ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) were not as devastating but still had enough power to beat Terengganu 2-0 to win the Charity Cup at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
The Southern Tigers scored a goal in each half through Juan Muniz in the fifth minute and Bergson da Silva in the 55th minute to retain the title for the sixth straight time yesterday.
The win will definitely rattle their rivals, who are out to stop JDT from winning their 10 straight Super League crown.
Coach Esteban Solari said JDT will get better as the league progresses.
"It was a tough game, but we managed to score an early goal for an advantage," said Solari after the match.
"Terengganu are a good team, and they created many chances. However, we controlled the game and showed good combination in the match.
"It is not easy to win and control a game. We also defended well. Everyone was brilliant.
"The team are going in the right direction and I am very happy.
Solari, however, said the players will have to work on their speed and chemistry.
"The aim is to be the best locally and internationally."
JDT will face KL City in their next match on March 1.
"It will be a difficult game. We have started making preparations, so even if it is tough, we are ready as we are 'hungry' to break records," Solari added.
Meanwhile, Terengganu coach Tomislav Steinbruckner attributed his team's defeat to the absence of several regulars.
He hopes his squad will bounce back against Kedah next week.
"Next game against Kedah will be tough. I think Liridon Krasniqi and Faiz Nasir will be ready. Habib Haroon is still down with a hamstring injury. It is a huge problem for me in midfield.
"Today (yesterday), we didn't look good. I hope we can do better in the next match," he said.