Johor Darul Ta’Zim keep advantage in the first match after beating KL Rovers, a club from Liga A1 Semi-Pro scoring 3-0 in the Unifi Piala Malaysia 2024/25 Round of 16 First leg at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri.
With this commanding win, JDT has taken a significant step toward the quarter-finals ahead of the second leg on November 30.
JDT manager Hector Bidoglio, adapting to the absence of star winger Arif Aiman Hanapi due to suspension, made strategic changes to his starting lineup. Bidoglio entrusted Johor Darul Ta’zim II (JDT II) player Muhamad Alif Abu Mutalib to fill the right wing position. Alongside Alif, JDT II’s Ahmad Asyar Hadi Mohd Shapri and Daryl Sham KK George were also given starting roles, highlighting the depth of talent within the squad.
Veteran midfielder Safiq Rahim returned to action, donning the captain’s armband to lead the Harimau Selatan side.
Despite JDT’s dominance, KL Rovers showed early resilience. In the 11th minute, a cross from Shahrul Amin Nasharuddin found Amirul Husaini Zamri, whose header forced JDT goalkeeper Christian Abad Amat into a crucial save.
However, the deadlock was broken in the 26th minute. JDT’s Brazilian maestro, Heberty Fernandes, delivered a sensational free-kick from 25 meters out, curling the ball into the top left corner beyond KL Rovers keeper Ahmad Asyraaf Omar.
Just three minutes later, Heberty struck again with a breathtaking acrobatic volley, converting Corbin Ong’s pinpoint cross to double JDT’s lead. The South Zone Tigers ended the first half with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Dissatisfied with only two goals, Bidoglio introduced Jese Rodriguez and Jorge Obregon in the second half to ramp up the attack. The substitutions heightened JDT’s offensive momentum as they relentlessly pressed KL Rovers.
The efforts bore fruit in the 72nd minute when Romel Morales threaded a perfect pass to an unmarked Heberty. The Brazilian forward unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area, finding the same top left corner to complete his hat-trick.
Heberty’s hat-trick was the highlight of a dominant performance that left KL Rovers with little hope for a comeback. The victory not only showcased JDT’s depth but also reaffirmed their reputation as favorites to clinch the Piala Malaysia title.
With a three-goal cushion, JDT heads into the second leg at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium poised to confirm their place in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, KL Rovers, under coach Wan Mustaffa Wan Ismail, will need a near-miracle to overturn the deficit.
Credit Photo : JST
