KUCHING: Kuching FA’s hopes for the M3 League title were dealt a final blow with their 1-2 loss to Armed Forces at Mindef Stadium on Saturday.
With key striker Joseph Kalang under one-match suspension, Sufizal Ismail had to shoulder the upfront role for the visitors and made it count 15 minutes before the final whistle. However, Kuching FA could not make a comeback after the Armed Forces led 2-0 in the first half
Coach Ideris Untong said his team played below par in the first half, but played very well in the second half.
Ideris said his team paid the price as they failed to display their real game in the first half. He said they were more organised and launched strings of attacks to finally scored the goal in the 75th minute.
“The players were back to their real performance and dominated the second half.
“However, they missed several chances and scored one goal while the rest of the opportunities went to waste, he said, adding that if only the strike force was sharper they could have score more goal and won the match to move higher than 53 points.
Meanwhile, Kelantan United defeated Protap 4-1 in another match on Saturday to widen the gap to nine points on 62, virtually clinching the league title.
With three matches to play, Kuching can get a maximum of 62 points but will still will lose to Kelantan United on goal difference even if the latter lose their last two matches.
