Piala FA: Penang FC Stage Dramatic Comeback to Reach QF

Penang FC completed a stunning comeback to secure their place in the Piala FA Malaysia 2026/27 quarter-finals, defeating Melaka FC 3-1 on aggregate after a dramatic second-leg encounter at Stadium Bandaraya, Pulau Pinang.

Penang entered the second leg holding a narrow advantage after Faith Obilor's strike secured a 1-0 victory at Stadium Hang Jebat on September 2.

However, Melaka immediately put the hosts under pressure and succeeded in cancelling out Penang's aggregate lead in the 35th minute.

Melaka's influential import striker Kpah Sherman finished clinically after receiving a cross from Azwan Aripin, firing past Penang goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid to make it 1-0 on the day and 1-1 on aggregate.

The equaliser forced the Harimau Kumbang to intensify their efforts as they searched for a goal that would restore their advantage.

Penang thought they had found the breakthrough just before halftime when midfielder Kosimov Bakhtiyorjon found the net.

However, referee S Logeswaran overturned the goal following a VAR review, with the decision confirming a foul had been committed in front of the Melaka goal.

The disallowed goal only delayed Penang's comeback.

Under the guidance of head coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, the Harimau Kumbang returned for the second half with greater determination and finally got their reward in the 74th minute.

Captain Stefano Brundo stepped up from a free-kick situation and produced a superb strike that flew directly into the net, restoring Penang's lead on aggregate.

With Melaka desperately pushing for a late response and the match seemingly heading towards a 1-1 draw on the night, Penang delivered the decisive blow deep into stoppage time.

Substitute Celestine Enzo emerged as the hero, finding the back of the net in added time to seal a crucial second-leg victory and extinguish Melaka's remaining hopes of progressing in the FA Cup.

The final result saw Penang FC prevail 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, booking their place in the quarter-finals.

The victory means Penang are now on course for another potential showdown with defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), repeating last season's FA Cup script.

JDT booked their own place in the quarter-finals after demolishing UM Damansara United 14-1 on aggregate, including a massive 10-0 victory at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium yesterday.

Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo