Star City Football Club delivered a statement performance in the Malaysian Super League, dismantling Kelantan Red Warrior 5-2 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium. The visitors produced a ruthless attacking display, scoring five times away from home to claim all three points and underline their credentials as one of the most dangerous sides in the division.
Star City Run Riot in Kelantan
From the opening whistle, Star City set the tempo. Their high press forced Kelantan into early mistakes, and the away side needed just 12 minutes to break the deadlock. A quick exchange on the right flank opened space for the overlapping full-back, whose low cross was turned in from close range. Kelantan responded with a brief spell of pressure, but Star City’s defence held firm before doubling their lead on the half-hour mark with a crisp finish from the edge of the box.
Kelantan Red Warrior pulled one back just before half-time through a well-taken set piece, giving the home crowd hope of a comeback. But any momentum was snuffed out within five minutes of the restart. Star City restored their two-goal cushion with a clinical counter-attack, and from there the match turned into a procession.
Match Overview
- Competition: Malaysian Super League
- Fixture: Kelantan Red Warrior vs Star City Football Club
- Date: 16 October 2026
- Kick-off: 21:00 local time
- Final Score: Kelantan Red Warrior 2–5 Star City Football Club
Key Moments
The game’s turning point came early in the second half. With the score at 2–1, Kelantan won a corner and sent bodies forward. Star City cleared and launched a lightning break, finishing with a composed one-on-one to make it 3–1. That goal broke Kelantan’s resistance. Star City added a fourth on 67 minutes after a defensive mix-up, and a fifth arrived in the 78th minute when their substitute striker curled a shot into the far corner.
Kelantan did manage a second consolation goal in stoppage time, a header from a late corner, but it was little more than a footnote on a chastening evening for the hosts.
Tactical Story
Star City lined up in a flexible 4-3-3 that became a 4-2-3-1 out of possession. Their midfield trio suffocated Kelantan’s deep-lying playmaker, forcing long balls that were easily mopped up by the centre-backs. In transition, Star City were devastating. Their wingers hugged the touchline, stretching Kelantan’s back four before cutting inside to combine with the striker.
Kelantan Red Warrior, by contrast, struggled to string passes together. Their build-up was slow and predictable, and their full-backs were repeatedly caught out of position. The home side’s only bright spells came from set pieces, which ultimately produced both of their goals.
Standout Players
- Star City’s No. 9: A brace and an assist. He held the ball up superbly and dragged defenders out of position all night.
- Star City’s right winger: Tormented his marker with direct running and delivered the cross for the opening goal.
- Kelantan’s goalkeeper: Despite conceding five, he made several sharp saves to keep the score from reaching double figures.
- Kelantan’s captain: Scored the first consolation and tried to drive his team forward, but was often isolated.
What It Means for the Table
This result lifts Star City Football Club into a strong position in the Malaysian Super League standings, boosting their goal difference significantly. For Kelantan Red Warrior, it is a damaging home defeat that leaves them searching for answers defensively. Conceding five at home raises serious questions ahead of their next fixture, and the coaching staff will need to address the midfield gaps that Star City exploited so easily.
Star City’s away form is becoming a major weapon. If they can maintain this level of clinical finishing, they will be a threat to any side in the league this season.