KUCHING: The last time Kuching City FC and Selangor FC clashed, it was nothing short of drama.
Jimmy Raymond’s late goal in the 84th-minute winner sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory for Kuching City over the Red Giants last season.
It had been a back-and-forth encounter. Ramadhan Saifullah opened the scoring in the 27th minute after latching onto a pass from Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin.
Despite a heavy downpour, Selangor hit back in the second half. Substitute Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi levelled in the 51st minute with a close-range finish from a swift counterattack – a match that remains fresh in the memory of fans.
The rivalry did not end on the pitch either, as supporters from both sides carried the heat onto social media, further fuelling a budding football feud.
Tomorrow (Sunday, Sept 21), the two sides will renew hostilities at the Sarawak State Stadium in what promises to be one of the early highlights of the season.
Despite Selangor sitting higher in the standings – fourth with six points from four matches (two wins, two losses), the momentum feels like it may be shifting.
Kuching City, under Aidil Sharin Sahak, trail closely behind in sixth with four points (one win, one draw, one loss) and a game in hand.
Confidence in the Cat City camp is also high following their emphatic 7-1 home victory over Brunei DPMM in the Malaysia FA Cup, advancing 9-4 on aggregate.
Selangor, meanwhile, are coming off a tough 2-4 defeat to Bangkok United in their midweek AFC Champions League Two fixture.
Speaking at a press conference after the FA Cup win, Aidil acknowledged the challenge ahead but underlined the importance of home advantage.
“Selangor is a big team, and it won’t be easy. We are playing at home, and the disadvantage is going to be in the afternoon.
“Hopefully, the weather is good so both teams can play quality football for the fans,” he said.
Kuching’s new signing, Ronald Ngah Wanja, has been a bright spark this season, scoring a brace in the FA Cup and adding three goals in the league.
Selangor’s Chrigor Flores Moraes, however, leads by one with four goals to his name.
All signs point to an exciting showdown. When the Red Giants come to town, the Cats sharpen their claws, ready to strike with flair and bite, fuelled by pride and home support.
Under the bright Sarawak spotlight, expect ninety minutes of drama, passion and football at its most cinematic.
As it stands, the Cats versus the Red Giants is nothing short of a football blockbuster in the making.
