Terengganu FC took a major step toward the quarter-finals of the Piala Malaysia 2025/26 after securing a solid 2-0 away victory over UM-Damansara United in the first leg of the Round of 16 clash at Stadium UM Arena, Kuala Lumpur.
The hosts fielded Ameerul Eqhwan between the posts, with Shivan Pillay captaining the side and Sean Gan Giannelli leading the attack. Terengganu, meanwhile, entrusted Rahadiazli as their last line of defence, Shahrul Nizam wore the captain’s armband, while national forward Haqimi Azim spearheaded the Sang Penyu frontline.
Both sides showed attacking intent from the opening exchanges, trading quick counter-attacks in an entertaining early phase of the match. However, it was the visitors who struck first.
Terengganu broke the deadlock as early as the fifth minute, when Brazilian striker Careca unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat the UM-Damansara United goalkeeper, giving Sang Penyu the perfect start.
Buoyed by the early goal, Terengganu continued to press forward in search of a second, with Careca proving a constant threat. Despite several dangerous attempts late in the first half, the visitors were unable to extend their lead, and the first period ended 1-0 in their favour.
After the break, UM-Damansara United raised their tempo in front of home supporters, pushing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. Shervoni Mabatshoev came close in the 62nd minute with a volley, only for Shivan Pillay to intervene defensively to deny the effort.
The hosts’ best chance arrived in the 73rd minute when Thankgod Michael tested Rahadiazli, but the Terengganu goalkeeper stood firm with an excellent save to preserve the lead.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute, when a Terengganu free-kick caused chaos in the penalty area, resulting in an unfortunate own goal by Shivan Pillay, doubling the visitors’ advantage and effectively killing off UM-Damansara United’s comeback hopes.
The match ended 2-0 in favour of Terengganu, putting Sang Penyu in a commanding position ahead of the second leg.
Both teams will meet again in the return fixture at Stadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on 23 January, where UM-Damansara United face a tough task to overturn the deficit against the experienced Terengganu side.
Credit Photo : TFC
