Kuching City are poised to play in the FA Cup semi-finals

KUCHING, 10 Oct: Kuching City FC booked a spot in the FA Cup semi-final after defeating Kelantan City FC 4-1 in the second quarter final at Taha Ariffin Stadium, last night.

The success saw Aidil Sharin Sahak's control squad continue to dominate in the FA Cup competition after both teams were tied without a net at the first quarter-final stage.

Acting on their own site, The Cats exhibited aggressive action from the start whistle by dominating the game as well as launching a wireless attack towards the visitor's defensive stronghold.

Aidil's stakes-taking formations paid off when Kuching City opened the grid curtain in the 10th minute with Yuki Tanigawa's corner-cornered result of Nazmi Faiz.

The network was however examined through a Video Assistance Arbitrator (VAR) check before being confirmed after the ball was found to have crossed the goal line.

Kuching City continued to strengthen the grip as Ajdin Mugajic overtook Joao Pedro's delivery in the 17th minute to double their home-field advantage to 2-0.

Kelantan City however managed to close the gap in the 45th minute with Hadin's solid thrust from a distance of about 30 metres which defeated home goalkeeper Shahril Saari.

Entering the second half, Kuching City continued to organize the offensive movement before Mugajic scored the second goal in the 67th minute of Ramadan Saifullah's delivery to make the standings 3-1.

Kelantan City attempted to rise through several counterattacks, but failed to penetrate the home defence fortress to gain a foothold.

Mugajic continued to steal the spotlight by completing the hat-trick in the 81st minute, again with Ramadan's score, to extend Kuching City's lead to 4-1.

The striker nearly added his net collection in the 90th minute after crossing Dylan Wenzel-Halls's long distance, but the goal was scored after a VAR check found him in an offside position.

Kuching City are now awaiting the winners of the Selangor FC and Star City FC meeting which will face them in the semi-finals. - TVS