Aiman Nazirmuddin
Football Tribe Malaysia
Kedah defeated Terengganu 3-2 in Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium to qualify for the quarter-final round as they topped the Group A with 10 points. Goals from Jonathan Bauman, Edgar, and Baddrol Bakhtiar helped Kedah grab all three points, while Lee Tuck and Abdul Malik Mat Ariff scored for the host. This means Terengganu need to either draw or win over Negri Sembilan to confirm their slot to the next round.
In Petaling Jaya Stadium, Super League title holders Johor Darul Ta’zim beat Petaling Jaya City with by the same scoreline as Kedah defeated Terengganu. JDT lined up several national squad members such as Safawi Rasid, Corbin Ong, Farizal Marlias, and Syafiq Ahmad.
However, PJ City shocked the visitor with an early goal from Bae Beom-Geun, before Safawi Rasid’s freekick and Syafiq Ahmad’s thunderous shot gave the Southern Tigers the lead heading into the break. PJ City surprised the visitor again with an equalizer from Washington Brandao’s diving header. Ultimately, Syafiq Ahmad proved his quality with a header to clinched three points and ensure his team slot in the quarter-final alongside with his former teams, Kedah and Pahang.
Lastly, Selangor hosted Melaka United as both teams shared a point in Shah Alam Stadium. Khyril Muhymeen Zambri continued his good performances as he scored to give a lead to the home side. Former Selangor player Saiful Ridzwan Selamat equalized for the visitor with a long-range goal.
This result now means Selangor, Melaka United, and Felda United all share seven points in Group D, after Felda United defeated PDRM 1-0 at home, giving them all a chance of qualifying for the next round on the final day.