Selangor Embrace Underdog Role; JDT Silent Ahead Of FA Cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- Selangor FC head coach Nidzam Jamil acknowledged that his team will enter as the underdogs when they face Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the FA Cup final tomorrow night.

However, he wants his players to seize the opportunity to perform in this prestigious cup as they chase the Red Giants' dream of lifting the FA Cup trophy again after 15 years.

"For the sake of comparison, JDT have achieved great success over the past 10 years, while Selangor acknowledge that we are a team chasing dreams and striving for better recognition. We are very positive; we will go through this with a smile and a happy feeling. 

"In a final, there are two competing teams, so the chances are 50-50. We have 90 minutes to play, and we also have dreams now that we’re in the final -- just a few steps away from the trophy. We will seize this opportunity," he told a pre-match press conference for the 2024 FA Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today.

Nidzam expressed his surprise at being able to lead his team to one of the biggest stages in just five months after taking over as the coach.

"It's the players’ attitude that brought us to the final because we didn't have a smooth journey in the FA Cup -- there were losses and comebacks two or three times. It’s a good story to tell one day," he said.

Nidzam also did not rule out the possibility of his winger Muhammad Faisal Abdul Halim playing tomorrow.

JDT assistant coach Jose Lopez and defender Junior Eldstal refused to comment during today’s press conference despite media inquiries directed at the Southern Tigers.

Among the questions asked were about the team's preparations and whether there were any injuries among the JDT players, but Lopez only responded with, "I don’t know; I have no comment."

The press conference ended abruptly after about two minutes as Lopez and Eldstal were not forthcoming with answers.

Meanwhile, Selangor FC captain Muhammad Safuwan Baharudin said a tight match is in store as both teams have their own unique qualities.

However, he is determined to lead his team to a memorable outing in his third appearance in an FA Cup final, having previously won the trophy with Pahang in 2018 and LionsXII in 2015.

Muhammad Safuwan said his team is on the right track and highly motivated to lift the FA Cup tomorrow night.

"When I left Selangor and returned, my dream was to bring this team to the final, and this is the best achievement for me, especially as the team captain.

"We're all happy to be here, and as the coach said, the game will be 50-50. But nobody comes here to lose; we have our own target," he said.

-- BERNAMA