Premier League champions Kedah came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against Felda United 2-2 in their semi-final first leg match at the Selayang Stadium here tonight.

The result gives The Red Eagles the upperhand based on the away goals rule when they host The Fighters in the return leg at the Darul Aman Stadium, Alor Setar this Sunday.

In tonight's action, Thiago Augusto Fernandes put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute but Sandro Da Silva pulled level for the visitors in the 37th minute.

Sandro's goal was met with objections from the Felda United players who claimed that the ball had not crossed the goal line but referee Mohd Zohri Tajudin allowed it after consulting assistant referee M. Sivanesan.

Thiago then went on to score a brace with his second coming in the 54th minute from a cross supplied by Zah Rahan Krangar but Kedah's Nigerian import Chidi Edeh cancelled out their advantage eight minutes later.

The 2-2 score stood until the final whistle.

Before the match started, all the players and coaching staff observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect over the passing of Raja Muda Kedah, Tunku Abdul Malik Almarhum Sultan Badlishah, 86, who died at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar on Nov 29 of old age.

In the other semi-final match, defending champions Pahang failed to capitalise on on home ground advantage and had to settle for a goalless draw against 32-time champions Selangor at the Darul Makmur Stadium, Kuantan.

The second leg will be played at the Shah Alam Stadium this Sunday.

The Malaysia Cup final will be played at the Shah Alam Stadium on Dec 12.