Kuching City won in the first match after beating Penang FC scoring 1-0 in the Unifi Piala Malaysia 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg at Stadium Bandaraya, Pulau Pinang.
Penang FC, led by new coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail, opted for a fresh lineup featuring Alif Ikmalrizal as the primary striker, while Kuching City relied on the experience of their star forward, Tchetche Kipre.
Despite a slow start, exacerbated by a damp field surface, both teams gradually found their rhythm. The first clear opportunity came in the 33rd minute when Kipre’s powerful effort hit the post following a perfectly placed pass from Danial Amier.
The breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when Ramadhan Saifullah capitalized on a well-timed assist from Kipre, slotting the ball past Penang’s goalkeeper Sikh Izhan. The goal closed the first half with Kuching City leading 1-0.
Determined to fight back, Penang introduced Azmeer Aris and Nabil Latpi in the second half to bolster their attack. However, Kuching City’s goalkeeper Wan Azraie proved to be the hero of the match, denying multiple attempts from Penang.
Penang dominated possession and created several dangerous opportunities but were repeatedly thwarted by Wan Azraie’s excellent goalkeeping.
With a slender advantage, Kuching City will host Penang FC in the second leg on November 30.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
