ACL Two: Kuching City Unlocks First Victory and Keeps Alive
National winger Safawi Rasid bags a brilliant first-half brace as The Cats overcome a severe squad crisis to secure a do-or-die victory in Group H.
Kuching City have dramatically reignited their AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 campaign, securing a crucial 2-0 victory over South Korean outfit Gangwon FC at Taha Ariffin Stadium, Kuching.
Heading into the Matchday 4 clash, the stakes were absolute. The Cats were well aware that anything less than a victory would result in premature elimination from the continental tournament. Adding to the pressure, head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak was forced to navigate the tie without seven key players.
However, the heavily depleted squad refused to back down. Kuching City came out with all guns blazing in the first half, completely dismantling the visitors' defensive structure with their aggressive attacking intent.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute when national winger Safawi Rasid unleashed a lethal strike to give the hosts a well-deserved lead. Just seven minutes later, the explosive forward struck again, breaching the Gangwon net for his second goal of the night and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Armed with a comfortable 2-0 cushion at the break, Kuching City shifted into a highly disciplined defensive block in the second half. Despite Gangwon's desperate attempts to salvage at least a point from their trip to Sarawak, the home side's backline stood resolute until the final whistle.
Safawi Rasid’s undeniable heroics earned him the Player of the Match honors, with statistical platform Sofascore awarding the attacker a stellar 8.9 rating for his match-winning performance.
The monumental victory serves as a massive morale booster for Kuching City as they rapidly shift their focus back to domestic duties. The Cats are now gearing up to face Selangor FC in a highly anticipated FA Cup semi-final return leg on November 8.
Credit Photo : AFC
