Melaka: Melaka FC advanced to the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals after defeating 10-man Sabah 3-0 in the return leg of their last-16 match at the Likas Stadium tonight. The aggregate score stood at 5-2 following a 2-2 draw in the first leg.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sabah, who were FA Cup runners-up, started the game on the front foot and thought they had taken an early lead when Gabriel Peres found the back of the net in the 12th minute. However, the goal was ruled out after a Video Referee Assistant (VAR) check confirmed an offside. The match's dynamic shifted dramatically just before halftime when Sabah's Gary Steven Robbat received a red card for rough play, a decision upheld by VAR.

In the second half, Melaka capitalized on their numerical advantage. Egyptian striker Ahmed Shamsaldin broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a powerful shot that Sabah's goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat could not stop. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sabah continued to fight but conceded again in the 86th minute when Melaka defender Che Rashid Che Halim scored, doubling Melaka's lead.

Just two minutes later, Ahmed Shamsaldin scored his second goal of the match, ensuring Melaka's convincing victory and a celebratory return home. With this win, Melaka will face Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the quarter-finals. JDT holds a commanding 10-1 lead against Police ahead of their own last-16 return-leg clash.