Kuching City head coach Aidil Sharin has called for full concentration from his players as the Malaysian side prepare to launch their AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 Group H campaign against Phnom Penh Crown.
Kuching City face Phnom Penh Crown in their opening Group H fixture, with Aidil expecting an intense contest as both teams begin their continental journey.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Aidil said his squad had been well received since arriving in Phnom Penh and was looking forward to what he expects to be an entertaining encounter.
“Since we came yesterday, everything is going well. Fantastic treatment,” Aidil said.
“For this game, it’s very important for both teams because it’s the beginning of the ACL Two. Definitely, it’s going to be an exciting game, with both teams pushing 100 per cent. We expect positive football.”
Aidil, who has experience facing Cambodian opposition, said Kuching City were aware of the qualities possessed by Phnom Penh Crown and had identified several threats ahead of the match.
The Kuching coach specifically highlighted Moses, the Crown No.10, as a player his side will need to monitor, while also warning about the Cambodian club’s No.14 and his ability from set-pieces with his left foot.
“Definitely, we know the physical side and what they are bringing into the ACL game here. One of the things we have to look for is set pieces,” Aidil explained.
“We know they have good attacking players, like their No.10, Moses. That’s a key player that we have to watch. Also, their No.14 has a very good left foot for set pieces.”
Despite identifying those threats, Aidil stressed that Kuching City would not allow excessive focus on the opposition to distract them from their own tactical approach.
“We are more focused on our side, our game plan and how we are going to play against them, rather than focusing too much on the opponent,” he said.
Aidil also acknowledged the progress of Cambodian football since his previous encounters with teams from the country, saying the quality of the domestic game has improved.
The Kuching coach pointed to the increasing number of quality foreign players in the Cambodian league as one factor contributing to that development.
“The Cambodia Football League is getting better and better from those days that we played against them,” he said.
“You can see now they have more quality players, especially the foreigners that they bring into the league. That is where you can see they are progressing well.”
Aidil added that the difference between domestic competition and continental football should not be underestimated, particularly with regulations governing the number of foreign players who can feature.
“For sure, it’s going to be a different ballgame. The league and the cup are always different,” he said.
“We know Phnom Penh Crown is stronger with more foreigners. We respect them, and we want to stay humble.”
Despite the challenge ahead, Aidil believes the match has all the ingredients for an open and competitive contest.
The Malaysian side will aim to make a positive start to their Group H campaign, with the coach insisting that discipline and concentration on their own game will be crucial.
“The most important thing tomorrow is that we just have to focus on our side,” Aidil said.
Kuching City will now look to turn that approach into a strong performance when they take on Phnom Penh Crown in their opening AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 Group H fixture.
Credit Photo : KCFC
