KUCHING: Nine-man Kuching City FC secured a crucial 3-1 victory over KL City FC.
What could have been a challenging night transformed into a triumphant display as the Cats defended stoutly and fought back after two red cards were shown to key players James Okwuosa and Tchetche Kipre.
Kuching was phenomenal from the kick-off, applying immediate pressure.
Midfield maestro Danial Amier was a standout performer in midfield, linking up with the relentless Petrus Shitembi.
The match began explosively, with captain Okwuosa’s header in the first minute, deflecting off Giancarlo Gallifuoco’s leg to give the home team a quick 1-0 lead.
Kuching continued to threaten, and almost extended the lead when Shitembi’s cross met the outside foot of Nur Shamie Iszwan but it was saved by KL’s goalkeeper, Muhammad Azri Abdul Ghani.
Ramadhan Saifullah, on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim, proved instrumental on the left wing, constantly finding space and cutting in, into the KL City defence.
He also set up Danial Amier for a thunderous shot that forced another save from the keeper.
Kuching’s midfield trio of Shitembi, Moses Atede, and Danial Amier dominated the centre of the park, overpowering national team players Paulo Josue and Brendan Gan, who were largely ineffective in the first half. Gan had a chance in the 41st minute, but his shot went wide.
Just before halftime, Shitembi collected a header from Tchetche Kipre and skillfully navigated through the KL City defence to score, making it 2-0.
As the second half began, a controversial moment arose when Okwuosa shoved a KL City player in the box, leading to a VAR review and a penalty awarded to KL City, which Josue converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Shortly thereafter, another VAR review took place when Shitembi was fouled by KL’s Sean Gan Giannelli. Tchetche Kipre stepped up and converted the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way and igniting a passionate celebration among the 1,200 fans at Sarawak State Stadium.
The match turned chaotic as Tchetche attempted to pressure KL City’s keeper, leading to another VAR review and a second red card for the Cats, leaving Kuching with just nine men.
With eight minutes of added time indicated by the officials, head coach Aidil Sharin was animated on the touchline, rallying his players to demonstrate character.
It became a tense affair. Centre-back Rodney Celvin came on for Danial Amier as the remaining Kuching players focused on defence.
KL City pushed forward desperately, but Kuching’s Wan Muhammad Azraie made several key saves to preserve the lead.
Despite the pressure, the Cats held on for a well-deserved victory, showcasing their grit and teamwork.
