Kelantan The Real Warriors (TRW) confirmed their place in the FA Cup 2025/26 quarterfinals after edging KL City FC 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 1-0 defeat in the second-leg Round of 16 clash at the KLFA Stadium, Cheras.
TRW will face the winner between Sabah FC and Bunga Raya FC in the next round, with Sabah holding a commanding 6-0 aggregate advantage heading into their return leg.
KL City, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit, nearly found the opener in the 7th minute when Declan Lambert set up Safawi Rasid, but goalkeeper Damyanov Damyan Valeriy denied the effort.
The home side thought they had broken through in the 14th minute via Safawi, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled the goal out for handball in the buildup.
TRW’s backline held firm under relentless pressure, ensuring the score remained goalless heading into halftime.
Early in the second half, KL City came close again when Azwan Aripin cleared Kpah Sherman’s effort off the line in the 47th minute.
Their persistence finally paid off in the 70th minute, when Spanish defender Victor Ruiz scored to reduce the deficit to 3-2 on aggregate.
Despite late pressure, TRW managed to see out the game, with the 1-0 scoreline proving insufficient for KL City to advance.
The result means TRW continue their impressive FA Cup campaign, keeping alive hopes of a deep run in the competition. Meanwhile, KL City’s elimination marks another setback after an inconsistent domestic season.
Credit Photo : KL City
