KUALA LUMPUR: The clash between Malaysia's top two football teams Johor Darul Ta'zim and Selangor FC, in the FA Cup final tomorrow is expected to be an intense encounter.
It is hoped that the match will be conducted professionally without causing any tension at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
Local football observer, Sadek Mustaffa said this will be the first time the two teams meet this season, and it is certain that they will deliver a high-intensity game, eagerly awaited by fans nationwide.
He reminded supporters attending the match to act maturely and avoid provoking one another under any circumstance.
"I expect them to play professionally to secure a win because the fans attending the stadium are looking forward to a competitive performance between these two teams.
"However, if there are any unnecessary disruptions, I believe they should be avoided and anticipated. Put aside any issues circulating on social media that involve both teams.
"A few days ago, I think the best example (was when Selangor and Johor athletes embraced each other at the Malaysia Games or Sukma) and this should be a lesson to all rational spectators.
"Those who love football want to witness skills, tactical planning and perhaps some goals.
"It does not matter who wins. That is secondary. What's more important is seeing maturity of spectators and players on the field, unaffected by what's on social media, which is very commendable," he told Arena Metro.
Sadek believes this is the perfect opportunity for Selangor FC coach Nidzam Jamil, as a local coach, to do something extraordinary in the FA Cup final.
He said this final will showcase Nidzam's maturity as a local coach to handle the pressure on the FA Cup final stage.
"This is to prove that he has quality, good tactical planning, and he is a coach who should be recognised by Malaysia as a young coach," he added.
For the record, Nidzam and Hector Bidoglio's squads were supposed to meet on the opening day othe 2024/25 Super League, which also doubled as the 2024 Charity Shield match, on May 10.
However, Selangor FC requested the Malaysian Football League (MFL) to postpone the match to a new date following an incident on May 5 when their star player, Faisal Halim, was severely injured after being splashed with acid by an unknown person.