Sabah FC ended a 27-year drought and booked their long-awaited spot in the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 final after edging Selangor FC 5-4 on penalties in a dramatic semi-final second leg at MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya.
Due to FAM disciplinary sanctions, Selangor were forced to play behind closed doors — but that did little to dull the intensity on the pitch.
Selangor drew first blood in the 33rd minute when Faisal Halim struck with precision, giving the Red Giants a crucial advantage.
Sabah levelled the score just two minutes into the second half when Dane Ingham smashed home a powerful strike past Sikh Izhan.
But Selangor responded instantly, Four minutes later, Chrigor Moraes unleashed a rocket from outside the box — a shot too fierce for Damien Lim to keep out — restoring Selangor’s lead.
The end-to-end drama continued, In the 62nd minute, Ajdin Mujagic pounced on a rebound after Stuart Wilkin’s shot rattled the crossbar, making it 2-2 and keeping Sabah’s dream alive.
Entering the final 20 minutes, Faisal Halim once again delivered for Selangor, finishing smartly in the 73rd minute to push the Red Giants ahead for the third time.
But with three minutes left on the clock, Sabah earned a penalty after substitute Raimi Shamsul fouled Farhan Roslan inside the box.
Mujagic, cool as ice, converted the spot-kick — 3-3. A hat-trick of comebacks for the Rhinos.
Just when it seemed extra time would unfold, disaster struck Selangor.
Star defender Mamadou Diarra was shown a straight red card deep into stoppage time for a foul on Muhammad Fakrul Iman Naszari.
Even with a man advantage, Sabah couldn’t find the winner, sending the tie into penalties.
Under the crushing pressure of the shootout, Damien Lim produced the moment that will be replayed in Sabah football history.
He saved Selangor’s final penalty taken by Mohammad Abualnadi, sealing a 5-4 penalty win and sending Sabah into the FA Cup final where they will meet defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
This marks Sabah’s first FA Cup final appearance since 1998, when they lost 1-0 to Johor FA.
Credit Photo : Sabah FC
