KUCHING: Kuching City FC (KCFC) etched their name into the history books in electrifying fashion, storming into the Malaysia Cup final for the very first time after edging Selangor FC 1-0 in a gripping semi-final second leg at the State Stadium, Petra Jaya on Saturday night.

The triumph sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory for KCFC, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg, and sparked scenes of jubilation among the home faithful.

From the opening whistle, both sides went toe-to-toe in a pulsating contest, each determined to seize control.

KCFC signalled their intent early, with Gabriel Nistelrooy coming agonisingly close in the 11th minute, his header drifting just wide of the target.

The hosts continued to press, and in the 20th minute, Joao Pedro looked set to ignite the stadium when he struck the post with a lively effort, only for celebrations to be cut short by an offside call.

At the other end, goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli proved his worth with a crucial intervention, denying Faisal Halim in a tense one-on-one moment, ensuring KCFC remained firmly in the contest.

The breakthrough finally arrived in spectacular style in the 30th minute.

Petrus Shitembi rose to the occasion, unleashing a thunderous strike from outside the penalty area that left the goalkeeper rooted and sent the near 20,000-strong crowd into raptures.

Buoyed by the goal, KCFC surged forward with renewed confidence, relentlessly probing Selangor’s defence, though they were unable to extend their lead before the interval.

The match took a dramatic turn early in the second half when Selangor were reduced to ten men in the 50th minute, as Safuwan Baharudin received a straight red card for bringing down Ronald Ngah Wanja as the last defender.

Sensing an opportunity, KCFC intensified their assault. Ronald Ngah thought he had doubled the lead in the 60th minute with a well-taken header from Jimmy Raymond’s delivery, but once again, the offside flag intervened.

Selangor’s night unravelled further just two minutes later when Mukhairi Ajmal was also sent off, leaving the visitors with nine men and facing an uphill battle.

The State Stadium nearly erupted once more in the 68th minute when Ramadan unleashed a fierce drive, only to be denied by the crossbar in a moment that had the crowd holding its breath.

Despite enjoying a two-man advantage and dominating possession, KCFC were unable to find a second goal.

In the closing stages, Selangor mounted a desperate push for an equaliser, throwing everything forward in search of a lifeline.

However, KCFC’s defence stood firm under pressure, repelling every attack to preserve their slender lead until the final whistle.

With history made, KCFC now turn their attention to a formidable final showdown against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) next month, where an even greater chapter awaits. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Ahman Daniel Faiz
Translator: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: George Embie