Ahmad Israiwah trains with his new team. - Photo by Kuching City FC.
PETALING JAYA: Kuching City are aiming for a strong finish to the season with two key attacking signings ahead of today’s do-or-die Malaysia Cup clash against Penang.
Jordanian midfielder Ahmad Israiwah and Cameroonian forward Jerome Etame join to inject creativity, pace, and finishing prowess into the squad.
Israiwah, a 32-year-old set-piece specialist, strengthens a midfield already anchored by Petrus Shitembi and Danial Amier Norhisham, while 29-year-old Etame brings continental experience and goal-scoring threat from his time at Al-Ahed and in Uzbekistan.
Israiwah joins from Jordan Super League side Police, having departed the club due to financial issues.
Etame previously plied his trade in Uzbekistan with Lokomotiv Tashkent and FC Yangier, where he was deployed both as a central striker and from the flanks.
The timing of the signings could prove decisive as Kuching City attempt to overturn a 0-1 deficit against Penang.
Coach Aidil Sharin acknowledged that an early lapse cost them in the first leg, but he is confident the reinforcements and home support at the Sarawak State Stadium can help overturn the 0-1 deficit and push Kuching City toward both Malaysia Cup progression and continental ambitions.
“We lost concentration early and conceded in the first half. I think we created more chances and played better football than them,” said Aidil.
“The players gave 100%. I can’t fault anyone. The result is my responsibility, and we will regroup and come back stronger for the second leg.
“But this is football, we have to accept it.
“Congratulations to Penang, but this is only one half.”
Aidil also underlined the importance of home support, urging fans to turn State Stadium into a fortress.
“You could see the difference the fans made for Penang, their spirit and energy lifted the team. We need our supporters to be the 12th player for us,” he said.
