A cup quarter-final on September 20, 2026, saw Penang host Johor Darul Ta'zim in what proved to be an emphatic victory for the visitors. The final score of 2:7 told the story of a match where the away side dominated from start to finish. Despite Penang's recent form showing resilience with draws and narrow wins, they found themselves outclassed against a team in destructive form. The result leaves little doubt about the quality gap between these two sides on this occasion.
The opening exchanges were frantic, with Bergson giving the visitors the lead just 16 minutes in. Penang responded through B. Tapp, who struck just before half-time at 45+3 minutes to level the score. The visitors regained their advantage immediately after the break when E. Celestine scored in the 46th minute. These first three goals set the pattern—brief moments of hope for the home side followed quickly by a visitors' response.
Marcos Guilherme extended the lead in the 54th minute, and the visitors then pulled away completely. Stoichkov added a fifth in the 63rd minute, followed by S. Zahedi's sixth in the 68th. B. Tapp scored his second for Penang in the 70th minute, but it was a consolation in a match already beyond reach. The visitors had changed shape at the break and never let up, pressing high up the pitch throughout the second half.
The visitors showed no sign of easing off, with A. Aiman scoring in the 90+4 minute and K. Naskam adding a ninth goal at 90+5 minutes. These late strikes underscored the visitors' ambition to make a statement, even when the result was never in doubt. For Penang, the final tally of seven conceded goals represented a heavy defeat, though their two goals provided some measure of pride.
The statistics told a clear story of control. Johor Darul Ta'zim held 75% of possession compared to Penang's 25%, and registered 105 attacks against 66. The visitors recorded eight shots on target with eight on target, while Penang managed only two shots on target from two attempts. Eight corners for the visitors against just one for the hosts further illustrated the territorial dominance.
The visitors arrived in good form, having beaten Negeri Sembilan 3-0 and Damanssara 10-0 in recent matches. Penang had shown resilience with victories over Kelantan Red Warriors and Melaka, but this performance suggested a different level of challenge. The quarter-final victory advances the visitors in the competition, while Penang must now regroup after such a comprehensive defeat.
