KUCHING: It was a night witnessed at the highest level, with Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi in attendance at Stadium Negeri, Petra Jaya yesterday.
They were joined by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his daughter Dayang Norjihan as Kuching City FC secured a place in the Malaysia Cup final.
Also present were Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, club chairman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman and chief executive officer Iswandi Ali Hassan, reflecting strong support for the team’s historic run.
Kuching City delivered a performance to match the occasion, overcoming Selangor FC 2-1 on aggregate in an entertaining semi-final clash to book their first-ever appearance in the Malaysia Cup final.
Petrus Shitembi proved the difference-maker, producing a moment of brilliance in the 31st minute with a powerful strike from outside the box to put the Cats in control.
The match turned in the second half when Selangor were reduced to nine men following red cards to Muhammad Mukhairee Ajmal Mahadi (48th minute) and Muhammad Safuwan Baharudin (62nd minute).
Despite the setback, the 33-time champions continued to show resilience and tested the hosts until the final whistle.
The win sends Kuching City to Bukit Jalil National Stadium on May 23, where they will face defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, marking the first time since 1999 that a Sarawak-based team has reached the Malaysia Cup final.
