Kuching City FC squeeze past Imigresen to chase top three

KUCHING (March 2): Kuching City FC moved a step closer to the Malaysia Super League’s top three after edging Imigresen FC 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter at Stadium Tuanku Syed Putra in Perlis, Sunday night.

The Cats needed a late penalty from Ronald Ngah Wanja in the 85th minute to secure all three points. The spot kick was awarded following a scramble inside the penalty area.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Kuching City were repeatedly denied by Imigresen goalkeeper Muhammad Zarif Irfan who produced a string of crucial saves to keep his side in the contest.

Head coach Aidil Shahrin Sahak credited his players for grinding out the win under challenging circumstances.

“Credit to the players because it is not easy to come here and play during the fasting month. The boys executed the game plan very well and, most importantly, we achieved our objective to get three points,” he said.

“Credit to Imigresen as well. They have improved a lot and gave us a good fight. In the first half we were a little tense and did not play our normal game but in the second half we made some changes to open up the game more and used the width better.

“That worked for us and we created many chances. It was just not our day in terms of finishing and their goalkeeper did very well,” he added in an interview after the match.

Looking ahead, Aidil stressed the importance of taking it one match at a time with a league clash against Sabah FC on March 7 followed by a Cup semi-final after Hari Raya.

“This game was very important to keep us close to Selangor and KL. The next two league matches against Sabah and Penang will be good tests for us before we face Selangor in the cup,” he said.

He also highlighted the challenge facing the squad during the fasting month as well as navigating the upcoming FIFA international break and Hari Raya period.

“That is the part we have to manage properly. The players are slowly getting better and better. Since I came in last season, things have improved and we want to be better than last season. We are not putting a specific target like top three but we want to keep improving as a team. By April, we will know better where we stand,” he remarked.

The victory over Imigresen FC placed Kuching City in fourth place in the Malaysia Super League standings with 34 points from 17 matches, having recorded 10 wins, four draws and three defeats.

The Cats are just two points behind both Selangor FC and Kuala Lumpur City FC, who sit second and third respectively on 36 points, while leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim remain unbeaten at the summit.

Kuching City also hold a game in hand over the three teams above them and boast one of the league’s strongest defensive records, having conceded only nine goals so far this season and maintaining a six-point cushion over fifth placed Terengganu as the race for the top positions intensifies.