Kuching City-Selangor: Can history repeat itself?

A fierce rivalry between Kuching City FC and Selangor FC in the semi-finals of the 2025/2026 Malaysia Cup season could potentially be among the focuses of the 2026/2027 FA Cup competition if both teams meet at the same level this season.

Kuching City first confirmed qualification for the FA Cup semi-finals after defeating Kelantan City FC 4-1 in a quarter-final match at Taha Ariffin Stadium, last night by an aggregate score of 4-1.

The victory came through the opening grid of Yuki Tanigawa in the 10th minute followed by two first goals and another grid in the second half by forward Aidin Mujagic who completed a hat-trick in the 81st minute.

Kelantan City once narrowed the gap via Hadin Azman's long-distance network before the break, but Kuching City continued to control the game in the second half to secure victory and a place into the semifinals.

However, Selangor still have to confirm the feat when scheduled against Star City FC in a quarter-final match tonight, bringing an aggregate 4-1 lead from the first game.

If Selangor were to lose, the match would bring back memories of a Malaysia Cup semi-final that saw Kuching City eliminate the Red Giants to advance to the final for the first time in club history.

In the first semi-final of Malaysia Cup 2025/2026 at Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium on April 5, both teams tied 1-1 in a match that saw Kuching City take the lead with Ronald Ngah Wanja's penalty kick in the 42nd minute.

Selangor however managed to level the standings during the second half injury by Chrigor Moraes, thus ensuring both teams' chances were still open ahead of a replay in Kuching.

The second leg at the Negeri Stadium on 18 April was decisive as Kuching City recorded a 1-0 win via Petrus Shitembi's net in the 30th minute.

The result allowed Aidil Sharin Sahak's control squad to score 2-1, thus making history by qualifying for the Malaysia Cup finals for the first time.

The match also saw Selangor face difficulties after its two players, Mohammad Safuwan Baharudin and Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi were red-carded in the second half.

Despite having a two-player advantage, Kuching City failed to add to the network, but the 1-0 result remained until the final whistle to confirm The Cats' superiority.

If they meet Selangor again in a losing streak, Kuching City will surely want to continue the momentum after their successes into this season's FA Cup semi-final.

The victory over Kelantan City showed the Cats' ability to take advantage of opportunities ahead of goal especially through Mujagic's sharpness which became a split in the quarter-finals.

However, semi-final competitions usually demand a higher level of consistency and discipline especially when facing experienced teams like Selangor.

For Selangor, if they manage to pass Star City, they have a chance to continue their FA Cup campaign with the mission of hunting for a place in the final.

The experience of the previous meeting with Kuching City could also be an important reference in formulating a tactical approach should both teams meet again.

The FA Cup 2026/2027 uses a round-robin format for the quarter-finals and semi-finals, while the final is played in a single match.

The currently listed semi-final schedule sets the first action on 23 and 24 October as well as a replay on 7 and 8 November, subject to official confirmation by the organisers.

For now, the possibility of a repeat of the Malaysia Cup semi-final is still dependent on Selangor's decision against Star City.

However, if the clashes come true, it will provide another exciting round in the rivalry between The Cats and the Red Giants, with both teams having recent experience facing the pressure of a dead-end action.