Penang: Immigration FC (IFC) created a surprise in the FA Cup competition after defeating Terengganu FC (TFC) 2-1 in a dramatic last-minute action in the first leg of the round of 16 at Batu Kawan State Stadium, Penang, this evening.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Brazilian import striker Joao Pedro emerged as the match hero by scoring the winning goal in the 91st minute. This vital goal gave IFC a crucial advantage to carry into the return match in Kuala Terengganu on September 13.

The match saw a controversial first half where two goals by Yann Mabella for TFC in the 14th and 36th minutes were disallowed after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviews. The first goal was ruled out due to a foul on IFC captain Mohd Rizal Ghazali by Engku Muhammad Nur Shakir, while the second was disallowed for offside.

Mabella eventually put TFC ahead in the 50th minute by completing a combination pass from Engku and Azam Azmi. However, the lead was short-lived as Rafael Iserhard Holstein equalized for IFC four minutes later, following a swift move by Burundian substitute Elvis Kamsoba.

In the 73rd minute, IFC nearly took the lead through Mohammad Fayadh, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review confirmed a handball. As the match seemed destined for a draw, Pedro’s late header secured the victory, boosting the home team’s confidence in the competition.

Meanwhile, in Paroi, Sabah FC began their campaign impressively by thrashing Bunga Raya FC 6-0. The victory was highlighted by a hat-trick from Darren Yee, who scored in the 11th, 48th, and 53rd minutes (the latter from a penalty). Additional goals came from Muhammad Jafri Muhammad Firdaus Chew through a penalty in first-half stoppage time, Ajdin Mujagic with an 81st-minute penalty, and Fergus Tierney in the 19th minute.