Kuching City beats PDRM FC for first home win

KUCHING: Kuching City secured their first home win of the season by defeating PDRM FC with a score of 2-0 in the Malaysia Super League last night (Jul 12).

The Cats applied early pressure on PDRM FC, forcing defensive errors that led to Jordan Mintah receiving the ball after a one-two pass with Danial Amier, who scored to give Kuching City the lead after just two minutes.

PDRM had better chances in the first half, including a long ball over Kuching City’s defence that Bruno Suzuki nearly capitalised on, rounding the goalkeeper. However, Jimmy Raymond was quick enough to track back to block the shot.

Both teams had opportunities, with Jimmy’s cross to Mintah at the far post was saved by the PDRM keeper.

PDRM FC was awarded a penalty after Fadi Awad was fouled by Yuki Tanigawa inside the penalty box.

Kuching City’s goalkeeper Mohd Shahril Sa’ari’s crucial save who dove to the bottom left kept his team alive heading into halftime.

Mintah’s game-winning goal brings jubilant celebrations from his teammates. Photo by Alif Noni

Players from both teams tussle over the ball. Photo by Alif Noni

In the second half, Mohamad Alif Hassan’s free kick struck the woodwork, leaving PDRM’s goalkeeper See Tian Keat ball-watching, while II Gatto’s captain James Okwuosa’s defensive header denied PDRM FC’s Ifedayo another scoring chance.

With 15 minutes left, PDRM FC attacked Kuching City’s left side with a pass from Osuchukwu to Kyaw Min Oo, but Okwuosa held firm and blocked the shot, preserving his team’s lead.

Substitute Petrus Shitembi who came on for Danial injected midfield control tried to trouble the keeper but his shot was calmly saved by See Tian Keat.

Approaching the final minutes of the game, Zahrul Nizwan’s play with Mohamad Alif set up Mintah’s decisive penalty after he was brought down by Kyaw, securing a crucial victory.

Peter Shitembi chests the ball as he is approached by a PDRM defender. Photo by Alif Noni

The home fans at the Stadium Negeri in Petra Jaya were the twelfth man last night, as they relentlessly rallied behind their team.

Mintah’s late goal, combined with an earlier assist, sealed three points for Kuching City, who bounced back after their Malaysia FA Cup Quarter Final defeat to Selangor FC.