KUCHING: Sabah FC edged out Kuching City FC 2-1 in a thrilling Borneo derby at the Malaysian Super League, leaving the hosts disappointed despite a spirited performance.
In the first half, Kuching City dominated possession and created several chances, but their efforts were thwarted by Sabah’s resolute defence.
Jimmy Raymond was a constant threat down the right wing, delivering a sublime cross to Ivorian forward Tcheche Kipre. However, Sabah’s goalkeeper Damien Lim was quick to react, parrying the ball away for a corner.
Danial Amier also showcased moments of brilliance, effortlessly dribbling past three Sabah defenders with skill and flair. His impressive display of technique and vision is a testament to his potential, which has rightfully earned him the attention of national head coach Pau Marti.
Danial’s through ball to Tcheche set up another chance, but once again, Damien was on hand to deny the strike.
Despite relentless pressure from the City Boys, Sabah’s defence, anchored by national team players Dominic Tan and Daniel Ting, held firm, especially in the final 10 minutes, when Kuching City struggled to break through.
Sabah’s compact midfield, with assistant head coach Alto Linus deploying Gary Steven Robbat as a holding midfielder and Stuart Wilkin slightly ahead of him, made it difficult for Kuching’s midfield trio of Petrus Shitembi, Moses Atede, and Danial to find space and dictate play.
The game came to life in the second half, starting with a free kick from Sabah’s Saddil Ramdani, which beat Kuching City goalkeeper Shahril Sa’ari to give the visitors the lead.
Kuching City responded in the 82nd minute when substitute Zahrul Nizwan found the equaliser, latching onto a well-timed pass and slotting it past Damien.
However, just four minutes later, Sabah regained the advantage as Gabriel Peres rose highest to head in a corner from Farhan Roslan, putting the Rhinos back in front.
The drama didn’t end there, as Gabriel was shown a red card during injury time after receiving a second yellow card for a foul, leaving Sabah to finish the match with 10 men.
The Borneo derby lived up to its billing, with a physical, intense, and thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite their best efforts, Kuching City couldn’t break through Sabah’s defensive resolve, as the Rhinos claimed all three points in this hard-fought rivalry.
Sabah moved up to second place in the table, while Kuching remain in fifth with a game in hand.
Aidil Sharin’s men will face the Rhinos again in ten days in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals, followed by an away league match against Terengganu three days later.
League standings
| P | W | D | L | F | A | Pts | |
| Johor DT | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 53 | 6 | 40 |
| Sabah | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 32 | 21 | 29 |
| Selangor | 14 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 23 | 12 | 29 |
| Terengganu | 15 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| Kuching City | 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 20 | 18 |
| Perak | 15 | 5 | 3 | 7 | 21 | 26 | 18 |
| PDRM | 15 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 15 | 21 | 18 |
| Sri Pahang | 13 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 19 | 15 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 13 | 6 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 17 | 14 |
| Penang | 15 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 15 | 25 | 14 |
| Kedah | 15 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 27 | 14 |
| Kelantan | 15 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 12 | 37 | 7 |
| Negeri Sembilan | 13 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 30 | 6 |
(Note: Kedah Darul Aman docked three points over salary arrears issues; KL docked six points).
