Kuala Lumpur City kicked off their Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 season in style, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory over league debutants Imigresen FC at the Stadium Negeri Pulau Pinang, Batu Kawan.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute, albeit in unexpected fashion. IFC captain Mohd Rizal Ghazali inadvertently turned the ball into his own net after attempting to clear under pressure from Paulo Josue’s incisive run. The defensive lapse stemmed from Rizal’s interception attempt on a pass from Safawi Rasid to Josue, which backfired and gifted the visitors the lead.
In the second half, KL City doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Safawi Rasid rose highest to head home Manuel Hidalgo’s pinpoint free kick. The set-piece opportunity came after IFC substitute Thiha Zaw fouled an opponent just outside the box.
IFC’s evening went from bad to worse in the 83rd minute when VAR confirmed a foul by Rafael Holstein inside the penalty area. Hidalgo stepped up and made no mistake, firing a powerful spot-kick past goalkeeper Zarif Irfan to seal the 3-0 triumph.
With this result, Kuala Lumpur City not only start their season with three points but also send an early message that they are ready to compete at the top end of the table, while IFC face a steep learning curve in their maiden Super League campaign.
Credit Photo : KL City
