KUALA LUMPUR: The 2012 first runner-up, Sime Darby FC, today led seven other teams in advancing to the third round of the FA Cup after trouncing Penang Water Supply Corporation FC (PBAPP FC) 5-1 at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium here tonight.
The squad coached by Ismail Zakaria will play against Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in the third round in March.
Import player Nemanja Vidakovic from Serbia scored a hattrick for Sime Darby FC in the 11th , 23rd and 56th minute, while Dilshod and Marko Perovic each scored a goal in the 41st and 54th minute, respectively.
The visitor’s only goal was contributed by Khairzul Azri Jamal Abd Haziq in the 30th minute.
PDRM, on the other hand, advanced to the third round after defeating Sabah 3-0 at the Shah Alam Stadium, with goals scored by Ali Ashfaq in the 28th minute, and Dramanae Traore in the 40th and 45th minute.
Two-time champion, Kelantan also marched into the third round to play against Kuala Lumpur after a slim 2-1 win on Sarawak at State Stadium in Kuching.
Kelantan’s goals were scored by Erwin Carillo in the second minute and Emmanuel Kenmoge in the 64th minute, while Sarawak’s only goal was netted by import player Ryan Griffiths in the 30th minute.
Sarawak had almost scored an equaliser in the 77th minute, but Griffiths’ penalty shot was saved by keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
At the Inspens Stadium in Bangi, Kuala Lumpur defeated Malaysia FAM League team, MOF FC 3-1.
Also advancing to the third round were three-time champion, Kedah, which was forced to work hard before claiming 1-0 victory over Terengganu club representative, Hanelang FC at the Sultan Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
The Red Eagle squad will play against either Johor Darul Ta’zim II or PKNS FC in the next round.
At Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi,the Negeri Sembilan team defeated UiTM FC 2-0, thanks to the goals netted by Francis Forkey Doe in the 21st and
80th minute. The Rusa squad is scheduled to play against Pulau Pinang or Perlis in the next round.
The match between two FAM League teams at the Bandaraya Stadium in Penang,
saw Misc-Mifa defeated Sungai Ara FC 1-0 with the game’s only goal scored by Muhammad Fuzi in the 26th minute.
However, their path would not be easy as they were scheduled to meet Pahang or Johor Darul Ta’zim in the next round.
The second round match between Pahang and Johor Darul Ta’zim, which was supposed to be held on March 1 had been postponed to March 2 in Kuantan, as both teams were involved in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup championship this week.
A total of 16 teams would play in the second round matches tomorrow to book eight other available slots in the third round of the FA Cup. — BERNAMA