Kuching City FC ‘Claws’ DPMM FC 3-1, Secures Malaysia Cup Semi-Final Spot
KUCHING: Kuching City FC made history by advancing to the Malaysia Cup semi-finals for the first time after defeating DPMM FC 3-1 in a high-intensity match last night.
The match was graced by the presence of the Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi at the Sarawak Stadium.
'The Cats' squad started fiercely from the opening minutes, successfully dominating the game and taking an early lead with two goals from Ronald Ngah Wanja and team captain James Okwuosa, before heritage player Gabriel Palermo netted the home side’s third goal in the 69th minute.
Kuching City FC Head Coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, expressed his appreciation to the players for the commitment and tactical discipline displayed throughout the match.
“Credit must be given to the players for playing to their strengths rather than just defending; they executed the plan well,” he said during the post-match press conference.
Meanwhile, DPMM FC Head Coach, James Reynold McAllister, admitted his team started slowly in the first half, allowing the hosts room to dominate the play.
“We did not play well in the first half and conceded two goals that should have been avoided,” he said.
However, he praised the fighting spirit of his players, who showed improvement in the second half.
“The players kept fighting in the second half and we became more competitive. It was an interesting match with a very good atmosphere from the supporters,” he remarked.
He further noted that based on the overall performance across two legs, Kuching City FC thoroughly deserved to progress to the semi-finals.
The 3-1 victory confirmed Kuching City’s spot in the semi-finals with a 6-2 aggregate, following a similar win achieved in Bandar Seri Begawan on 8 February.
'The Cats' are expected to face 33-time Malaysia Cup champions, Selangor FC, in the semi-finals, which Aidil described as a new challenge. - UKASnews
