Selangor FC were left frustrated after surrendering a 2-2 draw against Sabah FC in the first leg of their Piala FA Malaysia 2026/27 Round of 16 tie at Likas Stadium.
The Red Giants had been hoping to return to Petaling Jaya with a positive result, but instead must now prepare for a decisive second leg at Stadium MBPJ on September 9, with a place in the quarter-finals still up for grabs.
Sabah, meanwhile, will take confidence from a spirited home performance as they look to produce a major upset against one of the league’s leading sides.
The hosts made the brighter start and were rewarded in the 33rd minute. New Zealand import Dane Ingham rose highest inside the penalty area and powered a header beyond the Selangor goalkeeper to give Sabah a 1-0 advantage.
The goal immediately lifted the home crowd at Likas as Sabah looked to build a strong first-leg advantage before travelling to Petaling Jaya.
Selangor responded almost immediately through Kay Tejan, who produced a superb header in the 35th minute to bring the visitors level.
The equaliser settled the Red Giants and ensured that neither side could take a lead into half-time, with both teams continuing to search for openings.
Despite further attacking efforts from both sides, the score remained 1-1 at the interval.
Selangor came out with greater attacking intent after the restart and were rewarded within five minutes.
In the 50th minute, Chrigor Moraes fired a powerful effort from inside the penalty area to complete Selangor’s comeback and put the visitors ahead for the first time.
The Brazilian forward’s finish appeared to put the Red Giants in control of the tie, but Sabah refused to back down.
Sabah responded strongly and found their second equaliser in the 58th minute through experienced midfielder Halim Shaari.
The former Kedah player made no mistake to bring the hosts level at 2-2, reigniting hopes of securing a first-leg advantage.
The goal also ensured that the momentum swung back and forth between the two sides in an increasingly open contest.
The final stages saw Selangor and Sabah exchange attacks, with both teams relying on their key attacking players to find the decisive breakthrough.
Selangor pushed forward in search of a winning goal that would have given them a valuable advantage heading into the return leg, while Sabah continued to threaten on the counter.
Neither side, however, could find the finishing touch required to settle the contest.
The match eventually ended 2-2, leaving the Round of 16 tie perfectly balanced.
The draw means Selangor will now have home advantage for the second leg at Stadium MBPJ on September 9
Credit Photo : Sabah FC
