KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 – Kuala Lumpur City FC engraved their name as the winners of the prestigious Malaysia Cup, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year with a stunning 2-0 win over favourites and defending champions Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) in the final on Tuesday.
It was a night of celebrations for the City Boys at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. It was a night coach Bojan Hodak will remember. It was a night when veteran Shukor Adan got his wish to lift the silverware as a farewell present to his professional career.
The 42-year-old Melaka-born, announced that he is quitting his professional career to embark on a new journey – coaching.
On the field, while the City Boys celebrated their great win over JDT, winners of the Malaysian Super League title for an unprecedented eighth time this year, it was a nightmare for the Johor outfit.
The Southern Tigers cried unashamedly at the end of the match.
Bergson da Silva, Mauricio, Corbin Ong, Matthew Davies, Farizal Marlias and others were crying. The sullen look on their them and their teammates spoke of their shock and disappointment on a night that belonged to KL City FC.
Brazilian Bergson was rocked on the right upright as early as the eighth minute. It was the beginning of things that were to come.
When JDT did get to take shots at KL City goal they found goalkeeper Kevin Mendoza a stumbling block.
The Philippines national custodian was easily the Man of the Match although teammate Zhari Yahya, who scored the first goal in the 66th minute was announced as the award winner.
The nippy Zhafri sneaked behind substitute Corbin Ong who was still settling down in the game after coming on for S. Kunanlan. Zhafri tapped the ball into the net before keeper Farizal could react. KL City 1-0.Farizal was beaten again in the 74th minute. This time KL Coty skipper Paulo Josue sent the JDT net dancing with a volley off Ryan Lambert. It was all over for the champions.
JDT’s long-serving Mexican coach Benjamin Mora had said at his pre-match conference that JDT will “eat” their opponents. Instead, it was the other way round for the Southern Tigers.
With the win, KL City FC will play in next year’s AFC Cup together with Super League runners-up Kedah. JDT will play in the AFC Champions League.
Not to be missed mentioning in this year’s final was the smooth handling of the match by referee Razlan Joffri Ali who did an excellent job with his whistle to ensure the smooth flow of the game.
The Malaysia Cup also brought to close the Malaysian football season for 2021.
About The Author
