JDT beat DPMM 6-1 to secure FA Cup final against Kuching City
Coach Xisco Munoz praised his players’ response to a demanding schedule after an 8-1 aggregate victory.
Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) advanced to the FA Cup final after beating DPMM FC 6-1 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, completing an 8-1 aggregate win. They will meet Kuching City on Jan 16 for the 2026 title.
Head coach Xisco Munoz credited his players with maintaining their discipline and effort despite a congested fixture schedule. Speaking after the match, he singled out their attacking performance after half-time and said they had produced more than 40 shots on goal.
Munoz said managing players’ workloads remained important to squad fitness, particularly as winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi returns from a lengthy injury absence. He also highlighted the challenge of upcoming away matches in Vietnam and Thailand in the Asean Club Championship and AFC Champions League Elite, with little time between trips.
DPMM coach James McAllister said his team had competed well for the opening 55 to 60 minutes, defending effectively before scoring after the interval. But he was disappointed by their loss of defensive organisation after JDT’s second goal. McAllister nevertheless expressed pride in the team’s progress during the season and regarded the remaining stretch as an opportunity to learn.
