KUCHING: After a tight 1–0 loss in the first leg, Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak has warned that the Malaysia Cup tie is far from decided and promised a spirited challenge in the return fixture at Sarawak State Stadium.
The Cats side fell short in their away encounter with Penang FC, with Douglas Coutinho’s 40th-minute header proving to be the difference between the teams. Despite the narrow margin, Aidil Sharin believes his team showed enough quality and determination to stage a comeback on home turf.
“We lost concentration early and conceded a goal in the first half, I think we created more chances and played better football than them,”
“But this is football, we have to accept it, congrats to Penang but this is only one half,”said Aidil Sharin during the post-match press conference.
An early injury to key midfielder Danial Amier forced Kuching City to make tactical adjustments, disrupting their rhythm and shape. To regain momentum, Aidil Sharin introduced more attacking players such as Joao Pedro and Gabriel Nistelrooy in the second half.
“The players gave 100 per cent. I can’t fault anyone. The result is my responsibility, and we will regroup and come back stronger for the second leg,” the coach added.
Aidil Sharin also highlighted the critical role that home support will play in the upcoming match. He called on Kuching City fans to create a passionate atmosphere at Sarawak State Stadium and be the “12th player” to spur the team on.
“You could see the difference the fans made for Penang today, their spirit and energy lifted the team,” he said.
Regarding Danial Amier’s injury, the coach stated that the severity would only be confirmed after further medical evaluation but admitted the twisted ankle appeared serious.
The Malaysia Cup second leg will take place on January 24 at Sarawak State Stadium, where Kuching City FC will look to overturn the 1–0 deficit and secure a place in the next round.
