Penang FC booked their place in the final of the Malaysia Challenge Cup 2025/26 for the first time since the competition’s introduction eight years ago after defeating Kelantan The Real Warriors 1–0 in the second leg of the semi-final at Stadium Bandaraya, Pulau Pinang.
Playing on home turf, Penang expected a difficult challenge and were immediately tested by an aggressive approach from the visitors.
Kelantan The Real Warriors pushed forward early in search of a crucial goal that could revive their hopes of overturning the deficit.
However, the visitors struggled to penetrate a well-organised Penang defence marshalled by Brundo and Nigerian centre-back Faith Obilor, who consistently neutralised Kelantan’s attacking threats.
After absorbing sustained pressure, Penang gradually found their rhythm and nearly opened the scoring in the 35th minute.
Striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls won a penalty after being brought down inside the box by defender Mohamad Faris Shah Rosli.
The Australian forward stepped up to take the spot-kick himself, but his effort was brilliantly read and saved by Kelantan goalkeeper Damyan Damyanov, keeping the score level heading into halftime.
Penang returned with renewed attacking intent after the break and were awarded another penalty when the ball struck the hand of Kelantan defender Alexandre Yeoule inside the penalty area.
This time, captain Brundo stepped up and confidently blasted the ball into the net in the 56th minute, giving the home side the lead and effectively sealing their place in the final.
Penang almost doubled their advantage late in the match through Wenzel-Halls, but the goal was ruled out for offside by referee Mohd Afdzal Hilmi Zulkiflee.
The match ended 1–0, confirming Penang FC’s 6–2 aggregate triumph and sending them into the final of the Malaysia Challenge Cup.
Awaiting them in the final will be Sabah FC, who secured their spot after eliminating Perak FC with a 1–0 aggregate victory in the other semi-final.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
