KUCHING: Head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, dedicated Kuching City FC’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sabah FC in the Borneo derby to club president, Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.
The win, powered by a second-half header from Jordan Mintah, extended Kuching City’s impressive run in the Super League standings.
He praised his players’ composure and discipline in securing three valuable points at Likas Stadium last night.
“I want to give credit to my players, the coaching staff, and also this win is for my president, who wanted it badly against Sabah. The three points are for him tonight,” said Aidil in a post-match press conference.
Reflecting on the match, Aidil admitted his side lacked sharpness in the opening half despite dominating possession and dictating the tempo.
“We controlled the game well in the first half, but attacking-wise, we were not that sharp.
“At half-time, we discussed how to make some changes, and after 60 minutes, we brought in Joao Pedro and Gabriel Nistelrooy to add more attacking threat and it worked,” he said.
The tactical switch proved decisive when left-back, Scott Woods, delivered a pinpoint cross that found Mintah, who rose highest to nod home the only goal of the night.
Aidil was equally pleased with his team’s defensive display, as Kuching City maintained another clean sheet away from home, a feat he described as “not easy”.
“I’m happy not only because Mintah scored, but because we kept another clean sheet in an away game.
“Overall, we controlled and defended the game well in the second half. I’m very pleased with the players’ performance tonight,” he added.
The Cats are now on 13 points, with four wins, one draw and one loss from matches played thus far.
