JDT fan Marlinda Samuri, 32, was the centre of attention dressed in her tiger-striped costume which she has worn in support of her favourite team at every match.

“This is my trademark because I do wear it to every match even though it can be hot and sweaty, but it’s not a problem for me as I am used to wearing a uniform during work,” said Marlinda, from Pontian.

Fellow JDT fan Ahmad Suhaimi Shamsi sported an eye-catching Trojan hairdo complete with a red-blue mask. He drove from Kluang with his work colleagues to watch JDT try to achieve the treble this season.

“I hope my third time watching JDT in a final this year will pay off, just like in the FA Cup (last September) … I feel that JDT can win 4-1 with Arif Aiman (Arif Aiman Hanapi) scoring and helping the team to their treble,” the 31-year-old said.

Selangor FC fan Azwan Waifa hopes his team, coached by Tan Cheng Hoe, can end their six-year drought and win the Malaysia Cup for the 34th time.

“Since Cheng Hoe took over, Selangor seems to be improving positively … win or lose, that’s secondary, there’s no such thing as a loss in football because this is my soul,” the 21-year-old from Sungai Buloh said.

About 80,000 fans poured into the National Stadium after the gates were opened at 5pm in a festive atmosphere.

JDT have an advantage over Selangor based on past form, having won three matches and drawn twice in their five previous meetings.

Selangor is the most successful team in Malaysia Cup history, having won the cup 33 times. JDT, established in 2013, won in 2017 and 2019.