After MPPJ become the first soccer club to win the Malaysia Cup, Johor FC trying to emulate MPPJ success. The last time the southern state won the Malaysia Cup is in 1991. It was the same opponent that they beat in the final that they meeting tonight for the first leg Malaysia Cup 2008 semi final.

In 1991, Ervin Boban, Alistair Edward and Abbas Saad is their key man in winning the Malaysia Cup. Today, Johor FC hope is around their import trio Andres Fuentes Gustavo and Walter Ariel Silva.

Tonight Johor FC will miss out Nurul Azuan Roya who is suspended for red carded and Eddy Helmi Manan still facing injury. So we might see different tactical from Johor FC coach for the first leg match. Johor FC need not to repeat their mistake against My Team where they down three goals for the first leg. A draw will be a good scoreline for Johor FC because they having home ground advantage for second leg.

But it’s not an easy task to beat Selangor in front of their loyal supporters according to Johor FC coach, Mr Ramlan Rashid.

“If win its bonus for us. But we will fight to the end to avoid losing and Selangor from scoring. Teams like Selangor have a strong tradition in the Malaysia Cup and will always be considered favourites. Without doubt, Johor FC are the underdogs in the semi-finals, but we would give our best to upset the formbook.”

Meanwhile Selangor who carried their name with 32 times winning the Malaysia Cup believe their experience will help them to win the cup again. After losing to Kedah in FA Cup final, this is the only cup that Dollah Salleh believes they can hunt for.

Secetary for Football Association of Selangor, Hamidin Mohd Amin said, according to tradition Selangor never failed to be in final every time they reach semi final match. So they will make sure the tradition will be continue.