KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — Defending champion Kelantan retains the FA Cup after defeating Johor Darul Takzim (DT) 1-0 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil last night.

Kelantan scored the goal in the 14^th minute through midfielder Mohd Norfarhan Muhammad through a pass from team captain, Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi .

Johor DT import player Leonel George Nunez, the substitute player for Mohd Safee Mohd Sali who was injured, had a chance of equalising the goal, but was brushed off by Kelantan goalkeeper, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, in the 22^nd minute.

Kelantan, in attempts to score more goals, launch their assaults on the Southern Tiger (Harimau Selatan) squad through Mohd Norfarhan, Mohd Badhri and Dickson Nwakaeme, but were warded off by the Johor DT defence.

During the second-half, coach Bojan Hodak’s squad continued to give pressure on Johor DT through several dangerous attempts by Dickson Nwakaeme, including in the 54^th minute, but was saved by Johor DT goalkeeper Muhammad Al-Hafiz Hamzah.

An effort by Johor DT striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha to put in the first goal for his team in the 63^rd minute was not accepted because of a foul before the goal.

Johor DT, pressured by the 0-1 score bucked up in their attacks, but an attempt by import player Leonel George Nunez to get the equalising goal in the 80^th minute was futile.

The game ended with Kelantan defeating Johor DT 1-0 when referee Syed Azhar Syed Kamar blew the whistle to end the game. – Bernama