BETONG: Kuching City FC kicked off their Sarawak tour friendlies in style with a commanding 7-0 win over Betong FA.
The Cats donned green kits, while Betong FA sported black and orange colours as both teams faced off under the sweltering late Monday afternoon sun (Jun 30) at the Betong Sports Complex.
Returning from a two-and-a-half-month break, Kuching City’s head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak fielded a refreshed squad in pre-season mode, featuring several new faces eager to make their mark.
Among the new imports spotted on the pitch were Joao Pedro from Timor Leste and Scott Philip Galang Woods from the Philippines.
Kuching started the match with a local first-eleven lineup, led by captain Mohamad Alif Hasan.
Newly signed forward Gabriel Nistelrooy, a Miri native, made an immediate impact — netting four goals in the first half and showing exactly why he was among the most sought-after talents of the season.
The opener came via an own goal, after what appeared to be a shot by Amir Amri forced the Betong goalkeeper off his line. The ball deflected off a defender and into the net.
Another new signing, Ahmad Danial Ahmad Asri, also got on the scoresheet with a composed finish.
The rout was completed by Hazwan Bakri, who capitalised on a wave of relentless attacks down the right flank to slot home the seventh goal.
The friendly drew an enthusiastic crowd of about 1,000 fans and spectators, who turned up to catch the action and support both teams.
Kuching City will continue their Sarawak tour with upcoming friendlies in Mukah (Jul 2), Sibu (Jul 3), Bintulu (Jul 4), and Miri (Jul 5–6).
