Selangor FC advanced to the semi-finals of the Piala FA Malaysia 2025/26 after overcoming Negeri Sembilan FC with a 6–3 aggregate victory, despite a spirited challenge from the visitors in the quarter-final second leg at MBPJ Stadium, Petaling Jaya.
Head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi fielded a strong Selangor lineup, with Kalamullah Al-Hafiz guarding the goal, Harith Haiqal leading the backline, and Willian Lira spearheading the attack. Negeri Sembilan, under K. Nanthakumar, responded with Azri Ghani between the posts and Jovan Motika as their main attacking threat.
Despite Selangor’s early dominance, it was Negeri Sembilan who stunned the home crowd by scoring first. In the 12th minute, Harith Samsuri capitalised on a corner delivery to slot home and give The Jangs the lead.
Building on that momentum, Javabilaarivin, wearing the No. 19 jersey, doubled Negeri Sembilan’s advantage in the 27th minute with a well-placed strike — narrowing the aggregate deficit and putting real pressure on the Red Giants.
Selangor, however, responded before halftime. Their Brazilian forward Willian Lira found the net with a clinical finish in the 42nd minute, restoring Selangor’s three-goal cushion overall. The first half ended 2–1 in favour of Negeri Sembilan, but Selangor remained ahead on aggregate.
Both teams returned for the second half with renewed determination. Selangor introduced Faisal Halim, whose pace and creativity immediately caused problems for Negeri Sembilan’s defenders.
Faisal’s constant pressure created several close chances as the home side sought to regain full control of the game. Negeri Sembilan, needing goals, pushed forward but left gaps at the back that Selangor almost exploited.
In the 80th minute, Mio Tsuneyasu reignited hopes for Negeri Sembilan with their third goal of the tie, reducing the aggregate deficit to two. However, any comeback ambitions were swiftly ended just six minutes later.
Selangor captain Faisal Halim sealed the match in the 86th minute with a composed finish, breaking through the visiting defence to score the decisive goal that confirmed Selangor’s progress.
The match ended 2–2 on the night, but Selangor’s 6–3 aggregate win sees them through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup 2025, where they will face Sabah FC — who defeated Kelantan TRW FC 5–2 on aggregate.
Credit Photo : SFC
