What Is 2018 Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. season

Overview

The 2018 season marked another dominant chapter for Johor Darul Ta'zim F.C. (JDT), Malaysia’s most successful modern football club. Competing in the Malaysia Super League, AFC Cup, and domestic cup competitions, JDT showcased exceptional consistency and offensive firepower throughout the year.

Under the leadership of head coach Benjamin Mora, the team secured their fifth consecutive league title, a historic achievement in Malaysian football. Their dominance was evident in both goal difference and points margin, finishing the season 22 points ahead of second-place Kedah. JDT also made significant strides in continental competition.

• Johor Darul Ta'zim won the 2018 Malaysia Super League with a record of 22 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses in 24 matches, amassing 72 points.
• The team scored 86 goals in the league season, the highest in the competition, with key contributions from Safawi Rasid and Leandro Velazquez.
• They conceded only 22 goals across 24 matches, maintaining a solid defensive record under goalkeeper Farizal Marlias.
• JDT reached the quarter-finals of the 2018 AFC Cup, defeating teams like Ceres–Negros in the knockout stage before being eliminated by them in July.
• The club won the 2018 Malaysia Charity Shield by defeating Pahang 2–1, marking their third consecutive Charity Shield victory.

Performance & Competitions

The 2018 season saw Johor Darul Ta'zim compete across multiple fronts, balancing domestic dominance with continental ambitions. Their campaign was defined by consistency, depth, and tactical discipline under coach Mora.

• Malaysia Super League: JDT won all 22 of their completed matches, with two fixtures unplayed due to scheduling issues, finishing with 72 points.
• AFC Cup 2018: They advanced from Group G with 16 points from six games, defeating teams like Tampines Rovers and Global Cebu.
• FA Cup: JDT reached the semi-finals but lost 2–1 to Perak, ending their bid for a domestic treble.
• Malaysia Cup: Eliminated in the group stage after failing to top Group A, a rare setback in an otherwise stellar season.
• Top scorer: Safawi Rasid netted 20 goals across all competitions, making him the team’s leading offensive threat.
• Home dominance: JDT remained undefeated at Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium, winning 11 and drawing 1 of 12 home league games.

Comparison at a Glance

How JDT’s 2018 season compared to previous years in key statistical categories:

The 2018 season represented a peak in offensive output, with 86 goals surpassing all previous records. While defensive performance remained strong, the team slightly regressed compared to 2015’s 18 goals conceded. The consistent 1st-place finishes highlight JDT’s unmatched dominance in Malaysian football over this five-year span.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season solidified Johor Darul Ta'zim’s status as the premier football club in Malaysia and a rising force in Southeast Asian football. Their sustained excellence set new benchmarks for professionalism, investment, and performance in the region.

• Established a five-peat dynasty, becoming the first Malaysian club to win five consecutive league titles since the league’s rebranding in 2004.
• Set a new goal-scoring record with 86 league goals, showcasing the effectiveness of their attacking philosophy under Mora.
• Boosted Malaysian football’s reputation in Asia by advancing deep into the AFC Cup, drawing regional attention to JDT’s model.
• Developed local talent, with players like Safawi Rasid emerging as national team stars due to consistent first-team opportunities.
• Demonstrated financial and organizational stability, with consistent investment from the Johor Royal family ensuring long-term success.
• Inspired a new generation of Malaysian footballers and clubs to adopt professional standards in training, tactics, and management.

Johor Darul Ta'zim’s 2018 campaign was not just about trophies—it was a statement of sustained excellence and ambition. As they continue to dominate domestically and push for continental success, their 2018 season remains a defining chapter in Malaysian football history.