KUALA LUMPUR: UiTM FC made Malaysia Cup history by reaching the quarter-finals yesterday with a stunning 3-2 win over Kelantan at the Manjung Stadium.
In their previous outings in the Malaysia Cup, in 2017 and 2019, the university side had finished last in the group stage.
But yesterday UiTM certainly passed their Malaysia Cup test with flying colours while Kelantan failed miserably.
UiTM FC head coach Frank Bernhardt always stressed the importance of early goals, and his boys did exactly that against Kelantan.
UiTM struck as early as the 13th minute through a headed goal by Arif Anwar after he was set up by Lebanese midfielder Rabih Ataya.
And it took the university side just two minutes to double their lead when Gustavo dos Santos evaded a sliding tackle from Kelantan player Azwan Aripin and passed to Rafie Yaacob who duly scored.
Kelantan coach Yusri Che Lah must be one heck of a motivational speaker in the dressing room as in the second half, it was a different Kelantan who showed up.
The Red Warriors quickly cancelled out UiTM's two-goal lead with strikes in the 61st and 63rd minutes through Danial Ashraf Abdullah.
However, UiTM FC kept their composure and found the winner in the 67th minute through Arif who scored with a delightful half bicycle kick.
UiTM FC will meet Penang, who beat Felda United 3-1, in the last eight.
Meanwhile, Selangor who had to "borrow" Melaka's Hang Jebat Stadium due to the CMCO, stole a victory right under the latter's noses.
Selangor, 33-time winners of the Malaysia Cup, knocked out Melaka United 2-1 to move into the last eight against Kedah.
Golden Boot winner Ifedayo Omosuyi was again in a predatory mood for Selangor, scoring in the 21st minute after receiving a pass from Wan Zack Haikal.
The Red Giants doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Omosuyi's pass found an unguarded Sandro da Silva Mendonca who fired home.
Melaka got a goal back four minutes later through Uche Agba after a defensive mistake by Selangor.