KUCHING: Gabriel Nistelrooy’s first-half strike proved decisive as Kuching City FC edged Penang 1-0 in their Malaysia Super League Round 21 clash at the Bandaraya Stadium, Penang on Saturday night (Mar 14).
The Cats secured all three points on the road after Nistelrooy capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 39th minute to score what turned out to be the match winner.
Kuching City had earlier threatened in the 21st minute when Ronald Ngah Wanja attempted a shot inside the penalty area following a passing move involving Petrus Shitembi and Danial Asri, but Penang goalkeeper Ramadhan Hamid produced a save to deny the effort.
Penang responded with a chance of their own midway through the first half when Adib Ra’op drove forward from the left flank before setting up Tchétché Kipré inside the box, but the forward fired his shot over the crossbar.
The hosts continued to push forward moments later through Dylan Wenzel-Halls, whose cross into the penalty area created confusion before OJ Porteria’s effort drifted wide of the left post.
Kuching City eventually broke the deadlock just before halftime when Ramadhan Saifullah delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area that was partially cleared by Stefano Brundo, allowing Nistelrooy to pounce and finish from close range.
The match also saw a physical midfield battle with Kuching City’s James Okwuosa booked in the 28th minute before teammate Moses Atede also went into the referee’s notebook just before halftime.
Nistelrooy nearly doubled Kuching City’s lead in the 64th minute after finding space inside the penalty area, but Hamid produced another save to keep Penang in the game.
Despite late pressure from the hosts, the Cats held firm defensively to secure a valuable away victory.
The result moves Kuching City in second place in the Malaysia Super League standings behind Johor Darul Ta’zim and ahead of Selangor as the title race continues.
