Melaka booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 Piala Malaysia in convincing fashion after overpowering Sabah with a 5-2 aggregate victory in the Round of 16.
Sabah, nicknamed The Rhinos, anchored their defence with experienced goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, while Dominic Tan wore the captain’s armband and Ajdin Mujagic spearheaded the attack. Melaka, meanwhile, entrusted Haziq Aiman between the posts, with Shahrel Fikri leading the offensive line.
Both sides started aggressively, trading quick counter-attacks in an energetic opening to the first half. Melaka came close through a powerful effort from Shahrel Fikri, but his attempt failed to trouble the Sabah goal. The hosts responded with chances of their own, as Fergus Tierney and Ajdin Mujagic tested Melaka’s defence, though neither could find the breakthrough.
By the 35th minute, the score remained goalless despite the high tempo and end-to-end action. Sabah continued to press late in the first half in front of their home supporters at Stadium Likas, but Melaka goalkeeper Haziq Aiman stood firm with several crucial saves.
The match took a dramatic turn just before half-time when Gary Steven was shown a red card, forcing Sabah to play the remainder of the match with 10 men. The first half ended 0-0.
Melaka wasted no time capitalising on their numerical advantage after the restart. In the 49th minute, newly signed import striker Ahmed Shamsaldin broke the deadlock, giving the visitors a vital goal and firm control of the tie.
As Sabah pushed forward in search of a response, spaces opened up at the back. Che Rashid struck Melaka’s second goal in the 85th minute, effectively ending Sabah’s hopes of a comeback. Just two minutes later, Ahmed Shamsaldin struck again to complete a clinical display, netting Melaka’s third goal of the night in the 87th minute.
The match ended with Melaka securing a 5-2 aggregate win, confirming their progression to the last eight of the Malaysia Cup.
Up next, Melaka will face the winner of the Round of 16 tie between Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and PDRM, who are scheduled to contest the second leg on Saturday.
Credit Photo : Melaka FC
