Kedah are likely to be below-par in next year's AFC Cup due to the FAM's blanket ban on recruiting foreigners.

ALOR STAR: AFC Cup 2008 quarter-finalists Kedah overturned a two-goal deficit to thrash Penang 6-2 and make it to the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Malaysia Super League and FA Cup winners Kedah top the Group B standings with 18 points after nine games, one more than Johor who have a match in hand.

The visitors silenced the roaring 20,000 fans with two goals in the first 18 minutes of the game. Striker Mohd Farizal Rozali gave Penang the lead in the 10th minute on a Amir Shahreen Mubin cross while an own goal by defender V. Thirumurugan made it 2-0.

Fadly Bahrom reduced the deficit in the 32nd minute and completed his brace to level the scores eight minutes later.

Penang received a blow just before the half time when Mohd Farizal was given the marching orders for retaliating in an incident with Kedah captain A. Victor.

Khyril Muhymeen Zambri netted a brace in the 51st and 72nd minutes while Chilean midfielder Nelson Martin (59) and Marlon Alex James (74) scored a goal apiece for Kedah.