Sarawak’s Joseph Kalang Tie fight for the ball with Kelantan player during their Super League match at the Stadium Negeri, in this Jan 21 file photo. — Photo by Muhd Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The Crocs have a chance to make up for their 2013 quarter-final disappointment when they kick-off their FA Cup campaign against Kelantan in the second round next February.
The Red Giants handed Sarawak their only home defeat of the 2013 season, winning 2-1 at Stadium Negeri and progressing to the semi-final on a 4-1 aggregate. The Crocs, however, went on to win the Premier League undefeated and reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
If the Crocs overcome the first hurdle this time, they should have an easier passage in the third round against the second-round winner between MOF FC and either Harimau Muda C (Under-19) or Kuala Lumpur, which have to play in the first-round qualifier.
Their next potential Super League outfit would only come in the quarter-final.
Potential opponents are 2014 Premier League champion Police who are drawn against Sabah in the second round and Sime Darby who face PBABB FC (Penang Waterboard).
Sarawak’s FA Cup campaign last season also ended in the quarter-final after they were eliminated by Felda United on away-goals following a 2-2 draw at home. Felda United eventually reached the final only to lose 1-2 to Pahang. Defending champions Pahang and Super League winner JDT are set to cross swords in the Super League curtain raiser – the Charity Shield – next month.
Four teams will compete in the FA Cup first round qualifiers, including DRB-Hicom FC who will face Selangor PKNS. JDT II await in the second round. The dates for the matches have yet to be confirmed.
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have changed the rules for the coming season which require the defending champions and runner-up to play in the second round, unlike in the previous editions whereby the finalists were given a bye.
A total of 34 teams will compete in the 2015 season, four more than previously. The first three rounds will be played on a knockout basis while the home and away format will be used from the quarter-final onwards.