KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) made history by becoming the first Malaysian club to win three consecutive trebles, defeating Sri Pahang FC 2-1 to lift the Malaysia Cup at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium today.
The clash between the neighbouring states began with a flurry of fouls from both sides, with Spanish-born Malaysian midfielder Natxo Insa fortunate to escape a red card after a heavy tackle on Sri Pahang’s Ibrahim Manusi in the seventh minute.
Referee Razlan Joffri opted to issue only a caution.
Sri Pahang, lining up in a classic 4-4-2 formation, launched two swift attacks in the space of three minutes.
Their persistence paid off in the 14th minute when 24-year-old T. Saravanan rifled home a half-volley from a Mykola Ahapov corner to give the Elephants an early 1-0 lead.
JDT, who had already secured the Super League and FA Cup titles this season, thought they had levelled in the 18th minute through a Juan Muniz free-kick.
However, the goal was ruled out after a video assistant referee (VAR) review confirmed Bergson Da Silva had deflected the ball while in an offside position.
Drama continued to unfold just minutes later when Sri Pahang’s Sergio Aguero was booked for confronting the referee over a free-kick decision.
The Argentine-born Malaysian winger then saw red in the 35th minute after deliberately kicking Bergson, handing JDT another free-kick in a dangerous position — which Muniz, however, wasted by sending his shot into the stands.
The Southern Tigers pressed hard for an equaliser before half-time, launching a total of six attacks but failing to breach Sri Pahang’s defence.
After the break, JDT’s experience showed. Under the guidance of Héctor Bidoglio, they drew level in the 54th minute when Bergson powered a fierce shot into the bottom left corner past Sri Pahang goalkeeper Muhammad Zarif Irfan.
However, JDT’s celebrations were short-lived. South Korean centre-back Jun-Heong Park was sent off with a straight red card for a rough tackle on Sri Pahang’s Mohd Azrif Nasrulhaq, reducing both teams to 10 men.
Undeterred, JDT found their winner through Arif Aiman Hanapi — recently crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for a fourth consecutive M-League season — who finished clinically with a low left-footed strike to seal a 2-1 victory.
This marks JDT’s fifth Malaysia Cup triumph, having previously won the title in 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023. The win also cements their status as the first Malaysian club to secure three consecutive trebles.
A total of 55,552 fans attended today’s final at Bukit Jalil. – April 26, 2025