Selangor FC were left frustrated after being held to a 2-2 draw by Sabah FC in the first leg of the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 semi-final at Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu
The Red Giants entered the clash eager to bounce back from their AFC Champions League Two 2025/26 elimination, having fallen 3-2 to Persib Bandung earlier in the week. Interim head coach Christophe Gamel made several tactical changes, with Faisal Halim returning to lead the attack, while Sabah boss Jean-Paul de Marigny placed his faith in Bosnian forward Ajdin Mujagic, who continued his fine scoring form.
Selangor thought they had broken the deadlock as early as the 8th minute when Alvin Fortes found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Just five minutes later, Sabah took the lead through Ajdin Mujagic. Although goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel saved Mujagic’s initial effort, the striker reacted quickly to convert the rebound for a 1-0 advantage.
Fortes thought he had equalized in the 18th minute, but once again, the flag was raised for offside — much to the dismay of the Selangor bench. The first half ended with Sabah maintaining their slender 1-0 lead.
In the second half, Selangor intensified their attacks on Damien Lim’s goal but found it difficult to break through Sabah’s compact defense. Coach Gamel introduced Fazly Mazlan and Willian Lira to inject fresh energy — and the move paid off.
Selangor equalized in the 64th minute when Fazly’s intended cross took a deflection off Dane Ingham’s thigh and looped into the net to make it 1-1.
The Red Giants’ momentum continued, and in the 80th minute, Nooa Laine rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Faisal Halim, heading home Selangor’s second goal to turn the match on its head.
However, just as Selangor seemed poised to take home a crucial first-leg victory, Mujagic struck again in the 90th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to secure a 2-2 draw for Sabah and keep their hopes alive heading into the return leg.
With both teams level heading into the second leg on November 30 at MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya the tie remains wide open as Selangor and Sabah battle for a place in the 2025–26 FA Cup Final.
Before the decisive clash, Selangor will face Kelantan The Real Warriors FC on November 22, while Sabah meet Penang FC on November 23 in Liga Super Malaysia action.
Credit Photo : SFC
