KUCHING: Kuching City FC head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, has urged his side to embrace the underdog role and play with freedom when they face Selangor FC in the Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg at Petaling Jaya Stadium tomorrow (Sunday, April 5).
Aidil said preparations have gone smoothly following the FIFA international break, with the squad showing strong focus and motivation ahead of one of the biggest matches in the club’s history.
“So far after the FIFA break, the preparation is good and the boys are looking forward,” said Aidil to Sarawak Tribune when contacted today.
He acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side, particularly with Selangor expected to have strong backing from their home supporters in the first leg.
“The pressure is in Selangor as they play at their home crowd and we are underdogs for this game,” he added.
Despite that, the Singaporean coach wants his players to approach the match with confidence and attacking intent rather than caution, stressing the importance of maintaining intensity for the full 90 minutes.
“I just want my boys to enjoy the match and be more aggressive for the full 90 minutes,” he said.
The semi-final is delicately poised over two legs, with the return fixture scheduled to take place at the Stadium Negeri in Kuching on April 18, where Kuching City FC will look to capitalise on home advantage.
The tie presents a major test of character and consistency for Aidil’s side, who will be aiming to carry a positive result back to Kuching before the decisive second leg in front of their own supporters.
