PETALING JAYA: Aidil Sharin’s broad smile said it all – a reflection of the joy radiating through Kuching City right now.
After stunning last season’s Super League runners-up Selangor 1-0 on Sept 21, Kuching City kept their momentum going in style, hammering Immigration 4-0 at the State Stadium on Sunday.
Striker Ahmad Danial Asri was the hero of the night, bagging a brace in the 48th and 64th minutes. Ramadhan Saifullah opened the floodgates in the 29th minute, while Petrus Shitembi put the icing on the cake with the fourth in the 75th.
As the final whistle blew, Aidil raised his hands to the sky, whispered a prayer, and celebrated passionately with his players – a fitting gesture after another commanding performance from his side.
“We started a bit slow, but once the first goal came, our confidence grew,” said Aidil during the post-match press conference.
“At half time, I made some tactical tweaks – how to press, when to push forward – and the boys executed it perfectly.
“Our aggression was excellent, and winning in front of the home fans was really special. Their energy drives us. We’re on a good run, but we must stay grounded – the Borneo derby against Sabah is next.”
The Singaporean coach credited his team’s recent form to strong squad management and a well-balanced workload behind the scenes.
“We’re in good momentum because injuries have been minimal and we’re managing the players’ intensity well,” he explained.
“Danial and Ramadhan are scoring regularly, while Haziq (Nadzli), James (Okwuosa), and Yuki (Tanigawa) are keeping clean sheets.
“Even our substitutes like Jordan (Mintah) and Joao (Pedro) are hungry to make an impact. What we’re doing in training – analysing footage, communicating, and educating – is paying off.”
Kuching City will next travel to Kota Kinabalu to face Sabah at the Likas Stadium on Oct 4. Aidil, however, remains cautious despite his side’s fine form.
Last season, Kuching lost both league encounters against the Rhinos 1-2.
