KUALA LUMPUR: Kuching City FC head coach, Aidil Sharin Sahak, remained supportive of his players after a decisive moment slipped away in the Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim at Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Kuching City’s clearest opportunity came in the 61st minute when they were awarded a penalty, but winger Ramadhan Saifullah failed to convert from the spot in what proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.
Earlier, the youngster had also gone close on several occasions, including a missed open-goal chance in the 19th minute and a long-range effort in the 32nd minute that was saved by JDT goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed.
Despite the setback, Aidil quickly defended his player, stressing that penalties are always unpredictable.
“I don’t want to blame Ramadhan. Penalty is always 50-50. Even good players miss penalties,” he told a post-match press conference on Saturday (May 23).
Aidil said the momentum had been with Kuching City at that stage and believed the match could have unfolded differently had the penalty been converted.
“If we got the goal, I believe the game would be different. The momentum was good, and we had a good chance,” he said.
The coach also acknowledged the emotional pressure of major finals, especially against a side of JDT’s calibre.
“My players are human beings. They will feel a little down, and this is where we get punished. JDT took their chances and scored,” he explained.
Aidil refused to single out Ramadhan for criticism, reiterating that football is a collective effort.
“I don’t want to speak about one player. This is a team game,” he said.
He also backed the young winger to emerge stronger from the experience.
“He is still young. I’m still happy with what he has done throughout the season, and he will improve more from this kind of mistake,” Aidil added.
