KUCHING: A useful run-out to test depth and match fitness saw Kuching City FC edge Hougang United FC 2-1, with head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak pleased with the opportunities given to fringe players.
The Cats made a bright start and went ahead as early as the sixth minute when Jerome Etame rose to head home a cross from Petrus Shitembi, giving the hosts an early advantage.
The visitors responded in the 33rd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse as Hougang’s Jaramillo Ayovi Washington found the back of the net following a scramble in the box to level the score.
Kuching regained control after the break and restored their lead in the 57th minute through a well-worked set piece, with Ahmad Israiwah’s free kick creating the opening for Ronald Ngah Wanja to tap in from close range.
Despite the win, Aidil admitted his side were not at their best, pointing to limited preparation time following the Hari Raya break.
“It’s a useful international match for us because the boys just came back from a break. We only trained for three days, and that is not enough, but the effort was there,” he said.
He added that the match provided valuable minutes for several squad players as the team continues to manage fitness levels and build depth ahead of a busy schedule.
“We don’t have many opportunities to play friendlies here, so the management has done a good job of bringing in an overseas team. This game allowed players like Danial Amier, Alif Hassan, Danial Asri and Shahril Sa’ari to get match fitness,” he said.
Aidil also stressed the importance of keeping the squad competitive, especially with uncertainties surrounding the condition of players returning from national duty.
“We never know the condition of players when they come back, especially if there are injuries, so this is important for us to see who is ready to step in,” he told reporters pitchside at the Stadium Negeri in Petra Jaya on Saturday (March 28).
The Singaporean tactician emphasised that improvements are still needed despite the positive result.
“Every game, there is always something to improve. Today we scored two but conceded one – usually we don’t concede, but we also score less. It’s good to see players like Jerome and Ahmad adapting, but we have to keep improving,” he said.
He also highlighted that such matches provide an opportunity for players to stake their claim for a place in the starting line-up.
“We cannot always rotate in competitive matches because we are fighting for the top positions, so games like this are an opportunity for them to show what they can do,” he added.
Kuching will now shift their focus to the Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg against Selangor FC next week on April 5.
