FA Cup: Kuching City Create History By Qualifying For Semis After Beating TFC 5-3 On Aggregate

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Kuching City FC created their own history by reaching the FA Cup semi-finals for the very first time after eliminating Terengganu FC with a 5-3 aggregate.

The home team, coached by Aidil Sharin Sahak, secured their spot in the final four following a huge 4-1 victory in the first leg of the quarter-finals away from home, before losing 1-2 in the return match at the State Stadium, Kuching tonight.

In the clash on their own turf, Kuching City were shocked by the visitors' opening goal through a strike by Raianderson da Costa Morais in the 11th minute, but Wanja Ronald Ngah managed to equalise after converting a penalty in the 31st minute.

Raianderson scored his second personal goal when he netted Terengganu's second goal in second-half added time, but it was not enough to prevent Kuching City from advancing to the semi-finals for the first time in the club's history.

On the semi-final stage, Kuching City face a tough task as they will meet defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), who also advanced after defeating Penang FC 3-0 to secure a 5-1 aggregate victory at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Iskandar Puteri in Johor.

The Southern Tigers squad, coached by Xisco Munoz, broke the deadlock with a shot from imported striker Bergson da Silva that beat The Panthers' goalkeeper in the 38th minute.

Two minutes later, JDT defender Jonathan Silva was initially denied a goal due to an alleged offside position, but a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) confirmed the goal, putting JDT comfortably ahead 2-0.

Towards the end of the first half, Penang FC’s woes continued when a neat header by Eddy Israfilov from an Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi corner kick found the back of the net, making the score 3-0 in favour of the home team until the final whistle.

JDT is now on a mission to claim their fourth consecutive FA Cup title since winning it in 2022.

-- BERNAMA