KUCHING: A soggy pitch and persistent rain set the tone as Kuching FA edged Limbang FA 1-0 in a bruising Sarawak Premier League quarter-final first leg at Sarawak Stadium today.
The wet conditions and heavy surface limited fluid football, with Limbang adopting a physical approach that disrupted Kuching’s rhythm throughout the opening half.
Despite enjoying more possession, Kuching struggled to break down a disciplined Limbang defence, with several attempts failing to seriously test Limbang goalkeeper, Mohammad Bukhari Hasbol, who remained largely untroubled before the break.
Kuching increased the tempo after half-time and were rewarded in the 54th minute when Limbang conceded a penalty.
Wan Badzreen Wan Yusuf made no mistake from the spot to give the hosts the lead.
However, the goal-scorer’s evening was cut short shortly after, as he was sent off, leaving Kuching to see out the match with 10 men.
Head coach, Nizam Mahmud, acknowledged that the pitch conditions hampered his side’s usual style of play but commended his players for their effort.
“Perhaps the pitch restricted Kuching FA’s style of play, but I congratulate the players for their effort on such a slippery surface,” he said.
He admitted his players found it difficult to secure the win but remained confident ahead of the return leg in Limbang.
“The players clearly struggled to get the result, but with this 1-0 scoreline against Limbang, we will look to add to it in Limbang, God-willing. With the quality we have, we believe in the players we have prepared,” he told Sarawak Tribune at Sarawak Stadium.
Nizam added that playing conditions were felt by the players throughout the match and expressed hope for better pitch conditions in Limbang.
“The players could really feel how difficult the pitch was, and we hope the pitch in Limbang will be in better condition,” he said.
When asked about injuries, Nizam said there were no major concerns at this stage, with the medical team monitoring recovery ahead of the second leg.
“So far, everything is okay. Our physio will assess the situation, and hopefully the players will recover in time for the second match in Limbang,” he added.
Kuching will travel to Limbang for the second leg looking to defend their narrow advantage and book a place in the semi-finals.
Photo: Gabriel Lihan
