KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC produced a scintillating brand of counter-attacking football to stun favourites and defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-0 in the final of the prestigious Malaysia Cup and end their 32-year title drought at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.
After absorbing everything thrown at them by the star-studded JDT, the City slickers tore the formbook to shreds when Zhafri Yahya and skipper Paulo Josue struck in the 66th and 74th minutes respectively to make sure of victory on a historic night.
The City Boys' against-the-odds victory, which came on the 100th anniversary of the Malaysia Cup competition, also earned them a place in Asia's secondary club football tournament, the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Cup next season.
KL City, who were known as Kuala Lumpur FA before the privatisation of Malaysia League (M-League) clubs, managed to bag a hat-trick of Malaysia Cup wins during their heyday when they defeated Kedah in the final on all three occasions in 1987, 1988 and 1989.
With almost 20,000 fans watching from the stands, the first half saw the Southern Tigers launch a series of assaults on the KL City goalmouth but the City Boys managed to ward them off with some gutsy defending, desperate tackles and outstanding goalkeeping by Kevin Ray Mendoza.
But that doesn't mean it was all one-way traffic as KL City did manage to launch a few threatening attacks to show that they too meant business.
However, it was JDT who nearly drew first blood when a Bergson da Silva's shot from outside the box beat Mendoza but not the left post.
Filipino custodian Mendoza then showed his agility and composure under pressure when he saved two quick attempts.
In the 36th minute, he saved a Mauricio dos Santos header off a free-kick taken by Arif Aiman Hanapi and then, a minute later, he safely gathered a header by Safawi Rasid.
KL City, under the guidance of coach Bojan Hodak, then slowly but surely began to show their attacking intent in the second half and had a chance to break the deadlock when Colombian hitman Romel Morales broke into JDT's penalty box in the 59th minute but quick action by JDT goalkeeper Farizal Marlias defused the threat.
JDT had been warned. The next time KL City laid siege on the JDT goalmouth, it would prove disastrous for them.
And that duly came in the 66th minute when J. Partiban sent in an inch-perfect cross from the left for Zhafri to tap home from close range.
As coach Benjamin Mora's JDT team went searching for the equaliser, KL City delivered the knockout blow when skipper Paulo Josue chested down a brilliant pass from Hadin Azman before volleying the ball past Farizal.
In the semi-finals, KL City edged Melaka United 5-3 on penalties after both teams were tied 2-2 in the semi-finals while JDT, the 2017 and 2019 champions, dumped Terengganu FC 4-1 on aggregate.
Zhafri was later named Man of the Match during the prize-presentation ceremony, that was attended by Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is also the KL City FC president, and Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
As the jubilant KL City players rejoiced after raising the Malaysia Cup aloft, the crestfallen JDT players could only stand and watch.
For the record, this is the first time KL City and JDT are meeting in the Malaysia Cup final after the privatisation of Malaysia League (M-League) clubs, although the Johor FA did beat Kuala Lumpur FA to lift the Malaysia Cup in 1985.
The Malaysia Cup competition was temporarily halted from 1942 to 1947 during World War II, while the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Nov 30 2021
KL City FC produced a scintillating brand of counter-attacking football to stun favourites and defending champions JDT 2-0 in the final of the prestigious Malaysia Cup and end their 32-year title drought at the National Stadium tonight. - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.