Kuching City down Sabah 2–0 to claim Borneo Derby glory

KUCHING (March 8): Kuching City FC claimed Borneo bragging rights after defeating Sabah FC 2–0 in their Malaysia Super League clash at Stadium Negeri here on Saturday night.

Goals from Joao Pedro and Petrus Shitembi inside the opening half hour sealed all three points for the home side in the Borneo Derby, with the Cats producing a composed performance in front of an estimated crowd of 40,000.

Joao Pedro put Kuching City ahead as early as the fifth minute after meeting a precise assist from Ronald Ngah, before Petrus doubled the advantage in the 26th minute, finishing off a move created by Ramadhan Saifullah to put the match firmly under their control.

Sabah, now coached by Juan Torres Garrido, attempted to respond but struggled to break down a disciplined Kuching City defence, managing only three shots on target throughout the match.

Following the victory, Kuching City head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said his side deserved the win after executing their game plan well from the start.

“Thank God, I think we deserved the three points tonight. The boys were tremendous and followed the game plan well,” he said in a post-match interview.

Aidil added that his players managed the game well in the second half but admitted there is still room for improvement, particularly in converting scoring chances.

He explained that the team aimed to press early, knowing Sabah had played away to Perak FC in the MFL Challenge Cup just few days earlier and might still be feeling the effects of travel.

“In the first half we wanted to go for an early goal and put them under pressure because we knew they had played a few days back in Perak. The boys executed the plan well.

“For me the game was still open and not easy. Sabah is still a good team and they gave us a good fight physically. But I’m happy we managed to keep a clean sheet,” he said.

The victory keeps Kuching City firmly in the race for a top-three finish in the Malaysia Super League standings.

Meawhile, Aidil acknowledged the challenges faced by the squad during the fasting month and a demanding travel schedule but praised his players for their professionalism.

He said the team will now focus on their next league fixture away against Penang FC.

“Travelling for away games is not easy, especially during the fasting month, but the boys manage themselves well and remain professional. It’s also not going to be easy because Penang will want to prove something. We will reset and go there with the mindset to win,” he said.

With the result, Kuching City strengthened their push for a possible spot in continental competition next season while extending their recent dominance over Sabah in the Borneo Derby.