Johor Darul Ta’zim secured a crucial first-leg victory in the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 semi-final, edging Kuching City FC 2-1 at the Stadium Negeri, Sarawak.
Head coach Xisco Muñoz’s side showcased their trademark attacking dominance, led by Bergson Da Silva, Jairo Da Silva, and Arif Aiman, against a spirited Kuching City side that relied heavily on goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli’s reflexes to stay in contention.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute when JDT’s Brazilian forward Bergson Da Silva produced a moment of individual brilliance. He skillfully outmaneuvered three Kuching City defenders before slotting a precise low strike past Haziq to put the defending champions ahead 1-0.
Bergson doubled JDT’s advantage just five minutes into the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to calmly finish from close range — giving the Southern Tigers a commanding 2-0 lead.
Despite trailing, Aidil Sharin Sahak’s men refused to give up. Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Namibian midfielder Petrus Shitembi pounced on a loose ball inside the box to pull one back for the home side.
Kuching City pressed hard for an equalizer in the final stages, but JDT’s disciplined defense held firm to protect their narrow lead.
The result gives JDT a 2-1 aggregate advantage heading into the return leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, where they will look to finish the job and book their place in yet another Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 final.
Credit Photo : JST
