JDT Cruise Past UM-Damansara United 4-1 in FA Cup Clash

Johor Darul Ta’zim made light work of UM-Damansara United, winning 4-1 in the opening leg of their FA Cup round-of-16 tie at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

The defending champions took the lead after only three minutes. Referee Faizal Abu Othman awarded a penalty after Jonathan Silva went down following a challenge from Ghaffar Abdul Rahman, and Jairo Da Silva converted.

UM-Damansara United, coached by Asri Ninggal, briefly threatened to produce an upset. Saiful Iskandar Adha Saiful Azlan crossed for Hazim Abu Zaid in the 24th minute, but the chance went unfinished. JDT goalkeeper Azfar Arif Mohd. Sukri also denied Shio Hong Wan when the visitors nearly doubled their lead in the 10th minute.

JDT extended its advantage through new defender Daniel Castro in the 30th minute. Castro exchanged passes with Manuel Hidalgo before sending the ball into the left corner. Hidalgo then capitalized on a defensive error to make it 3-0 shortly before halftime.

JDT continued to attack after the break, although several chances went unfinished. Hidalgo eventually added his second goal in the 53rd minute with a powerful shot into the left corner. UM-Damansara United claimed a consolation goal in the 90th minute, when substitute Shafizi Iqmal Khirudin set up Amirul Akmal Safarinizam. The return leg is scheduled for September 8.