Kuching City eye top-three spot in crucial home showdown with Sabah

KUCHING (March 6): Kuching City FC will be aiming to strengthen their push for a top-three finish when they host East Malaysian rivals Sabah FC in a Malaysia Super League Borneo Derby clash at Stadium Negeri on Saturday.

Heading into the Round 20 encounter, the Cats sit fourth in the league standings with 34 points, just two points behind second-placed Selangor FC, making the match crucial in the race for the AFC competition spots.

Under the guidance of head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak, Kuching City have emerged as one of the league’s most improved sides this season and the Cats have turned Stadium Negeri into a fortress and currently boast one of the strongest home records in the Malaysia Super League.

They will head into the derby on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Imigresen FC on March 1 in which Kuching City’s defensive organisation proving to be a major factor in their rise, with the team conceding only nine goals in 17 matches so far this season.

Meanwhile, Sabah are seeking to revive their campaign after a turbulent season as the Rhinos currently sit 10th in the standings with 15 points and recently appointed Spanish tactician Juan Torres Garrido as their new head coach just six days ago.

Garrido picked up his first point in charge in a 1-1 draw against Negeri Sembilan FC last weekend, when a quick free kick from S Kumaarhan salvaged an equaliser for Sabah.

Historically, Sabah have held the upper hand in the rivalry since both teams began meeting in the Malaysia Super League in 2023.

The Rhinos recorded a 2-1 away win in Kuching and a thrilling 4-3 victory at Likas Stadium during the 2023 campaign, and they continued their dominance in 2024 with two more 2-1 wins.

However, Kuching City broke the streak earlier this season when they secured a historic 1-0 away victory at Likas Stadium on Oct 4, 2025 through a goal by Jordan Mintah.

Despite Sabah still leading the overall head-to-head record with four wins to Kuching City’s one, the Cats enter Saturday’s match having won the most recent meeting.

In terms of players to watch, Kuching City will rely on Cameroonian striker Ronald Ngah Wanja, who has scored 11 league goals this season and is among the contenders for the Golden Boot.

Sabah’s attacking threat is expected to come from Indonesian winger Saddil Ramdani, whose pace and creativity on the flanks have been key for the visitors.

Statistically, Kuching City also hold the edge heading into the clash with a goal difference of +21, while Sabah have a -15 goal difference.

Kick-off for the match at Stadium Negeri is scheduled for 9.15pm.