PKNS scrape into FA Cup semis
FC became the third team to reach the 2018 FA Cup semi-final stage after a splendid 2-2 draw in the quarter-final second leg against Perak yesterday.
That result gave them an aggregate score of 4-3 to join Pahang and PKNP FC in the next stage of the competition, giving them a chance to replicate their 2015 run to the final.
PKNS will play Selangor in the semifinals after the latter edged Kuala Lumpur in a penalty shootout.
Perak Stadium opened its doors for the first time this season but a tepid first half saw both Perak and PKNS adopting a cautious approach to the game.
Chances were few and far in between, but Perak needed Hafizul Hakim to twice deny Rafael Ramazotti from finding the opening goal.
The only notable attempt Perak had in the first half right before the half time whistle was when Nor Hakim Hassan dribbled his way into the penalty box but just couldn’t find the right finish.
The action picked up pace early in the second half as PKNS raced to a two goals lead before 10 minutes had been played in the second period.
Centre back Rodney Celvin Akwensivie put the visitors ahead with a thunderous effort from the edge of the penalty box in the 55th minute before K. Gurusamy added to the lead just nine minutes later.
Needing to find four goals to stay in the competition, Perak put up a spirited display and captain Nasir Basharudin scored twice to level the score on the night at 2-2.
But that was all that Perak could manage and K. Rajagopal and his boys will be the ones heading to the FA Cup semi-final instead.
This is the second time in three seasons that the Red Ants have ousted Perak from the FA Cup competition, having done so back in 2016.