Johor Darul Takzim’s shock 1-2 defeat at the hands of unheralded MISC-MIFA in a Group C Malaysia Cup match at the Larkin Stadium on Sunday is still the talk of the town.
The Malaysia Cup newcomers pulled off the shock of the season, more so when MIFA achieved the historic win in JDT’s own den – the Larkin Stadium, the home of the Southern Tigers.
The defeat in their opening Group C match, however, does not make JDT, who have won the Malaysian Super League for a record fifth consecutive year, any weaker. Instead, the Southern Tigers remain the hot-favorites for the Malaysia Cup.
However, the near-empty Larkin Stadium on Sunday has become another talking point with less than 5,000 fans turning up for the MIFA match. In the past used to draw a packed stadium which has a capacity of 30,000.
This Friday’s match is against Kedah, themselves struggling to get their football act right this season, will be a repeat of last year’s Malaysia Cup final. JDT beat the Red Eagles 2-0 to lift the most sought-after silverware in Malaysian football.
Kedah could only manage a scoreless draw at home in their opening group match also last Sunday.
Will JDT be able to bounce back at the Larkin Stadium after the shock defeat to MIFA? Or will Kedah be able to do a”MIFA act” and add more misery on the Southern Tigers?
It is a crucial match for both teams. Both, JDT and Kedah need to get back on track in the country’s oldest football competition. RIZAL ABDULLAH
