It is JDT’s third Malaysia Cup title since its establishment in 2013, and came in a year when the Southern Tigers swept the trophy board by winning the FA Cup and Super League, in addition to the Charity Shield before the start of the season.
Imported strikers Bergson Da Silva and Fernando Forestieri scored JDT’s two goals in front of a crowd of about 80,000 who formed the sea of red-blue and red-yellow in the stadium.
The two goals were enough to negate Selangor’s opening goal through a penalty converted by Herlison Caion De Souza Ferreira after the squad showed a commendable performance in the first 45 minutes of the match.
The Red Giants, playing in their first Malaysia Cup final since 2016, clearly dominated the first half with a series of dangerous attacks while JDT struggled to find the rhythm of the game after Selangor broke their short passes in the middle area.
Selangor started brilliantly and almost took the lead as early as the second minute, but Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi failed to finish the counter-attack.
They then missed a golden opportunity after Caion, who cleverly beat the offside trap, muffed his shot in a one-on-one with Mohd Farizal Marlias in the 10th minute.
Another dangerous Selangor attack eight minutes later came through Hein Htet Aung’s quick run into the penalty box, but his shot was blocked.
Selangor broke the deadlock through Caion’s penalty kick in the 45th minute after Matthew Davies brought down the imported striker from Brazil in a dangerous area.
JDT quickly equalised through a header by Bergson in first-half stoppage time.
In the second half, JDT appeared more organised and determined to dominate the game, forcing Selangor to work hard to cut off their attacks.
JDT’s winning goal came in the 59th minute with Forestieri taking advantage of Mohd Khairulazhan Mohd Khalid’s throw-in and firing a curling shot from inside the penalty box.
Selangor brought on two substitute attackers, Ahmad Danial Ahmad Asri and Muhamad Syahir Bashah, for an equalising goal, but JDT maintained defensive discipline making it difficult for their opponents.
Towards the end, Ahmad Danial’s dangerous attempt from close range was saved by Mohd Farizal while Bergson missed a chance to score his second goal when a solid shot from outside the penalty box was deflected out by Mohd Khairulazhan.
JDT’s success tonight is a repeat of their achievement in winning the Malaysia Cup in 2017 and 2019, after the disappointment of losing to Kuala Lumpur City FC last season.