ACL2: The network through Moses destroyed the one-eyed dream of The Cats

PHNOM PENH, Sept 17: Hasrat Kuching City FC opens the Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) campaign with at least one point of failure after losing 1-2 to Phnom Penh Crown in Group H action at Morodok Techo National Stadium, last night.

Kuching City made their debut in the ACL2 competition almost taking home one point after being able to tie the place in the 72nd minute under Adjin Mugajic.

However, Moses Dyer's passing in the 91st minute shattered The Cats' hopes as his corner score secured a 2-1 home win.

Beginning in the first round, Phnom Penh Crown dominated the game and several times tested Kuching City's fort.

In the 27th minute, Kuching City goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli acted swiftly to clear the ball out after the home striker managed to pass defensive control in the penalty box.

The visitors however continued to balance the game through several counterattacks, including Ronald Ngah Wanja's attempt after receiving a delivery from Petrus Shitembi, but failed to produce a net.

Connecting the second half, Phnom Penh Crown continued to press and almost opened the net curtain in the 49th minute, but their attempt was saved.

The continued attack finally paid off when former New Zealand international Moses Dyer put the hosts 1-0 ahead in the 55th minute after receiving a teammate's delivery.

In collision with the network, Kuching City incorporated Ajdin Mujagic and Ramadhan Saifullah to add stinging to the attack machine.

The effort almost paid off when Jerome Etame scored a try in the 60th minute by slightly passing the bar, before testing again on the Phnom Penh Crown goalkeeper three minutes later.

In the 69th minute, it was Ramadhan Saiful's turn to create an opportunity but the player's shot fell off the left side of the goal.

The tactical exchange of head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak finally paid off when Ajdin Mujagic scored the equalization goal in the 72nd minute through a right-sided brake to make it 1-1.

Kuching City then continued to hunt for the winning goal, but Phnom Penh Crown returned to create chances at the end of the match.

As the action seemed to end with the series finale, Moses Dyer emerged as host hero when he cornered in the 91st minute to complete the hosts' victory. - TVS