Pahang knock out FA Cup defending champions Kedah

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2017 FA Cup finalists, Pahang redeemed their loss to defending champions Kedah after chalking up a narrow 1-0 win to advance into the quarter-finals.

In an FA Cup third round match at Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan Saturday night, the solitary goal by Gambian import player Mohamadou Sumareh in the 45th minute assisted the squad under Dollah Salleh to march on to the last eight.

It was sweet revenge for the Elephants who lost 2-3 to Red Eagles in the 2017 final at Shah Alam Stadium.

Meanwhile, a hat-trick by national young striker, Safawi Rasid in the 11th, 41st and 72nd minutes assisted the 2016 champions, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to progress into the quarter-finals with a 3-2 defeat of UiTM FC at UiTM Stadium, Shah Alam.

The university side closed the gap with goals from Argentine import player, Lucas Ramon during the first half injury time and Faiz Mohd Bandong in the final minute of the match.

At Shah Alam Stadium, PKNS FC capitalised on home advantage to crush Kelantan 4-1.

The squad under coach Datuk K. Rajagobal opened the score via a penalty taken by Columbian Romel Oswaldo Morales in the 15th minute before Mahali Jasuli (43rd minute), Mohd Safee Mohd Sali (60th minute) and Rafael Ramazotti (65th minute) added to the misery of their opponents.

The Red Warriors netted a consolation goal by their Lebanese player, Mohammed Ghaddar who converted a penalty in the second half of injury time after the ball touched the hand of a PKNS FC defender.

Also advancing to the quarter-finals were Perak who beat Penang 3-1 at State Stadium in Batu Kawan.

Brazilian import Wander Luiz Bitencourt Junior was the toast of Bos Gaurus when he scored a brace in the 18th and 78th minutes.

His countryman teammate Gilmar Jose Silva Filho also found the net in the 75th minute for Perak while Penang closed the gap via Nigerian import, Ugochukwu Ukah in the 89th minute.

Playing with 10 men did not prevent Kuala Lumpur from progressing into the quarter-finals when they beat Melaka United 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out at Hang Jebat Stadium after the two sides were tied 1-1 in extra time.