KUCHING: Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak credited his players’ discipline and attacking intent, praising the team’s willingness to take risks while maintaining defensive solidity.
Following their 2-0 win over Negeri Sembilan at the Sarawak State Stadium on Saturday night (Jan 31), Aidil adopted an attacking formation, playing with just three defenders to maximise forward pressure.
“We wanted to win and attack, using Joao Pedro and Ramadhan Saifullah more on the wings.
“We had many chances, which is a positive, but we must improve on finishing and avoid giving away chances ourselves, because those opportunities don’t come every night,” he told a post-match press conference.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Gabriel Nistelrooy Tamin capitalised on a wayward back pass from Negeri Sembilan’s Muhammad Amirul Adli Azmi to slot the ball home from close range.
The hosts secured the win in the 66th minute when Cameroonian striker Ronald Ngah Wanja pounced on a loose pass by Ramadhan Saifullah to calmly make it 2-0.
Despite their attacking approach, Aidil emphasised the importance of defensive discipline and praised the team’s effort to maintain a clean sheet.
“We tried to shut down some of their key players. I think the boys did very well,” he said.
Aidil also acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in finishing, noting that the team created many chances but must be more clinical in front of goal.
The victory was Kuching City’s ninth of the season, lifting them to second place in the Malaysia Super League with 31 points, overtaking Selangor on goal difference.
Looking ahead, Aidil said tactical flexibility and squad rotation would be key as they prepare for their next league match against Selangor on February 22.
The coach also confirmed that midfielder Daniel Amier’s sprained ankle, sustained during the previous match against Penang FC, may sideline him for up to two months. He attributed several injuries during the game partly to poor pitch conditions, expressing hope that the surface will improve soon.
Aidil praised new signing Ahmad Nawaf Abdel Aziz Israiwah, who made his debut, as well as Jerome Etame, noting that time will tell as they need to gel, while expressing optimism about the team’s growing squad depth.
“Definitely, they need to adapt, especially on the field. They still don’t know all the names because we’ve got 30 players in the squad. We need to give these players time,” he said.
