ASEAN Round-up: Jdt Cruise into Malaysia Fa Cup Semi-finals

KUCHING, 12 OCTOBER 2026 —

Johor Darul Ta’zim FC advanced to the Malaysia FA Cup semi-finals on Friday, securing a 4-1 victory over Penang FC to complete an 11-3 aggregate win.

The match provided a decisive conclusion to the tie, with JDT controlling the second leg to eliminate any doubt regarding their progression. The victory underscores the team’s depth and tactical discipline, allowing them to manage their squad effectively while competing on multiple fronts. This achievement adds to the club’s recent successes in regional football, where they have established themselves as a dominant force in the ASEAN Club Championship.

In the FA Cup tie, Bérson da Silva opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, setting the tone for the match. Ignacio Méndez and Shahab Zahedi added to JDT’s lead in the first half, extending their advantage before the break. Manuel Hidalgo struck in the 72nd minute to complete the victory, sealing the 4-1 result and the 11-3 aggregate triumph.

The performance highlighted the attacking versatility of the squad, with goals coming from different players across the match.

Kuching City FC also progressed to the semi-finals following a 4-1 win over Kelantan City FC on Saturday. Ajdin Mujagić scored a hat-trick in the 18th, 67th, and 80th minutes, providing the decisive edge for the Sarawak-based side. Yuki Tanigawa had opened the scoring in the 10th minute, establishing an early lead that Kuching City maintained throughout the match.

This result secures Kuching City’s place in the final four of the Malaysia FA Cup, adding another domestic trophy contender to the competition.

The broader context of these domestic results is intertwined with the ongoing ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, where Malaysian clubs have shown strong form. In the championship’s Group B, Johor Darul Ta’zim FC powered to a stylish 6-0 win over PKR Svay Rieng of Cambodia in their opening match on Thursday. This dominant performance demonstrated the club’s readiness for continental competition, complementing their domestic success.

Kuching City FC, which had previously drawn 2-2 with Tampines Rovers FC in its debut match in the ASEAN Club Championship in Sarawak, has now secured a domestic semi-final spot. The earlier draw featured a stoppage-time header by Gabriel Peres, highlighting the team’s resilience in high-pressure situations.

The transition from a dramatic draw in the regional competition to a decisive 4-1 win in the domestic cup illustrates the squad’s ability to adapt and perform under varying competitive conditions.

Other ASEAN nations saw varied results in their domestic leagues and cup competitions during the same period. In Thai League 1, Ratchaburi FC defeated Sukhothai FC 6-0, with Ekanit Panya striking twice and Tarek Aggoun, Robert Žulj, Pedro Dominguez Placeres, and Njiva Rakotoharimalala also on target. Buriram United FC twice came from behind to defeat Rayong FC 3-2, with Thanakrit Chotmuangpak striking in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure the win.

Port FC edged Pattani FC 3-2, with Bruno Moreira netting the winner two minutes after Teerasak Poeiphimai’s equalizer.

In Singapore, Lion City Sailors FC recorded a 6-1 victory over Young Lions, with Matthias Phaëton scoring twice and Bart Ramselaar, Hugo Gomes, Bailey Wright, and Ilhan Fandi finding the net. Tampines Rovers FC defeated Tanjong Pagar United FC 4-0, with all goals scored in the second half by Hide Higashikawa, Yuma Kimura, Seiga Sumi, and Faris Ramli.

These results reflect the competitive intensity across the region’s top clubs, setting the stage for the upcoming semi-final encounters in Malaysia.

The Malaysian FA Cup semi-finals will now feature Johor Darul Ta’zim FC and Kuching City FC, both of which have demonstrated strong form in their respective ties. The progression of these two teams ensures a high-quality domestic final, with both clubs having recently tested their mettle in the ASEAN Club Championship.

The upcoming matches will be a key indicator of the teams’ ability to sustain performance across multiple competitions, as they prepare for the final stages of the domestic season.