PETALING JAYA: Kuching City seem to have earned the unflattering label of draw specialists after their third straight deadlock in the Super League.
And that has taken much credit away from their steely come-from-behind 2-2 draw with Terengganu at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Friday.
The Cats had earlier drew with Penang and Perak (both 1-1).
But their critics can quibble all they want. Coach Aidil Sharin hailed his charges’ fighting spirit in salvaging a point despite being down to 10 men after wingback Filemon Anyie Standly was sent off in the 76th minute.
‘’They showed great team spirit and commitment to fight back despite being a man down. I think they deserve much credit for that,” said Aidil.
Aidil also highlighted the fact that his team have improved a lot compared to last season where they finished second last out of 14 teams.
Kuching are now fifth with 24 points from 18 matches.
“Thanks to good management and the confidence of the players, we’re now fighting to be among the top five clubs in the league,’’ added Aidil.
Against Terengganu, Kuching fell behind after just eight minutes when Filipino midfielder Manuel Ott found the net with an exquisite free-kick from 25 metres.
The Turtles went two up in the 59th minute through Nigerian striker Ismaheel Akinade.
Kuching clawed their way back with two goals in quick succession via Ghanaian striker Jordan Mintah (64th minute) and Namibian forward Petrus Shitembi (65th).
Kuching will next face Kelantan at the Sultan Mohd IV Stadium in Kota Baru on Feb 26.
Meanwhile, Terengganu coach Badrul Afzan Razali was disappointed with his players for squandering a two-goal lead.
‘’Conceded two goals in the space of one minute is hard to take. Especially, when we controlled the game and created so many chances.”
Terengganu are fourth with 28 points from 19 matches.
