KUCHING: Kuching City FC created history after defeating Kuala Lumpur City FC 1-0 at Stadium Negeri last night (May 17) to secure a place in the 2026-2027 AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two).
The victory ensured the Cats finished the season with 53 points, one ahead of Selangor, who demolished PDRM FC 6-0 at MBPJ Stadium.
Speaking after the match at Stadium Negeri last night (May 17), Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak paid tribute to the fans, thanking them for standing behind the team throughout the campaign.
“Credit goes to the players first and I want to say thank you also to the fans for today. They always cheer, the family of the players. We knew what we wanted today,” he said.
Aidil admitted the clash against Kuala Lumpur City was never going to be easy, describing the visitors as a quality side capable of punishing mistakes.
“It’s not an easy job. KL City is a good team and the pressure is always there. But I think the boys handled it well,” he said.
The Cats executed their game plan effectively in the opening half and were rewarded in the 29th minute when Jerome Etame found the breakthrough goal to spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
Aidil said the team’s focus in the first half was to gain an advantage while remaining disciplined defensively.
“First half, we achieved what we wanted. We tried to get one goal and tried not to concede goals,” he explained.
Although Kuching City created several promising opportunities after the break, they were unable to add a second goal despite their relentless effort.
“In the second half, I think we had a few good moments and chances in the game. The boys gave their best and tried their best to get a second goal,” he added.
The Singaporean also praised his squad’s resilience throughout the season, highlighting their ability to recover from difficult moments.
“This season, if you look at it, there were moments of course when we were a bit down and then up. But like I always say to the boys, this is a marathon.
“It’s not a 100-metre sprint. The boys bounced back well when we were not in the best moment and this is where character plays a big part,” he said.
Aidil credited the players’ never-give-up mentality as one of the driving forces behind the club’s historic achievements this season.
“We achieved a record — we have never been to the ACL before. Second, we are also in the Malaysia Cup final. So hopefully this is a good start for the club,” he added.
