KUCHING: Kuching City FC drew 1-1 with Penang FC in a match full of opportunities, as head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak commended his players’ efforts but stressed the importance of sharper finishing.
The home side started the game sluggishly, conceding an early goal after a quick Penang counter-attack.
“We conceded a goal a bit too easily. After that, the boys started to wake up and realised they had to keep pushing,” Aidil said.
Kuching City created multiple chances throughout the game but struggled to convert them.
“The boys tried very hard, and they still gave 100 per cent. In the second half, we dominated the game for 45 minutes, but in the end, this is football.
“We have to accept it’s not our day, and we have to get back and train again to be better after this game,” he told a post-match press conference at Sarawak State Stadium on Saturday night.
Despite the draw, Aidil highlighted the players’ and his team’s consistency.
“We didn’t lose since we played Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), both home and away, and I have to congratulate the boys for that performance as well,” he enthused.
Looking ahead, Aidil stressed the importance of preparation and learning from missed opportunities.
“We have to work hard again. That’s why we train every day. We also have video sessions to assist these players. World-class players miss a lot of chances.
“And what about players like us who are aiming to be in the top four or top five? Maybe they are too eager to score,” he said.
He added that players sometimes pressure themselves and miss opportunities, which is why experience counts.
“We have to learn from these kinds of chances that we didn’t convert earlier,” he said.
Tchetche Kipre gave Penang an early lead, but Ronald Ngah Wanja equalised from a VAR-awarded penalty.
The draw leaves Kuching City third in the Malaysian Super League with 14 points.
