Johor Darul Ta’zim were made to work hard before securing a narrow 2-1 victory over Penang FC in the first leg of the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 Quarter-Finals at Stadium Bandaraya, Pulau Pinang.
Head coach Xisco Muñoz’s men made a lively start and took the lead in the 7th minute when Oscar Aribas finished off a brilliant team move involving Heberty Fernandes and Jairo Da Silva, slotting home Jairo’s precise cross to put the visitors ahead.
Penang, adopting a cautious approach, had their first real chance in the 25th minute through a free kick, but the effort was comfortably dealt with by the JDT defence.
Aribas nearly doubled JDT’s advantage in the 33rd minute after breaking behind Adib Ra’op, but the Penang winger recovered well to thwart the Spanish midfielder’s attempt.
Despite the slippery pitch and light rain, the hosts clawed their way back. Wenzel Halls caused chaos in JDT’s defence when his through ball found Adib Ra’op, who saw his initial shot saved by Syihan Hazmi. However, Adib reacted quickly to bury the rebound, equalizing for Penang in the 36th minute.
Jairo appeared to have restored JDT’s lead in the 41st minute, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review confirming he was offside.
Penang’s evening worsened just before halftime when Ahmad Irfan received a straight red card from referee Faizudin Ismail for a dangerous tackle on Romel Morales, leaving the hosts down to 10 men.
In the second half, JDT made their numerical advantage count as Ager Aketxe fired home a thunderous strike in the 55th minute to make it 2-1 for the Southern Tigers.
The wet and muddy conditions made it difficult for both sides to maintain fluid play, with few clear chances created in the closing stages.
The win gives JDT a slender one-goal advantage heading into the second leg at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on October 28, where they will look to complete the job and secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Credit Photo : JST
