KL City win the Malaysia Cup after 32-year wait

 

KL City ended their 32-year wait in the Malaysia Cup when they defeated Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. - NSTP/AIZUDDIN SAAD

KUALA LUMPUR: KL City ended their 32-year wait in the Malaysia Cup when they defeated Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) 2-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday.

It was an eventful night for KL in front of 20,000-odd fans as they played a patient game to frustrate JDT before scoring two goals in the second half to embarrass their star-studded opponents.

Zhafri Yahya (66th minute) and captain Paulo Josue (74th) were the heroes with each scoring a goal for Bojan Hodak's side.

In the first half, it was JDT who controlled the game with Brazilian Bergson da Silva coming closest in the ninth minute.

However, the striker's powerful drive could only rattle the KL post.

In the 37th minute, Mauricio dos Santos's attempt was brilliantly parried away by KL goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza, who had a busy night keeping JDT at bay.

After frustrating JDT in the first half, KL slowly turned things around with a brilliant second-half display.

Zhafri converted a J. Partiban cross from the left to beat JDT keeper Farizal Marlias from close range after 66 minutes.

Eight minutes later, Josue controlled a Ryan Lambert cross with his chest before scoring past keeper Farizal with a low drive.

JDT coach Benjamin Mora brought on forwards Syafiq Ahmad and Mohamadou Sumareh in an attempt to bounce back, but they could not do much to spoil KL's party.

KL's Shukor Adan marked the final match of his career when he replaced D. Kenny Pallraj in stoppage time.

KL keeper Mendoza, who will play for the Philippines in the AFF Cup, was named man of the match.

With the title, KL booked their ticket for next year's AFC Cup. - NST

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