Kuching City FC makes history, reach Malaysia Cup semi-finals for first time

KUCHING (Feb 15): Kuching City FC created history last night after booking their place in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals for the first time ever with a commanding 3-1 victory over Brunei DPMM at Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya.

With the win, the Cats advanced 6-2 on aggregate, capping off a memorable night in front of nearly 40,000 jubilant supporters.

Holding a 3-1 advantage from the first leg in Bandar Seri Begawan, Aidil Sharin Sahak’s men produced another composed performance to underline their credentials as genuine contenders for the prestigious trophy.

Ronald Ngah Wanja was the star of the night, heading home the opener in the 28th minute after meeting a precise delivery from Petrus Shitembi before doubling the lead five minutes before halftime with a composed finish inside the box.

Brunei DPMM attempted a comeback after the break when Hakeme Yazid struck from long range in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit.

However, substitute Gabriel Palmero sealed the victory in the 69th minute when he capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 3-1 on the night and put the tie beyond doubt.

Speaking after the match, Aidil said he was pleased with the team’s performance but insisted there is still work to be done.

“With a good result, the credit must go to the players. There was a lot of pressure on us because people said we were leading and should defend, but the boys did what we planned.

“We didn’t sit back just to counter. We played our normal football and to our strengths. DPMM are not an easy team and they came here to fight. In the first half, we could have scored one or two more goals,” he said.

Aidil added that minor adjustments were made in the second half due to fatigue and the condition of the pitch.

“I’m very happy with the players from back to top. Players like Jordan Mintah, who has not been starting, and Ronald, who has been carrying injuries but still played and scored and I’m very pleased with all of them.

“But we conceded a goal from outside the box, which we had planned to avoid. We still have to learn and improve in certain aspects,” he said.

On his tactical approach of deploying three at the back in recent matches, Aidil clarified that it is not a permanent system.

“If you check my record, I love to play back four. But we play back three depending on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. Whether back three or back four, the players have delivered well,” he explained.

Meanwhile Aidil also urged patience regarding new signing Gabriel Palmero, who made his debut off the bench.

“He has not played an intensive game for four months and only trained with us for three or four days. We need to manage him properly and avoid injuries. He needs time to adapt to the team and the system.

“It’s healthy for us to have more quality players now. If someone is injured or suspended, we still have players we can trust,” he said.

Kuching City will next face Selangor FC in the Malaysia Super League on Feb 22 before meeting the same opponents again in the Malaysia Cup semi-finals.