Piala FA: JDT Place 'One Foot' in the Final

Johor Darul Ta’zim are one step closer to the FA Cup final after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory against DPMM FC in their first-leg semi-final clash at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Berakas.

The Southern Tigers arrived with momentum, seeking another dominant away win after recently thrashing Terengganu FC 3-0. Meanwhile, DPMM FC were aiming to produce another upset following their thrilling 3-2 Super League triumph over Kuching United.

JDT head coach Xisco Muñoz opted to rest star winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, handing Dani Bolt his second appearance for the club as he slotted into the left-back position. On the opposing side, DPMM head coach Jamie McAllister captured attention by deploying Danial Asri and Samuel Somerville in the starting lineup.

JDT quickly asserted their dominance and broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Naturalised forward Bergson da Silva brilliantly sniffed out an opportunity, capitalising on a lapse in the DPMM defence to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Carrying a 1-0 advantage into the half-time break, Muñoz decided to introduce Arif Aiman and Jairo da Silva in the second half to add more attacking firepower.

The tactical switch paid dividends in the 71st minute. Eddy Israfilov rose highest to powerfully head home a corner kick delivered by Jairo da Silva, effectively killing off DPMM's hopes of an equaliser and doubling the visitors' lead.

The match concluded with a 2-0 scoreline, allowing JDT to carry a crucial two-goal cushion into the second leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, scheduled for November 8.

Up next, JDT will temporarily shift their focus to the ACLE, where they face Port FC on October 27, while DPMM will prepare for a Super League encounter against Negeri Sembilan on October 30.

Credit Photo : JST