The FA Cup quarter-final match between Johor DT and Kedah kicked off to a feisty atmosphere within the Larkin Stadium and the home side showed plenty of initiative from the get-go, considering that the Kedah had a slender lead from the first leg.
JDT’s strong start allowed them to apply heavy pressure on Kedah’s defence in the first 10 minutes of the match, resulting in two key opportunies. Safiq’s shot sailed above the bar, before Lucero’s shot was tipped away by Kedah goalie, Farhan Abu Bakar.
On the 17th minute, Kedah were dealt with a major blow as Syazwan Tajudin was forced off with an injury. Moments later, Johor could have snatched the lead, but Safiq’s free-kick could only hit the wall.
But on the 23rd minute, it finally arrived as Safiq threated an excellent through ball for Jorge Diaz, who made no mistake by tapping in to make it 1-0 on the night and 2-2 on aggregate.
Minutes later, Farhan managed to keep Kedah in the game after Marcos Antonio’s effort was parried away by the shot-stopper. Then it was Azinee Taib’s turn to miss a key chance. after terrific build-up play in midfield.
JDT’s domination meant that Cheng Hoe’s men were left chasing their shadows in the first half, as the score remained 0-0. Kedah started off the second half with an improved tempo to their gameplay as Carlos Kahe’s 46th minute attempt, went narrowly wide off target.
Despite Kedah creating plenty of chances in the second half, The Red Hawks could not find the finishing touch and as a result, put themselves at risk of being opened by a counter-attack. Eventually, that materialized as JDT got off to a quick counter attack with Diaz on the left-flank. The Argentinean showed fantastic vision to find Lucero inside the box and he made no mistakes by slotting home to make it 2-0.
But just as Johor were dominating the game, Kedah striked back and scored through Fakri Saarani’s fantastic solo effort, to make it 2-1 on the night, and more importantly 3-3 on aggregate. In fact, Kedah could have equalized right after that, but Bang’s flick rattled against the post.
Diaz then missed an open goal on the 85th minute, but the Argentinean forward made amends for it by firing the winning goal minutes later, sparking a huge roar of happiness mixed with relief, inside the Larkin Stadium.
After the goal, JDT parked the bus and eventually held on to officially book their spot in FA Cup final. They will be facing PKNS FC, who dispatched Perak FA in Ipoh, tonight.
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