Kuching City FC produced a memorable finale to their Malaysia Super League campaign after edging Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 at Stadium Negeri, Kuching and sealing a historic qualification to the AFC Champions League Two for the 2026/27 season.
The Cats delivered when it mattered most, with a solitary strike from import forward Jerome Etame proving enough to hand Aidil Sharin Sahak’s side all three points in front of their passionate home supporters.
The victory saw Kuching City finish second in the league standings with 53 points, narrowly overtaking Selangor FC, who ended the season in third place on 52 points.
Knowing the importance of the occasion, Kuching City came out aggressively from the opening whistle and immediately imposed themselves on the contest with relentless attacking pressure.
Their dominance was finally rewarded in the 30th minute when Jerome Etame calmly slotted home following a dangerous long throw delivered by Muhammad Ariff Farhan, sending the home crowd into celebration as Kuching City grabbed a crucial 1-0 lead.
Stunned by the breakthrough, KL City attempted to respond through quick counter-attacks, but Kuching City’s defensive line remained compact and disciplined to frustrate the visitors.
Etame nearly doubled both his tally and Kuching City’s advantage just before halftime, but his effort was denied brilliantly by KL City goalkeeper Quincy Julian Kammeraad.
The hosts continued their momentum after the restart and thought they had found a second goal in the 48th minute through Yuki Tanigawa. However, celebrations were cut short after the referee ruled out the strike for an earlier foul in the build-up.
KL City refused to surrender quietly and came close to equalising in the 56th minute when substitute Kpah Sean Sherman produced a dazzling solo run past two defenders before unleashing a fierce shot, only for goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli to produce a vital save.
Kuching City continued to push forward throughout the second half, creating several dangerous opportunities, but failed to extend their lead despite controlling large spells of the encounter.
In the end, the single goal was enough to spark scenes of jubilation at the final whistle as Kuching City not only ended their league campaign with a valuable victory, but also etched their name into club history by securing qualification to the ACL2 for the very first time.
For Aidil Sharin and his players, it was a night that symbolised the club’s remarkable rise — from underdogs to genuine contenders on the Malaysian football stage, and now, future representatives on the Asian stage.
Credit Photo : MFL
