04/10/2025

SPORTS SATURDAY | OCT 4, 2025 31 Munoz stresses squad depth … as JDT advance to FA Cup quarterfinals J OHOR DARUL TA’ZIM (JDT) once again proved their dominance after beating UM-Damansara United 5-3 in the return leg of the FA Cup 2025 round of 16 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Thursday night. by step, and our responsibility is to ensure everyone shows progress by the end of the season.”

EUROPA LEAGUE (League phase) : Bologna 1 Freiburg 1, Brann 1 Utrecht 0, Celtic 0 Sport ing Braga 2, FCSB 0 Young Boys 2, Fenerbahce 2 Nice 1, Ludogorets 0 Real Betis 2, Panathi naikos 1 Go Ahead Eagles 2, Roma 0 Lille 1, Viktoria Plzen 3 Malmo 0, Basel 2 Stuttgart, Celta Vigo 3 PAOK 1, Feyenoord 0 Aston Villa 2, Genk 0 Ferencvaros 1, Maccabi Tel Aviv 1 Dinamo Zagreb 3, Nottingham Forest 2 Midt jylland 3, Lyon 2 Red Bull Salzburg 0, Porto 2 Red Star Belgrade 1, Sturm Graz 2 Rangers 1. CONFERENCE LEAGUE (League phase/Selected) : Dynamo Kyiv 0 Crystal Palace 2), Omonia Nicosia 0 Mainz 1, Rayo Vallecano 2 Shkendija 0, Aberdeen 2 Shakhtar Donetsk 3, Fiorentina 2 Sigma Olomouc 0, Slovan Bratislava 1 Stras bourg 2, Sparta Prague 4 Shamrock Rovers 1. RESULTS THE Harimau Malaya squad, still reeling from the sanctions imposed by Fifa on seven heritage players, have decided to look ahead, with head coach Peter Cklamovski calling up three new faces, including Jordan Mintah, for the Oct 6-8 centralised training camp. The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said in a statement yesterday that the national football team will leave for Vientiane, Laos, on Monday to prepare for their Group F match against Laos in the 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Qualifiers at the New Laos National Stadium on Thursday (Oct 9). The centralised training camp will then be switched to Kuala Lumpur from Oct 10-13, ahead of the return leg tie against Laos at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Oct 14. “Cklamovski has retained the 22 players who featured in the Tier 1 international friendlies against Singapore (Sept 4) and Palestine (Sept 8), besides bringing in two players from the national U-23 squad – Aliff Izwan Yuslan and Muhammad Ubaidullah Shamsul. “Cklamovski has also called up three new faces, namely Declan Lambert, Mintah and Muhammad Ramadhan Saifullah,” FAM added. Dania’s absence huge blow, says coach THE loss of Dania Sofea Zaidi due to injuries is a major blow to the national squad for the World Junior Championships in Guwahati, Assam, India, from Oct 6 to 19, according to national women’s doubles head coach Rosman Razak. He said Dania is undergoing rehabilitation after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in her left knee while playing at the National U-18 Mixed Team Championship in Penang in August. “Yes, in the context of the World Junior Championships, she is very much needed. For the team event, she’s also important because in mixed doubles, she is among the top players. “The same goes for women’s doubles. But we just have to accept it and find suitable replacements,” he said when met after a training session at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Rosman hoped that the 18-year-old’s recovery process would go smoothly so she could return to the court earlier than expected. “Hopefully. But I think, from our side, BAM and the National Sports Institute, everything is being handled properly. From the early stages until now, I feel everything has been progressing well. “Her operation also went well. So, if we focus on the rehabilitation process, hopefully she can return as soon as possible,” he said. SHORTS Three new faces for Harimau Malaya

with a long-range effort in the 74th. The drama continued late in the game when Morales’ penalty was saved by Haziq Fitri, but the import striker redeemed himself by completing his hattrick after connecting with Moussa Sidibe’s pass to seal a 5-3 victory. JDT head coach Munoz stressed the importance of focus, squad depth and continuous improvement after the match. The Spaniard rotated his squad by naming an entirely different starting XI, handing valuable minutes to fringe players as well as one promoted from the second team. “They played very well the first 20-25 minutes, and in the second half, the game was a little bit different – different approaches and tactics. But the most important thing is that we are through to the next round,” he said. Munoz acknowledged the errors of goalkeeper Abad, who conceded three goals in the match, but stressed that mistakes are part and parcel of football. “Of course, those mistakes should not happen, but in football, anything can happen. The important thing is to take responsibility and show the ambition to improve. “Some may question the readiness of certain players, but my intention is never to cut anyone. In a squad of 33 to 35 players, levels will naturally vary. “Young players need to be developed step

Looking ahead, Munoz cautioned that JDT will face a very different test against Penang FC in the FA Cup quarterfinals, despite having thrashed them 6-0 in a Super League encounter earlier this season. Meanwhile, UM-Damansara United head coach Ridzuan Abu Shah said his side showed renewed spirit in the second half and produced two crucial goals. He described the first goal as a result of an error by the JDT goalkeeper – initially seen as a mere consolation – but noted that it lifted his players’ morale and inspired them to fight back. “Ceesay’s earlier performances did not match the expected standards of a striker, to the point where he was almost dropped in several A1 League matches. “However, he responded to criticism, rose to the occasion and proved his ability as a forward with impressive pace,” he said. He also praised goalkeeper Haziq for displaying exceptional talent, particularly with his long-range kicks. “This opportunity allows him to showcase his abilities, because without chances from the coach, it is difficult for players to truly stand out,” he added.

With a commanding 5-0 win from the first leg in August, the Southern Tigers advanced to the quarterfinals with a 10-3 aggegate victory, clearly showcasing the gulf in quality between the two teams. The home side opened the scoring as early as the third minute through a header by Romel Morales following a cross from Manuel Hidalgo. Not long after, Hidalgo himself doubled the lead with a strike from the middle of the pitch in the eighth minute. Xisco Munoz’s men continued their relentless pressure and added a third when Hebert slotted home from Nazmi Faiz’s pass inside the penalty box. However, the second half saw the visitors mount a comeback, capitalising on JDT goalkeeper Christian Abad’s error when Thankgod Michael struck in the 62nd minute before Anuar Ceesay reduced the deficit further in the 66th. Morales restored JDT’s cushion with a powerful header in the 70th minute, but Ceesay once again gave the home fans a scare

De Kleijn wins Stage 6 as Malucelli crashes out

TUDOR PRO Cycling Team rider Arvid de Kleijn clinched his second stage title at Le Tour de Langkawi after winning Stage Six from Shah Alam to Port Dickson yesterday. The 31-year-old Dutchman pow ered to victory in another mass fin ish, completing the 123.5km race in two hours, 32 minutes and 55 sec onds. Norwegian Erlend Blikra of Uno X Mobility came in second, while Manuel Penalver Aniorte from Team Polti VisitMalta was third. De Kleijn described his victory as bittersweet after his rival Matteo Malucelli of XDS Astana Team failed to finish after being involved in a crash under rainy conditions. The Italian rider was forced to withdraw at the 16.5km mark. The crash also involved several other riders, including Erland Blikra of the Uno-X Mobility team, but the Norwegian rider could continue the race. As a result, Malucelli has been forced to skip the remaining two stages. “First of all, I want to say it was really unfortunate that Malucelli was involved in a crash. It’s sad. “I was looking forward to com peting against him more. I hope he recovers quickly,” he said after the race.

Muhammad Izzat, who hails from Batu Pahat, Johor, missed out on a podium finish when he ended up fourth overall in two hours, 32 min utes and 55 seconds, and was quick to credit his teammates for helping him to such an impressive perform ance. “Although I was not feeling well, I still gave it my everything. My target today was to be among the top five (overall) and, Alhamdulillah, I went one better. “Thanks also to my teammates who helped me from the start till the end,” he said. This is the second time that Muhammad Izzat has emerged as the best Asean rider, having achieved it in Stage Four (Kuala Terengganu- Kemaman) on Wednesday. The 30-year-old now hopes to continue in the same vein in the remaining two stages. “Two more stages left. If the races end in another mass finish like today, I will try harder to get on the podium,” he said. Stage Seven of the 2.Pro status race continues tomorrow from Melaka to Medini over a 214.9km route featuring three sprint zones in Sungai Rambai, Semerah and Pontian. – Bernama

Tudor Pro Cycling rider Arvid De Kleijn (right) celebrates after winning LTDL Stage Six yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

rider must complete all eight stages,” he said. De Kleijn’s victory yesterday moved him up to second place in the Orange Jersey (sprint) classifica tion with 42 points, just three points behind the leader Blikra. The White Jersey (Best Asian Rider) remains with XDS Astana rider Nicolya Vinokuro, while the Polka Dot Jersey (King of the Mountains) stays with Patrick Eddy of Team Picnic PostNL. Malaysia Pro Cycling rider Mohamad Izzat Hilmi Abdul Halil emerged as the Best Asean Rider for Stage Six.

XDS Astana Team sports director Mark Renshaw confirmed that Malucelli did not continue the race due to injuries in his lower left leg. “The doctor will do an X-ray to determine the severity of the injury. What is confirmed is that he is already out of the race,” he said. Meanwhile, LTdL chief operating officer Emir Abdul Jalal described the withdrawal of the 31-year-old Italian rider as a huge loss for the 29th edition of the race. “He was the Orange Jersey cham pion last season and has already won three stages this year. But to remain in contention for the jersey, a

Nothing beats tournament feel, says Chia FOR doubles ace Aaron Chia, nothing beats playing in as many tournaments as possible to keep his touch and composure sharp, especially with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics in sight. losing is secondary. “Training is different even if you give 100 or 200%. Sometimes in tournaments, you can only deliver 50&t because you get nervous or your opponent is simply in better form. But it doesn’t mean I don’t want to win,” he told reporters at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

means winning the World Championship, Olympic medals and all the major tournaments I participate in. But for other players, the definition may be different… (so) for me, I’m still not satisfied,” he said. Chia and Wooi Yik are scheduled to face Denmark’s Daniel Lundgaard-Mads Vestergaard in the opening round of the Arctic Open 2025, which will be held from Oct 7 to 12. He emphasised that he must do well at the tournament to qualify for the 2025 World Tour Finals. – Bernama

The 2022 world champion, who partners Soh Wooi Yik, emphasised that the experience of playing in tournaments is vastly different from training sessions, despite the risk of injury. “I like to play in many tournaments even though I’m already 28, to maintain the feel on court. That’s why when I play in tournaments, I’ll go all out – but winning or

At the same time, Chia admitted it is difficult for him to accept the notion that he is already among the best doubles players in the world. “All players have different definitions of being ‘the best’. To me, being called the best