KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC head coach Bojan Hodak has described his team's Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) tonight as the most challenging task ever in his career in the Malaysia League (M-League)
The Croatian said this was because his KL City team only had the services of two national players - D. Kenny Pallraj, Muhammad Akram Mahinan - unlike when he guided Kelantan to the title in 2012 and took JDT to the final in the 2014 edition.
However, Hodak, 50, said the spirit of togetherness among the KL City players was among the key to their impressive unbeaten run in the Malaysia Cup competition, which culminated with them being crowned champions after defeating JDT 2-0 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.
"Literally, we have only two national players but this is a hardworking team and, of all the teams I've coached in my career, we (KL City FC) have a fantastic atmosphere in the dressing room.
"I didn't have this at any (of the other) clubs before. When you have this kind of atmosphere, you know you can do something," he said at the post-match press conference.
Tonight's win allowed KL City FC to create their own history by ending a 32-year long wait for the coveted Malaysia Cup and deny the Southern Tigers the chance to defend the trophy they won in 2019.
Midfielder Zhafri Yahya and skipper Paulo Josue were the KL City heroes when they scored in the 66th and 74th minutes.
Meanwhile, JDT head coach Benjamin Mora admitted that it was a difficult result to take.
However, he defended his team's tactics and praised his men for not giving up until the final whistle.
"We are not satisfied with the result. We came to win and to be champions of Malaysia Cup (again) but we came up short. We couldn't find the route, the right spaces to develop our game.
"We know that our game is to create chances, trying to generate possibilities, trying to find a way and it's more difficult than just sitting back, but KL did a good job. They sat back... no pressing, just waiting... trying to close the spaces, and they did well," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Nov 30 2021
KL City FC head coach Bojan Hodak has described his team's Malaysia Cup final against JDT last night as the most challenging task ever in his career in the Malaysia League (M-League). - 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.