KUCHING: Kuching City FC showed strong fighting spirit in their comeback win over Terengganu FC, keeping an Asian Champions League (ACL2) spot within reach.
Head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak credited his players for their resilience, saying they deserved more after a strong overall display.
He acknowledged Terengganu’s quality, noting their draw against Johor Darul Ta’zim, but felt his side matched them for long periods.
“We tried to break from the sides, but it didn’t work in the first half. Then we conceded a sloppy goal from a set-piece, which is totally unacceptable,” he said at a press conference last night (Friday, May 1) at Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya.
The turning point came after the break when Aidil made tactical adjustments, including introducing Gabriel Nistelrooy and reshuffling the formation.
Yuki Tanigawa was pushed into midfield, helping Kuching City gain control and sustain pressure.
“In the second half, we controlled the game well. Terengganu didn’t have many chances, but their goalkeeper made good saves from Petrus Shitembi, Gabriel and Ronald Ngah Wanja,” he said.
Aidil described the result as a positive step forward, particularly in terms of mentality.
“All I can say, it was a good game and a good comeback. It shows the character of the boys and their quality.”
With two matches remaining, Aidil admitted the stakes are rising as Kuching City push for a potential ACL place.
“This is another challenge and something new for Kuching City. We’ve never been up there before, so there will be pressure in these last games, ” he said.
“It’s not just about the title, but fighting for something – an ACL spot. It’s a big competition and big pressure for a small team like us, but we want to test ourselves.”
Substitute Jerome Mpacko Etame scored the winner in the 79th minute to seal all three points after Terengganu took an early lead through Shervoni Mabatshoev in the 13th minute.
Kuching City had earlier equalised in the 63rd minute when Ronald Ngah Wanja converted from the penalty spot.
