A late Dyer blow for The Cats

KUCHING: There was something different about The Cats on Thursday night (Sept. 17) – a new kit, a new stage and their first taste of Asian Champions League Two (ACL2) football, which ended in a 2-1 defeat to Phnom Penh Crown.

The excitement was clear as Kuching City FC stepped onto the continental stage for the first time at Morodok Techo National Stadium in Cambodia.

Perhaps there were some opening-night nerves, too, but Aidil Sharin Sahak’s men looked ready to embrace the occasion.

After a goalless first half, Phnom Penh Crown broke the deadlock 10 minutes after the restart when Moses Dyer found the net.

The Cats responded well, with forward Adjin Mujagic restoring parity in the 73rd minute to put them within touching distance of a point.

More importantly, the equaliser showed Kuching City could respond when faced with a setback, keeping their composure and finding a way back into the contest after falling behind.

But just when a share of the spoils appeared within reach, Dyer had the final say, striking deep into stoppage time following a late corner to hand the hosts all three points.

The result may not have been the start The Cats wanted, but their first ACL2 outing provided an early glimpse of what the continental challenge will demand.

There is little time to dwell on the result, with The Cats now turning their attention to their next Group H challenge against Kitchee SC.

The Hong Kong side held South Korea’s Gangwon FC to a 0-0 draw in the other opening-round fixture, leaving all four teams with something to play for heading into the next round.

Kuching City will face Kitchee on October 15 at Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru, where The Cats will look to build on their first taste of continental football.