JDT Qualify Into Malaysia Cup 2014 Semis | Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) kept their double hopes alive after they brushed aside Terengganu for a place in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals.
National midfielder Safiq Rahim starred with a brace as the Southern Tigers strolled to an impressive 3-1 win over the east coast side in the return leg of the quarter-finals at the Larkin Stadium to advance 3-1 on aggregate. Both team played to a goalless first-leg draw in Kuala Terengganu on Oct 3.
JDT, who are undefeated in 18 home matches, will meet Premier League runners-up Felda United in the first leg of the semi-finals at the Selayang Stadium on Monday.
Last night, JDT showed their intent with an attacking line-up with Argentinian duo Luciano Figueroa and Jorge Diaz playing in front of a sell-out crowd.
Safiq hit a brace in the 15th and 75th minutes while Figueroa added the other goal in the 22nd minute. Terengganu scored through Mohd Ashaari Shamsuddin in the 60th minute.
JDT were in total command from the off as the Turtles struggled to settle down.
Safiq was always a menace to the Terengganu defence, scoring his first goal with a powerful header after receiving a cross from Mohd Nazrin Nawi.
Safiq then turned provider, sending a through pass for Mohd Amri Yahyah to lay it for Figueroa to score goal No. 2 in the 22nd minute.
In the 32nd minute, Mohd Nazrin Nawi had the opportunity to put the game beyond Terengganu’s reach but his shot was saved by an alert Mohd Sharbinee Allawee.
Terengganu midfielder Mario Karlovic tried to reduce the deficit but his shot in the 36th minute was kept out by JDT custodian Muhd Al-Hafiz Hamzah.
In the second half, Terengganu came out of their defensive shell and managed to reduce the deficit after Mohd Ashaari Samsudin scored a solo goal on the hour mark.
After coming close of a number of occasions, JDT finally found their third goal. From a pass by Norsharul Idlan Talaha, Safiq fired the ball past Sharbinee - The Star online