Kedah Darul Aman edge victory in the first match after beating Kuala Lumpur City scoring 3-2 in the Unifi Piala Malaysia 2024/25 round of 16 first leg at Darul Aman Stadium, Alor Setar.
Kedah’s captain, Sony Norde, proved to be the difference-maker with a stunning brace in the first half, while Sukhrob Nurullaev added a third goal in the second half. The win gives Kedah a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg on December 1 in Kuala Lumpur.
KL City stunned the home crowd early, with Ryan Lambert opening the scoring in the 13th minute. Lambert’s spectacular left-footed strike from outside the box found the top-left corner, leaving Kedah goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal with no chance.
Kedah responded in style. Sony Norde equalized in the 26th minute with a powerful shot that left KL City’s goalkeeper Azri Ab Ghani rooted. Just four minutes later, Norde doubled his tally with a dazzling solo effort, putting Kedah ahead 2-1 to the delight of the home supporters.
The Canaries maintained their momentum in the second half. Sukhrob Nurullaev added a third goal in the 67th minute, capitalizing on a clever combination with Ebenezer Assifuah. Nurullaev’s precise finish put Kedah in a commanding position.
Refusing to back down, KL City reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute. Jovan Motika scored after a quick counterattack from the right flank, giving the visitors a lifeline.
Kedah nearly added a fourth goal in the 77th minute when Fayadh Zulkifli unleashed a shot that rattled the post. Despite KL City’s late pressure, Kedah held firm to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
Kedah will carry their slender advantage into the second leg at KL City’s home ground. With just a one-goal lead, the tie remains wide open, promising another thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament.
Credit Photo : HKAG.MY
