KUCHING: Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak plans to return to the drawing board and training ground to analyse and improve his team’s performance after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Sabah FC.
“We controlled and dominated the game very well. It’s just that we made two mistakes, both from set pieces — one from a free-kick and the other from a corner kick – that led to goals,”Aidil said in the post-match press conference at Sarawak State Stadium, Petra Jaya last night (Dec 4).
He added that he and his coaching staff would review the game and work on improvements.
“This is where we go back to the training ground to train and become better. Football is like that — sometimes you play well, create chances, but don’t score. When you give your opponents chances, they will take them.
“But I’m still positive, and the boys are very positive. We now have more time to rest and recover,” he said.
Despite the loss, Aidil praised his players for their resilient display.
The City Boys fought back after Saddil Ramdani’s free-kick gave Sabah the lead, with Zahrul Nizwan equalising moments after.
However, in the final minutes, Gabriel Peres rose highest to head in the winner for the Rhinos, securing all three points.
“Apart from their physicality, Sabah has tall players who are dangerous on set pieces and corners.
“We allowed them those chances, and they punished us. Tonight’s match proved that,”Aidil explained.
Kuching City will face Sabah again in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals on Dec 15, at home, at Sarawak State Stadium.
“We have 11 days before that game, so we’ll definitely work hard and try again,” Aidil said.
Despite the setback, Aidil remains optimistic about his team’s progress.
“We are still a new team compared to Sabah, who’ve been together for three to four years. But we believe in the process. We will come back stronger for the next game,” he added.
Aidil also took the opportunity to thank the Kuching faithful for their unwavering support, with over 2,000 attending the match on a midweek.
