KUCHING: Penang FC took a 1–0 lead over Kuching City FC, but coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail warned the tie is far from decided against a strong and stable team.
After creating several chances and having a late goal ruled offside, Wan Rohaimi felt his team could have won by more but was pleased with the victory against a well-organised Kuching City side in the Malaysia Cup first-round first leg on Sunday (Jan 18).
“Alhamdulillah, I want to thank the entire group for what I consider a true fighting performance. Kuching City are not an ordinary team — they are stable and balanced in all departments, and we managed to overcome them through belief and confidence in ourselves,” he said post-match.
The Penang head coach also acknowledged that the job is only halfway done, with a difficult return leg awaiting his team in Sarawak.
“We still have another 90 minutes to face in Kuching. Over the next three to four days, we will prepare for the next game and be ready for any situation,” Wan Rohaimi added.
He also highlighted the immediate impact of Douglas Coutinho, on loan from Indonesian Super League side Borneo Samarinda, who broke the deadlock for Penang in the 40th minute by heading in Erick Brendon Pereira’s free-kick.
Wan Rohaimi confirmed that Penang will not change their approach in the return leg, despite the prospect of a full house in Kuching.
“We will go there with the same mindset — attacking football and a pressing game. We know and understand the challenge that awaits us, and we will prepare the team accordingly,” he said.
On Penang’s recent upturn in form, Wan Rohaimi played down talk of any special formula, instead pointing to belief and unity within the squad.
Although pleased with the clean sheet, the coach admitted his side must be more clinical after missing several chances.
“We have created opportunities before but were let down by poor finishing. Lately, we are scoring goals, and even today we could have had more than one. But Alhamdulillah, one goal is enough for now and our focus is on the next match,” he said.
He thanked Penang supporters, both at the stadium and watching from afar, calling on them to continue backing the team as the “12th player” in the decisive second leg.
