KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta’zim are closing in on a fifth consecutive FA Cup final appearance, with the prospect of playing for the trophy on home turf adding further incentive as the semi-final second legs take place on Sunday.
The defending champions hold a 2-0 aggregate lead over Brunei DPMM ahead of their return leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, while Selangor travel to Kuching with a narrower 2-1 advantage over Kuching City.
JDT took control of their tie in the first leg in Bandar Seri Begawan through goals from Bergson da Silva and Eddy Israfilov, but head coach Xisco Munoz has warned his players against taking their advantage for granted.
“It is never enough when you are with JDT,” said Munoz.
“A two-goal lead is a positive start, but it is not enough to satisfy us. We will enter the second leg on the front foot, attacking to score more goals in front of our home supporters.”
Meanwhile, DPMM head coach Jamie McAllister believes his side can still turn the tie around, with an early goal potentially changing the contest.
“I believe we can do it. It is indeed a tough challenge, but we must go there with the belief that we can turn it around,” he said.
“I think the first goal will be very important. If we manage to score the first goal, our chances of getting right back into this contest become much better.”
The stakes are particularly high for JDT after the Malaysian Football League confirmed that the FA Cup final will be held at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium due to ongoing upgrading works at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
A victory over DPMM would put the Southern Tigers within reach of lifting the trophy in front of their own supporters.
In the other semi-final, Selangor face a difficult trip to Petra Jaya to take on a Kuching City side buoyed by a historic continental victory.
The Cats stunned South Korean side Gangwon 2-0 in the Asian Champions League Two (ACL2) in midweek, but head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak has urged his players to quickly turn their attention back to domestic matters.
“Even though we achieved a great victory, we cannot afford to be comfortable or complacent,” said Aidil.
“Instead, we must refocus and make preparations for this Sunday’s match. Our journey is still long with many more battles ahead.”
Kuching’s preparations have also been complicated by injuries to two key players.
Brazilian defender Gabriel Peres is expected to be sidelined for two months after undergoing knee surgery, while striker Ronald Ngah Wanja is also out through injury.
“Many might not understand how difficult the situation is when a team loses key pillars, especially when having to navigate multiple crucial competitions,” Aidil said.
Selangor, who won the first leg 2-1 at the MBPJ Stadium, will be looking to protect their advantage and book a place in the final.
However, coach Kim Pan Gon knows his side will face a difficult atmosphere in Borneo and has called on his players to show the determination needed to get through.
“We know it is going to be a very difficult match, but we have the spirit and the desire to reach the final,” Pan Gon said.
“The players have great fighting spirit, and for me, that spirit and hunger are vital. We know the harsh circumstances we will have to face, but we will become stronger and stronger. We want to be in the final.”