Football

Malaysia FA Cup: Bukit Jalil trip beckons for Kelantan and LionsXII

Kelantan will be taking on LionsXII in the final of the Malaysia FA Cup after triumphing in their respective semi finals tie earlier today.

Kelantan claimed a massive 3-1 win over Pahang, to beat them 3-2 on aggregate and book their spot in the final. Wan Zaharulnizam broke the deadlock on the 17th minute, before Gopinathan restored parity in the second half to make it 1-1.

Azraai Khor then introduced Austin Amutu into the game, and he ended up being Kelantan’s hero. The Nigerian attacker scored on the 75th minute to make it 2-1 and with Kelantan still needing one more goal to secure their progression on aggregate, Amutu scored another late strike to effectively seal the win and secure their slot in the final.

Photo Credit: Asiana.my
Photo Credit: Asiana.my

Meanwhile, LionsXII suffered a 3-2 defeat against Terengganu, but it was more than enough for them as they progressed into the final by virtue of having scored more away goals. Khairul Amri striked first blood on the 18th minute, though Paulo Rangel coolly equalized just four minutes later to make it 1-1.

But not too long after that, LionsXII were back ahead in the game. This time around, Khairul Amri produced a stunning volley strike, leaving Terengganu’s goalkeeper helpless along the way, to make it 2-1. Similarly, Terengganu also produced a counter-response before the break, with Rangel slotting home from the spot to make it 2-2.

Terengganu were still chasing the game, considering that it was 4-3 on aggregate at this point, but they managed to get back into it after the break, with Norshahrul showcasing a snippet of his usual self, but scoring a sensational acrobatic goal to make it 3-2 on the day and 4-4 on aggregate.

Photo Credit: Asiana.my
Photo Credit: Asiana.my

At this point, the Turtles needed to score one more goal to book their spot in the final, and they managed to do it on the 90th minute, only for Ahmad Nordin to be flagged for being offside. The controversial decision did not bode well with fans and the Terengganu players, which led to Paulo Rangel’s dismissal. Gustavo Lopez was also sent off late in the game for shoving the referee at his back.

But at the end of the day, the result remained and it now means that the Bukit Jalil Stadium will covered in red when the final takes place later this month!

 

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