KUCHING: Kuching City FC’s Malaysia Cup final defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) continues to draw reflection, with missed opportunities seen as the turning point in the 2-0 result at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Saturday.
Sarawak Tribune spoke to hosts from Pemain ke-12, who felt Kuching City had enough chances to change the course of the match.
Roshan Narayan described the final as a high-quality encounter decided by crucial moments.
“I think it was a really good game of football, I enjoyed it. It’s my second cup final I’ve seen. I think this is a better performance from Kuching than when I saw Pahang last year.
“A game of missed chances. If that penalty went in, I still think JDT would have upped the level,” he told Sarawak Tribune after the game.
Roshan added that cup finals are often defined by fine margins and moments of composure.
“This is where you get paid good money – golden opportunities, chances to win, but they didn’t score and missed the penalty,” he added.
He also praised JDT’s attacking quality, particularly the impact of Malaysian international Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi after coming off the bench.
“At the end of the day, Arif Aiman came on and just changed the game to a different level. That boy is our best player and he’s fun to watch. People pay money to watch him,” he said.
Roshan also called for greater creative freedom for attacking players in Malaysian football.
“I think that’s what we need. We need more creative players allowed, freedom to play the game of football in Malaysia,” he added.
Co-host Rashid Salleh, who hails from Kuching, shared similar sentiments, saying Kuching City had chances to alter the outcome.
“It’s a game of missed chances for Kuching City FC. There were a couple of open chances, the penalty of course being missed – the game would have changed,” he said.
“But it is what it is. Congratulations to Kuching City for getting into the final.”
Despite the defeat, both hosts agreed Kuching City’s run to the final marked clear progress, with the team proving they can compete with the best sides in Malaysian football.
