Defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) etched their name deeper into Malaysian football history after producing a ruthless display to demolish Sabah 5–0 in the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 final at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur.
The emphatic victory sealed JDT’s fourth FA Cup title — a historic quadruple — making them the first club to achieve the feat since the competition was introduced in 1990.
Under the astute guidance of Xisco Muñoz, the Southern Tigers delivered a performance worthy of champions, bringing a premature end to Sabah’s brave run on the grandest stage.
This was JDT’s sixth FA Cup final appearance, having beaten Selangor in last season’s final, while Sabah were contesting their first FA Cup final since 1998.
The opening exchanges were intense, with both teams trading attacks, but JDT struck first in style.
In the 8th minute, Jonathan Silva opened the scoring with a superb header that flew past Sabah goalkeeper Damien Lim.
JDT doubled their advantage through a rapid counter-attack when Manuel Hidalgo’s fierce strike deflected off Sabah captain Rawilson Batuil, leaving Lim helpless.
Sabah thought they had pulled one back via Ajdin Mujagic, but celebrations were cut short as the referee ruled out the goal for a foul in the build-up.
In the 40th minute, Sabah’s best chance of the half came through Fergus Tierney, whose effort was safely gathered by JDT custodian Syihan Hazmi.
JDT went into the break with a commanding 3–0 lead, firmly in control of the final.
Sabah attempted to mount a response after the restart, but their task became near impossible when Miguel Cifuentes was shown a second yellow card in the 50th minute, reducing the East Coast side to 10 men.
In the 64th minute, Óscar Arribas coolly slotted home JDT’s fourth to all but seal the contest.
Despite a dangerous effort from R. Dinesh, Sabah failed to find a way past Syihan Hazmi.
In the 75th minute, onwards — JDT dominated possession and territory, launching wave after wave of attacks.
The rout was completed when Manuel Hidalgo struck again late on, capping a brilliant individual performance and sealing a resounding 5–0 victory.
Three minutes of added time did nothing to alter the outcome as the Southern Tigers celebrated yet another historic night.
With this triumph, Johor Darul Ta’zim become the first club to win the FA Cup four times, reinforcing their status as the undisputed powerhouse of Malaysian football.
Credit Photo : JST
