DPMM FC host holders Johor Darul Ta’zim in the first leg of the Malaysia FA Cup semi-final

DPMM FC host Johor Darul Ta’zim at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, Bandar Seri Begawan, on Friday 23 October in the first leg of their Malaysia FA Cup semi-final. Kickoff is at 8.15pm Malaysian time.

In comments published by MFL, Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Xisco Munoz described DPMM FC as a balanced side who defend compactly and counter-attack quickly. He also said he would rotate his players a little for the match while still picking his best eleven. MFL’s article calls Johor Darul Ta’zim the defending champions of the competition.

Johor Darul Ta’zim have won all four of their matches in the competition this season. In the round of 16 they won 4-1 at Damansara FC on 1 September and 10-0 at home on 8 September. In the quarter-final they won 7-2 at Penang FC on 20 September and 4-1 at home on 9 October, going through 11-3 on aggregate.

DPMM FC have two wins, one draw and one defeat in the competition. They lost 3-2 at home to Terengganu FC on 9 September, then won 3-1 in Kuala Nerus on 16 September to go through 5-4 on aggregate. In the quarter-final they drew 3-3 with Kuala Lumpur City in Bandar Seri Begawan on 20 September and won the second leg 1-0 in Cheras on 11 October, J. Murray scoring in the 11th minute.

In the Malaysia Super League, Johor Darul Ta’zim are top with 18 points from six matches, 28 goals scored and none conceded. DPMM FC are fourth on 9 points from five matches. When the sides last met, on 4 September in the league, Johor Darul Ta’zim won 3-0 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

Both clubs won league matches on 18 October: DPMM FC beat Kuching City FC 3-2 in Bandar Seri Begawan, and Johor Darul Ta’zim won 3-0 at Terengganu FC.

The second leg is at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri, on 8 November, kicking off at 8.15pm.

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