FC 2-1

KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have cemented themselves as the country’s best football club as they win against Selangor FC 2-1 to be crowned the 2022 Malaysia Cup champions. 

The win here at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in front of 79,988 fans meant that JDT have successfully won the Super League, FA Cup, Sumbangsih Cup, and now the Malaysia Cup in one year. 

Selangor, who were chasing their 34th Malaysia Cup title, broke the deadlock first in today’s match when Herlison Caion De Souza Ferreira put the ball past JDT’s keeper Mohd Farizal Marlias from a penalty kick minutes before the end of the first-half. 

But the Southern Tigers were quick to respond. Bergson Da Silva headed the ball into the back of the net from a corner-kick in additional time before the first-half whistle, to the joy of JDT supporters that have travelled up north to see their team play. 

In the 58th minute, Fernando Forestieri doubled the score for JDT and gave them the lead after a save by Selangor goalkeeper Mohd Khairulazhan Mohd Khalid placed the ball right in Forestieri’s path, and the Argentinian curled the ball into the top corner.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio said the win proved that JDT is on another level. 

“Today is the day JDT crossed the line and become the best team. To win four trophies in one year is something that is truly amazing and incredible. 

“So now does this mean we have to win an extra cup next year?” he jokingly said. 

Man of the match Fernando Forestieri echoed his head coach’s comments, saying that all the team’s hard work throughout the year has paid off in the best way possible. 

“Everyone in the team knows how hard we have worked. We won four titles this year, and we deserve it. 

“The players all understand each other both on and off the pitch, and what you saw today was the result of it,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Selangor head coach Tan Cheng Hoe said despite the loss, the team have been displaying commendable performances. 

“We had quite a few chances in the first-half, and missing those definitely was a setback for the squad even though they played with high intensity. 

“In the second-half, we made some mistakes, which led the team to lose concentration. 

“Nevertheless, I am confident that these young players can do better moving forward and take today’s match as experience to come back stronger,” he said. – The Vibes, November 26, 2022