Latest news with #MalaysiaSuperLeague
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Sabah, Kuala Lumpur tie in Super League opening match
Kuala Lumpur's forward Manuel Hidalgo (center) battles for the ball with Sabah's players during the Malaysia Super League match at the Cheras Football Stadium, August 13, 2025. — GLENN GUAN/The Star PETALING JAYA: Sabah salvaged a point in their opening Super League game after scoring a late equaliser against Kuala Lumpur in a 1-1 draw at the Cheras Stadium on Wednesday (Aug 13). The visitors from the east had given away a goal after New Zealand winger Dane Ingham gave an own goal in the 65th minute. But the Rhinos did not give up in their first league match. They pushed on and eventually managed to score an equaliser in injury time through Brazilian Gabriel Peres. The late goal had ruined Kuala Lumpur's night at home, as they looked to have started well by beating Immigration 3-0 last Saturday. Meanwhile, Melaka's opening game saw them come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Penang at the Hang Jebat Stadium. Australia's Dylan Wenzel-Halls had given the visitors the lead in the 29th minute, but Juan Douglas Teles da Silva leveled things up in the 69th minute. It was also a draw in Terengganu as they saw their match against Police end 2-2 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium. Police's Bernard Doumbia was on form as he scored both goals to give his side the lead in the 12th and 53rd minutes. But the Turtles answered through Azam Azmi in the 63rd minute, and Yann Mabella got a point for his side after converting a penalty in the final minutes.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
JDT coach Muñoz demands defensive improvement after 5-3 win
JOHOR DARUL TA'ZIM (JDT) head coach Xisco Muñoz stressed the need for defensive improvement despite his side's 5-3 win over Negeri Sembilan FC. The match, held at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, saw JDT triumph in a high-scoring Malaysia Super League encounter. Muñoz admitted his team started slowly, allowing early transitions that led to defensive lapses. 'Today we were sleeping a little bit in the first minutes and gave them space to score from transitions,' he said in the post-match press conference. He urged his players to be more consistent and prioritise clean sheets moving forward. 'We need to be more consistent, stronger in both areas, and prioritise clean sheets,' Muñoz added. The Spaniard highlighted the importance of learning from such situations as the league progresses. 'I think we are just now in the first part of the league, so we need to learn about the situations,' he explained. He emphasised the need for adaptability in different match scenarios. 'We need to understand what to do when we play at home, when we play away, what happens in the first minutes, and we need to be aggressive,' Muñoz said. Negeri Sembilan exploited JDT's defensive weaknesses with quick transitions and set-pieces. 'The first goal came from a transition... they have great pace along the flanks,' Muñoz noted. He acknowledged his team's slow reaction in defending subsequent goals. Muñoz also called for better decision-making in attacking phases. 'We need to stay calmer in the final third to make better decisions,' he said. Despite defensive concerns, he praised JDT's attacking output, including 25 shots and two set-piece goals. Jon Irazabal stood out with a brace, while Joao Figueiredo and Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi also contributed. Substitute Bergson da Silva secured the win with a late strike in extra time. Muñoz thanked the home fans but noted attendance was affected by weekday scheduling. 'I hope the next game, maybe we will have more people supporting us,' he said. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
MuÑoz Urges Stronger Defence After JDT Edges Negeri Sembilan In Eight-goal Thriller
ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Muñoz has urged for greater consistency and defensive discipline from his players despite their 5-3 victory over Negeri Sembilan FC in a thrilling Malaysia Super League encounter at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night. Muñoz acknowledged that JDT started the match sluggishly, conceding early transitions that exposed defensive vulnerabilities. 'Today we were sleeping a little bit in the first minutes and gave them space to score from transitions… we need to be more consistent, stronger in both areas, and prioritise clean sheets,' he said in a post-match press conference last night. bootstrap slideshow The Spaniard emphasised the importance of learning from such situations and adapting as the league progresses. 'I think we are just now in the first part of the league. So, we need to learn about the situations. We need to understand what to do when we play at home, when we play away, what happens in the first minutes, and we need to be aggressive,' Muñoz added. Muñoz pointed out that Negeri Sembilan took advantage of their speed down the wide channels, catching JDT off guard in defending quick set-pieces and fast transitions. 'The first goal came from a transition… they have great pace along the flanks, and we prepared for such situations in training,' he said, adding that the team was slow in defending the later goals. He also called for greater composure in attack, emphasising the need for his players to stay calmer in the final third to make better decisions. Despite conceding three goals, he praised JDT's attacking performance, highlighting their 25 shots, numerous corners earned, and two goals scored from set pieces.
The Star
08-08-2025
- Sport
- The Star
No small feat
Sweating it out: Fadi Awad warming up during Police's training session. — Police PETALING JAYA: He may be one of the smallest figures on the field but don't let the 1.67m (5'4'') frame fool you. Fadi Awad stands tall where it matters most. In the heart of Police's midfield, the 32-year-old Jordanian has been a force of calm and control, anchoring the engine room with the discipline of his day job. A sergeant in the Jordanian Public Security Directorate, Awad brings military precision to the pitch, and in his third season in Malaysia, he's not just settled but determined. 'I've been here for three years now and I want to keep performing at my best and help the team achieve our goals,' said the seven-cap Jordanian international. 'We had a strong pre-season, added some good new players and we're working hard, like we always do – right to the end.' Awad's commitment to the badge, both in uniform and in jersey, is unwavering. In the past two seasons, he has quietly established himself as one of the Super League's most reliable defensive midfielders. Few get past him and those who do rarely find joy. Now, as the 2025-2026 Malaysia Super League season kicks off, Awad and the Cops are gearing up for their opening clash - a tricky tie against newcomers Brunei at the Selayang Stadium today. 'It's always difficult to start a season. The first game is never easy. But we welcome the Brunei team to the league and we're aiming for the three points.' For Police, consistency has often been elusive but this year feels different. There's a sense of quiet ambition behind the scenes and Awad is a big part of that. While his focus is squarely on the job at hand, Awad still keeps a wider eye on Malaysian football, a league he believes is on the rise. 'Malaysian football is improving and I enjoy being part of that. But I hope some of the big teams like Kedah, Pahang, and Perak return to their best. Their presence makes the league stronger.' At 32, Awad knows there may not be too many seasons left. But he speaks with the quiet authority of someone who still has plenty to give and wants to leave a mark beyond the final whistle. 'I want to help my team and win more trophies. That's always the goal.' In a league that's often dominated by flair and headlines, Awad is a reminder that discipline, consistency, and heart still go a long way.
Sinar Daily
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
JDT legends Safiq Rahim, Farizal Marlias bid farewell to Southern Tigers
The Johor-born duo are widely regarded as legends, not only for their on-field success but also for their leadership and influence within the club. 18 Jun 2025 12:13pm Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) stalwarts Safiq Rahim and Farizal Marlias have bid farewell to the club after years of dedication to the Southern Tigers. Photo: Facebook: Johor Southern Tigers JOHOR BAHRU - Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) stalwarts Safiq Rahim and Farizal Marlias have bid farewell to the club after years of dedication to the Southern Tigers. The club announced the duo's departure via a tribute on its official Facebook page, recognising their years of commitment, leadership and achievements that helped shape JDT into a dominant force in Malaysian and regional football. Safiq, 37, joined JDT in 2013 and has been instrumental in the team's success, including captaining the side to the historic 2015 AFC Cup victory, the first time an East Asian club clinched the prestigious continental title. Over the course of 270 appearances, the attacking midfielder netted 59 goals and provided 68 assists, helping the club secure an impressive list of honours - nine Malaysia Super League titles, seven Charity Shields, four Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups and one AFC Cup. Over the course of 270 appearances, Safiq netted 59 goals and provided 68 assists, helping the club secure an impressive list of honours - nine Malaysia Super League titles, seven Charity Shields, four Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups, and one AFC Cup. Photo: Facebook: Johor Southern Tigers Farizal, 38, who donned the JDT jersey in 2015, on the other hand, established himself as one of the country's finest goalkeepers, keeping 102 clean sheets in 222 appearances. His tenure saw him win 10 league titles, nine Charity Shields, five Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups and the historic AFC Cup in 2015. The Johor-born duo are widely regarded as legends, not only for their on-field success but also for their leadership and influence within the club. Yesterday, JDT confirmed the release of 11 players ahead of the 2025-2026 M-League season through a post on social media. Among those released were goalkeepers Farizal Marlias and Izham Tarmizi, as well as midfield legend Safiq Rahim. The Southern Tigers also parted ways with seven foreign players, Jordi Amat, Jese Rodriguez, Murilo Henrique, Jonathan Viera, Alvaro Gonzalez, Roque Mesa, and Anselmo de Moraes, as the club looks to refresh its squad for the upcoming campaign. The eleventh departure is Ramadhan Saifullah, who has completed a permanent transfer to Kuching City FC, officially bringing his journey with the Southern Tigers to a close. - BERNAMA More Like This
