JDT power through

ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are on course for a fifth Malaysia Cup title after beating Terengganu 2-1 in the semi-final second-leg for a 6-1 aggregate win at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium yesterday.

Brazilian playmaker Heberty Fernandes was truly sensational for JDT scoring two goals in the 32nd and 91st minute, especially the second, which was a long-range pile driver from 20 metres.

Terengganu’s only goal was scored by Nigerian striker Ismaheel Akinade in the 59th minute when he unleashed a superb first-timer off a Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili cross.

JDT thrashed Terengganu 4-0 in the first-leg at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Jan 17.

JDT will meet the winners of the other semi-final between Pahang and Sabah.

The Southern Tigers have won the Malaysia Cup in 2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

The 2020 edition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic while in the 2021 final, JDT lost 2-0 to Kuala Lumpur City.

JDT coach Hector Bidoglio was delighted to see him team continue to grow as the biggest team in Malaysia, though admitting Terengganu were a tough challenge in the second-leg.

“We are in the final and I am delighted to see how we are growing. The second-leg wasn’t easy because Terengganu played a great counter-attacking game,” said Bidoglio.

“But we showed character and eventually got a last minute winner. It is good to be in the final, but we will focus on our upcoming tasks in other competitions.”

Terengganu coach Badrul Afzan Razali said he was happy with the work rate and hard work shown by the players.

“The first-leg aggregate was tough but I told the boys to just play and see their hard work pays off.

“Whatever we planned for this game, they did it,” said Badrul.

“They focused well but most important of all, they did not wilt under pressure despite JDT having a huge aggregate lead. We gave them a fight and I want the boys to bring this momentum in our next match.”