The Southern Tigers came through two penalty shootouts – against Kedah in the second round (5-4) after a 2-2 draw and against Selangor (4-2) in the two-leg quarterfinals with both teams winning 2-1 away.
The semifinal against Pahang was played at three venues. After winning the home leg 1-0 at the Larkin Stadium on May 25, they had to go through a nervous second leg played at two venues. The return leg in Kuantan on May 28 was abandoned without the ball being kicked due to crowd violence.
This forced the match to be played at the ‘neutral’ National Stadium, with Pahang enjoying home status.
The Elephants seemed to be on their way to the final after leading 2-0 by the 40th minute via a double strike by Argentine hitman Matias Conti, who neutralised Johor Darul Takzim’s one goal cushion as early as the second minute.
However, the Southern Tigers turned the tide in their favour with an all-important goal by Brazilian playmaker Andre in the 48th minute.
“It has been a hectic journey for us in the FA Cup. We went through some anxious moments even in our first round match against Perak before we won 1-0,” said Johor Darul Takzim coach-manager Fandi Ahmad.
“No one gave us any chance when Selangor beat us 2-1 in the first-leg quarter-finals at Larkin, but we showed the character to come off winners at Shah Alam.
“But what we went through in the semifinals stands out – thanks to the strong mentality we have built in our come-from-behind wins in previous matches, both in the league and the FA Cup.
“It gave us some plus points and the never-say-die attitude prevailed once again in Bukit Jalil. It was harrowing to be two goals down with the first coming as early as the second minute.
“I tabik (salute) my players for their commitment and discipline on the field. However, I must admit that our defence is still shaky. The backline seem to put themselves under pressure when attacked.”
Fandi, Singapore’s best known professional footballer who had stints in Indonesia, Malaysia and Holland as a player, has given his players a much needed four-day break from football.
“Let them relax with their loved ones and forget football for now. We have a tight league schedule and the FA Cup coming up and I want them to be in the right frame of mind when they come back,” added Fandi.
In the league, Fandi’s boys are in second place with 34 points – four behind leaders LionsXII.
When the league resumes on June 21, Johor Darul Takzim will be away to LionsXII at the Jalan Besar Stadium. LionsXII are unbeaten at home on the artificial pitch and that match’s outcome could decide the new league champions.
“We have to put the FA Cup final aside and turn our focus to the league battle. It is within our reach but we cannot get distracted along the way.”
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