Kuching City continued their impressive run after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Penang FC in the Liga Super Malaysia 2025/26 at Stadium Bandaraya, Pulau Pinang.
In a match defined by tactical discipline, it took a moment of pure predatory instinct to break the deadlock. In the 40th minute, the Penang defense suffered a catastrophic “system failure.”
As Ronald Ngah Wanja applied pressure, a breakdown in communication between Penang keeper Ramadhan Ab Hamid and captain Stefano Brundo left the ball bobbling in the danger zone. Gabriel Nistelrooy didn’t need a second invitation, pouncing on the loose ball to slot home what would ultimately be the winning goal.
The celebration was briefly put on ice as referee S. Logeswaran signaled for a VAR review. For several tense minutes, the 804 spectators held their breath as officials checked for a potential foul in the buildup. Goal stands. No foul. The “Cats” had their lead.
Penang pushed forward in the second half searching for an equaliser, but Kuching City’s defence remained solid to preserve their advantage until the final whistle.
With this win, Aidil Sharin Sahak’s men have officially disrupted the “Big Three” hierarchy. By reaching the 40-point mark, Kuching City has surged past traditional powerhouses Selangor FC and Kuala Lumpur City (both on 39 points) to claim the runner-up spot behind leaders JDT.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
