KUCHING: Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak admitted that lapses in focus led to their 2–1 defeat to Terengganu FC, but praised his players’ effort and composure in securing a 5–3 aggregate win to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.
Despite the loss in the second leg at Sarawak State Stadium, Petra Jaya, on Tuesday night (Oct 28), Kuching’s first-leg cushion proved decisive as they booked a historic meeting with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on Nov 8.
“It’s not an easy game. Before the match, we knew winning away at Terengganu was already a good result.
“But coming back here with a lead sometimes affects the mindset , we’re human, and maybe that’s why we started a bit too relaxed,” said Aidil in a post match press conference.
Aidil acknowledged that both goals came from self-inflicted mistakes.
“The first goal, we were not focused. We didn’t organise ourselves, and they took a quick corner to score. These are lessons we have to learn even one or two seconds of lapse, the opponent will punish us,” he explained.
Aidil, however, credited his players for responding well under pressure in what he described as a “physical and intense” quarter-final.
“You can see the game getting exciting, both teams attacking and defending well. After 75 minutes, some of the players were fatigued, but they gave their best.”
He also pointed out the challenges of managing recovery and rotation with a limited squad and a tight schedule.
“We don’t have a big squad or the best recovery system. We travel, play again in two days, and that takes a toll. But that’s football , we manage with what we have,” he said.
He added that focus in the closing stages remains an area for improvement.
“We conceded late again due to another individual mistake. The pitch wasn’t great, the ball bounced awkwardly, but that’s not an excuse. We just need to stay sharper in the last five minutes,” he said.
Next, Kuching will turn their attention towards improving ahead of their Super League clash with PDRM FC this Saturday (Nov 1).
