Kelantan City eye upset over The Cats

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

PETALING JAYA, 10 Oct 2026 – Kelantan City FC winger Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria said his side must tighten its defence and be ready to endure a penalty shoot‑out if the FA Cup quarter‑final second leg against Kuching City FC goes to a draw tonight at Stadium Taha Ariffin.

“Alhamdulillah now the preparation is getting better and we know playing away is always harder, especially against Kuching City who have many quality players, particularly the imports,” he said. “But for me the chance is still 50‑50 for both teams and they have just played Tampine Rovers yesterday, so we have seen how they play as well.”

He added that Kelantan City would focus on a solid defensive shape and would not shy away from a penalty shoot‑out if the match remains dead‑locked. “Whatever, we will try to defend as best as we can, even if it goes to penalties, that is fine, because we are worried that if we play more open against a quality side like them, we will fall behind,” he explained.

The comments came as the FA Cup’s second‑leg fixtures continue to generate anticipation. In addition to the Kuching City‑Kelantan City clash, Kuala Lumpur City FC is set to host DPMM FC tomorrow after a 3‑3 draw in their opening encounter. Kuala Lumpur City coach Datuk Dollah Salleh said the three‑week break has been valuable for addressing individual weaknesses and improving the squad’s overall performance ahead of the upcoming match at Stadium Bolasepak Kuala Lumpur.

Another second‑leg tie scheduled for tomorrow features Star City FC against Selangor FC at Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya. The fixture is expected to be fiercely contested, adding to the weekend’s slate of high‑stakes FA Cup action.

Wan Zaharulnizam’s remarks underscore Kelantan City’s strategic emphasis on defensive solidity in the face of a potent opponent. The team’s ability to hold Kuching City to a nil‑nil result in the first leg suggests a disciplined approach, yet the winger cautioned that the away environment and the opponent’s depth could force Kelantan City to adapt quickly.

Kuching City’s recent match against Tampine Rovers, referenced by Wan Zaharulnizam, indicates that they have been tested already and may carry momentum into the second leg. While no specific details of that match were provided, the implication is that Kuching City’s form will be a factor in the upcoming encounter.

Datuk Dollah Salleh’s focus on the three‑week interlude highlights a broader trend among FA Cup participants: using the pause to rectify tactical and personnel issues before crucial knockout games. His comments suggest that Kuala Lumpur City will aim to convert the lessons learned from the 3‑3 draw into a decisive result against DPMM FC.

The series of fixtures, including the Star City‑Selangor showdown, reflects the FA Cup’s competitive depth this season, with multiple clubs seeking to capitalize on the knockout format to secure a place in the semi‑finals. The outcomes of these matches will determine the composition of the remaining slots at the tournament’s latter stages.

As the quarter‑finals progress, Kelantan City’s preparation, defensive focus, and willingness to accept a penalty resolution will be tested against Kuching City’s quality imports and recent form. The result tonight will decide whether Kelantan City advances to the semi‑finals at Stadium Taha Ariffin or faces elimination, while the other scheduled ties will similarly shape the tournament’s trajectory.