Terengganu FC made full use of home advantage at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, Gong Badak to book their place in the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 quarter-finals, defeating Imigresen FC 3-0 in the Round of 16 second leg on Sunday night.
Coming into the tie with a narrow 2-1 deficit from the first leg, Terengganu knew only victory would secure progression. Backed by their passionate home supporters, “Peteh” responded in emphatic fashion.
Head coach Badrul Afzan welcomed back Brazilian striker Gabriel Silva to the starting lineup, while Imigresen relied on ex-Sabah forward Joao Pedro to lead their attack.
Terengganu took control early, with Junior Sam, Silva, and Akhyar Rashid combining dangerously in the final third. Their pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Sam pounced on a rebound spilled by goalkeeper Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin, slotting home to give the hosts the lead.
The momentum carried forward as Akhyar Rashid, a national team winger, doubled Terengganu’s advantage in the 32nd minute with a clinical finish. Despite efforts from Pedro, Wilmar Jordan Gil, and Fayadh Zulkifli Amin, Imigresen failed to break through, trailing 2-0 at halftime.
Roared on by the SSMZA crowd, Terengganu pushed harder in the second half. Akhyar struck again in the 51st minute, sealing his brace and stretching the aggregate to 4-2 in favor of the Turtles.
Imigresen nearly found a lifeline when Thai defender Keron Ornchaiyaphum rattled the crossbar with a free kick in the 73rd minute. Substitute Yann Mabella also caused problems with his pace, but Zarif denied Akhyar’s late effort.
Ultimately, the visitors’ resistance faded as Terengganu closed out a commanding 3-0 win (4-2 on aggregate) to book their quarter-final place.
The victory sets up a quarter-final clash for Terengganu against Melaka FC on 19 September. Imigresen, meanwhile, will shift their focus back to the league, preparing to host Negeri Sembilan FC on 20 September.
Credit Photo : TFC
