Pahang beat JDT, PKNP shock Felda United

KUALA LUMPUR: A hat trick by Patrick dos Santos Cruz gave Pahang a comfortable 3-0 win over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on aggregate in the second leg of the 2018 FA Cup quarter-finals at Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium in Larkin Friday night and a berth to the semi-finals.

Last year’s FA Cup runnersup, Pahang opened the score in the ninth minute after the Brazilian striker slammed in the ball to beat JDT goalkeeper Mohd Farizal Marlias.

In the second half, the Elephants who were two-time champions (2006, 2014) doubled the score in the 58th minute when Patrick was on target after receiving a pass from M. Kogileswaran Raj.

The Southern Tigers attempted to close the gap by bringing in Safiq Rahim in the 69th but it was too late when Patrick found the net for the third time in the 76th minute which saw JDT suffered their first defeat at their home stadium since 2015.

Both teams were tied to a goalless draw in the first leg at Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on April 6.

Meanwhile, Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNP) FC edged 2018 Premier League leader, Felda United 21 at Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka.

Even though the aggregate results were tied 2-2 after Felda United won 1-0 in Penang State Stadium on April 7, PKNP FC advanced to the semi-finals based on more away goals scored.

The visitors netted their first goal in the 14th minute via a header by captain Muhd Shahrel Fikri Md Fauzi from a free kick by Mohamad Hafiz Ramadan.

Stung by a goal down, the Fighters fought back to equalise through Wan Zack Haikal Wan Noor through a curling free kick in the 25th minute.

Muhd Shahrel emerged PKNK FC hero when he blasted his team’s second goal after receiving a pass from Mohamad Ezanie Mat Salleh in the 42nd minute and presented his team with a ticket to their first FA Cup semi-finals.

The semi-finals will be held on June 22 and 23. – Bernama