DPMM FC and Kuala Lumpur City FC Share Six-Goal Malaysian FA Cup Thriller

DPMM FC and Kuala Lumpur City FC played out a breathless 3-3 draw in the Malaysian FA Cup on 20 September 2026, with the two sides trading blows in a knockout tie that delivered six goals and no shortage of drama at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium. The match, which kicked off at 20:15 local time, swung one way and then the other, leaving both teams with reasons for encouragement and frustration after a night of relentless attacking football.

For DPMM FC, the result extended their reputation as dangerous cup opponents on home soil. For Kuala Lumpur City FC, the draw underlined their resilience and attacking quality but also highlighted the defensive lapses that allowed the Brunei-based side to stay within touching distance throughout. In a competition as unforgiving as the Malaysian FA Cup, the 3-3 scoreline felt both extraordinary and agonising in equal measure.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, DPMM FC looked determined to make their home advantage count. The hosts pressed high, moved the ball quickly down the flanks, and asked early questions of the Kuala Lumpur City back line. The City Boys, accustomed to controlling matches through midfield possession, were initially forced into a more reactive posture as DPMM’s tempo and direct running set the tone for an open, end-to-end contest.

Kuala Lumpur City gradually settled, finding rhythm through their captain and chief creative outlet, Paulo Josué. His movement between the lines began to pull DPMM’s midfield out of shape, and the visitors created chances of their own as the first half progressed. The game developed into a tactical battle of transitions: DPMM’s high press against Kuala Lumpur’s patient build-up, and both approaches produced goals in a wildly entertaining cup tie.

By the time the final whistle arrived, the scoreboard read 3-3. Neither defence had managed to impose itself consistently, and both goalkeepers were called into action across a frantic closing period. The result leaves the Malaysian FA Cup tie delicately balanced and ensures the second leg or tie-breaking phase will carry enormous weight for both clubs.

Key Moments and Goal Timeline

• 9th minute – DPMM FC 1-0: Hakeme Yazid Said opened the scoring with a sharp finish inside the box after a quick turnover in midfield. The Brunei side’s early pressure paid off, and the home crowd erupted.
• 23rd minute – Kuala Lumpur City FC 1-1: Paulo Josué levelled from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after a foul on the edge of the area. It was a composed response from the visitors.
• 38th minute – DPMM FC 2-1: Azwan Ali Rahman restored the lead with a well-timed run into the box, converting a low cross at the near post. Kuala Lumpur’s defence was caught ball-watching.
• 52nd minute – Kuala Lumpur City FC 2-2: Romel Morales finished off a flowing counter-attack, sweeping the ball into the bottom corner after a driving run through the middle.
• 67th minute – Kuala Lumpur City FC 3-2: The City Boys took the lead for the first time when a quick exchange on the left released their forward, who clipped a shot beyond the advancing goalkeeper.
• 84th minute – DPMM FC 3-3: Faiq Bolkiah salvaged the draw with a late equaliser, arriving at the back post to convert a deep cross and spark wild celebrations.

There was still time for late chances at both ends. Kuala Lumpur City pushed for a fourth, while DPMM FC threatened on the break as the match stretched into its final moments. The six-goal thriller kept supporters on edge until the very last kick.

Tactical Story: Width, Press and Transitions

DPMM FC’s game plan revolved around energetic pressing and quick wide combinations. Their full-backs advanced aggressively, and the front line worked tirelessly to close down Kuala Lumpur City’s central defenders. That approach forced several turnovers in dangerous areas and directly contributed to the opening goal. DPMM also looked threatening from set pieces, with their taller players causing problems in the box.

Kuala Lumpur City, meanwhile, relied on their technical quality in midfield. Paulo Josué drifted into pockets of space, linking play between the lines, while the wide players stretched DPMM’s defence. The City Boys were at their best when they bypassed the first wave of pressure and attacked with pace. Their second and third goals showcased exactly that: quick vertical passing, intelligent movement, and ruthless finishing.

Defensively, however, both teams struggled to manage the other’s transitions. DPMM’s high line was vulnerable to balls played in behind, while Kuala Lumpur’s back four had difficulty tracking late runners into the box. In a cup tie of t