Kedah D.A. FC 2-2 Star City FC: Four-Goal Malaysian FA Cup Thriller Lights Up Alor Setar

Kedah D.A. FC and Star City Football Club played out a thoroughly entertaining 2-2 draw in the Malaysian FA Cup at Darul Aman Stadium on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. In a match that featured all the intensity of knockout football, Kedah twice moved into the lead, only for a determined Star City side to fight back on both occasions and take a memorable result home from Alor Setar.

With the match kicking off at 21:00 under the floodlights, the home side were expected to control proceedings against their lower-profile opponents. Instead, the tie turned into an open, compelling contest full of attacking intent and defensive lapses, leaving both sets of supporters on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

A Cup Atmosphere That Brought The Best Out Of Both Teams

The Malaysian FA Cup has long been a stage for dramatic afternoons and dramatic scorelines, and this encounter followed the script perfectly. Kedah D.A. FC enjoyed the lion’s share of possession from the opening exchanges, moving the ball quickly across the pitch and looking to stretch Star City’s compact defensive shape. Their early pressure was rewarded with the opening goal, and for a spell it seemed as though the hosts might run away with the tie.

But Star City were not overawed by the occasion. They dropped into a disciplined block, soaked up pressure, and showed clear intent on the counter-attack. With every well-timed tackle and smart interception, the visitors grew in confidence, and their willingness to take risks in advanced areas made for an end-to-end spectacle that delighted the neutral.

Key Moments

• 24' – Kedah break the deadlock: A cleverly worked move down the left flank created space for the cross, and a well-timed run at the far post produced a clean finish from close range to send the home fans into full voice.
• 58' – Star City hit back: The visitors punished a loose pass in midfield, springing forward at speed. A composed one-on-one finish levelled the match and completely changed the momentum.
• 74' – Kedah regain control from the spot: A clumsy challenge inside the area gave the referee no choice but to award a penalty. The kick was dispatched confidently into the bottom corner, making it 2-1 to the home side.
• 89' – Star City refuse to lose: Deep into the closing stages, the visitors earned a corner and sent bodies forward. A towering header met the delivery perfectly, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling bench and silencing most of the stadium.

Tactical Story: Kedah’s High Line vs Star City’s Sharp Transitions

Kedah D.A. FC set up to dominate through midfield rotations and width, with their full-backs pushing high to support the attack. That approach created overloads in wide areas and was the key source of their first goal. However, it also left space in behind the defensive line, and Star City repeatedly looked to exploit that space whenever the home side lost possession.

The visitors’ equalising goal in the 58th minute came from exactly that pattern. A patient Star City side had no trouble waiting for the right moment, and once the turnover came, their movement in transition was quick, direct, and clinical. By the time Kedah restored their lead from the penalty spot, the match had taken on the feel of a genuine cup classic, with both teams pushing forward and neither fully comfortable at the back.

Standout Performances And Character

Kedah’s midfield carried much of their creative burden, working tirelessly to pull Star City out of position, while their full-backs offered a constant outlet on the flanks. In attack, the home side always looked threatening, but their wastefulness in front of goal and moments of defensive uncertainty proved costly in a competition where fine margins matter greatly.

For Star City, this was a performance defined by resilience and organisation. Their goalkeeper made a string of smart saves, particularly during a dangerous second-half spell from Kedah. Just as important was the confidence shown by their attacking players, who refused to park the bus even after falling behind for the second time.

What The Result Means

From Kedah D.A. FC’s perspective, the draw will feel like two points dropped in front of their own supporters. They created enough chances to win comfortably, yet they will know that lapses in concentration at this level of competition can be punished. For a club with ambitions of lifting the Malaysian FA Cup, this result is a reminder that no team can be taken lightly in knockout football.

Star City Football Club, meanwhile, will take tremendous belief from the performance. Coming away from Darul Aman with a 2-2 dra