BY ZULHILMI ZAINAL Follow on Twitter
Three more sides confirmed their places in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, after six of the eight Malaysia Cup round five matches were played on Tuesday. Group B and Group D too have each finalised the two clubs that will qualify.
Group A
In Group A, Pahang bounced back from their round four defeat to Negeri Sembilan last week, by hammering dark horse PKNP FC 6-0 at home. PKNP, having confirmed qualification and first-place in the group last week, fielded a weaker side, which resulted in the drubbing. The hosts' goals were scored by Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria (28', 32'), Joseph Kalang Tie (33', 42'), Afif Amiruddin (84') and Matheus Alves (87').
Photos from the Pahang-PKNP match
In the other match in the group, T-Team FC found their first win in the competition, trouncing Negeri Sembilan 4-1 in Kuala Terengganu. The visitors had placed themselves in a good position to follow PKNP after recording a surprise victory over Pahang last week, but could not do the same against the Titans. The hosts' goals were scored by Asrol Ibrahim (25'), Wan Ahmad Amirzafran (40'), Dilshod Sharofetdinov (49') and Fakhrurazi Musa (80'), while Negeri's consolation goal was scored by Nizam Ruslan in the 79th minute. This defeat may come as a disappointment to many, but the Deers are currently prioritising their push for promotion to the Super League.
Following the two matches, the race for the remaining qualification spot in the group remains tight. PKNP are unassailable in first with 10 points, Pahang in second with six, followed by T-Team in third and Negeri Sembilan last, both on five points. In the final matchday, Pahang will host T-Team while Negeri will host PKNP.
Highlights of the T-Team vs Negeri Sembilan match
Group B
Group B is one of the two groups that have confirmed both qualifiers. In Jengka, Felda United snatched the remaining qualification spot by defeating PKNS FC 3-2, having had to come from behind twice in the match. Bobby Gonzales opened the scoring for the visitors in the 31st minute, but Ifedaya Olusegun equalised one minute into the second half. The Red Ants were awarded a penalty which was converted by Nazrin Syamsul Bahri in the 61st minute, but Shukor Adan tied the scoreline again 13 minutes later. Ifedaya became his team's hero not a minute later, scoring a 75th-minute winner.
Photos from the Felda United-PKNS match
In the other match, Perak, who have secured qualification in the previous matchday, cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Kuala Lumpur at the Perak Stadium. Gilmar Jose Da Silva opened the scoring for the hosts in the 22nd minute, before Kenny Pallraj doubled the lead 15 minutes later.
Perak in first place on 13 points, and Felda in second on 11, are now unassailable by Kuala Lumpur in third on two and last-placed PKNS on one point. In the final matchday Perak will host Felda, with a draw sufficient to let the Bos Gaurus retain their top spot. Kuala Lumpur meanwhile will host PKNS.
Photos from the Perak-Kuala Lumpur match
Group C
Only one match was played in Group C on Tuesday, with Kedah recording a slim 1-0 win over UiTM FC in Alor Star. The only goal of the match was scored by Danish forward Ken Ilso Larsen, who pounced on a deflection to score in the 25th minute.
Ken Ilso Larsen's goal
The other round five match of the group will be held on Wednesday; between Kelantan and Melaka United who are both on six points, but the Red Eagles, now on 12 points have secured their place in the quarter-finals with the win; although not the first place yet. The winner of tonight's match stand a good chance of following Kedah to the knockout stage. UiTM meanwhile can no longer qualify from the group stage.
Group D
Only the match between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Terengganu was played on Tuesday in this group, which ended in a 5-0 trouncing of the visitors. Safawi Rashid opened the scoring in the 19th minute by putting away a penalty, and the floodgates were broken afterwards. Five more goals were scored; by Fadhli Shas (38'), Kunanlan Subramaniam (45+2), Hazwan Bakri (49') and Darren Lok (80').
JDT vs Terengganu match highlights
With the win, the Southern Tigers have taken the top spot away from Selangor, at least until Wednesday night, and qualified for the quarter-finals. On Wednesday Selangor host last-placed Sarawak. The Crocodiles and the Turtles can no longer qualify to the knockout stage.
