PETALING JAYA: Kuching City slipped up once against Brunei in the local football scene last year. And that painful defeat will be a reminder as they get ready to face the club from Borneo in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals first-leg match at the Bandar Seri Begawan Stadium today.
Kuching City lost 2-3 in their first meeting at the FA Cup last 16 first-leg match last August but quickly rebounded by winning the second leg 7-1.
They also bagged their first Super League encounter against Brunei at the Sarawak Stadium 1-0 last November.
Head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak is confident that The Cats will put on a strong showing, but he is also cautious of what their neighbours can pull off in a Cup game.
“We lost to them at their den in the FA Cup, which shows that anything can happen,” said Aidil.
“We just can’t afford to miss the chances that we create.
“We shouldn’t make mistakes. They are the underdogs and will be extra motivated.”
Aidil will be making some changes in the frontline due to injuries, but is hopeful that his players will step up to the plate.
“We have a good attacking strike force, and we have to manage them well.
“Staying sharp in front of goal is key,” he said.
They without the services of Daniel Amier Norhisham, who suffered a twisted ankle last month and is expected to be out for two months.
Gabriel Nistelrooy’s appearance today will also remain to be seen after he picked up a hamstring injury following Kuching’s 2-0 win over Negri Sembilan in the Super League last week while Ronald Ngah also suffered an ankle injury during the same game.
“We want to win the first leg, but we also have to be smart in managing the game,” said Aidil.
“The players have to be cautious in the defence, but we will play our usual attacking football.
“The team are doing well, and that’s largely due to the players’ attitude and commitment.
“But let’s not forget that every team is also doing the same. And that just means we have to work harder, we can’t stay comfortable.”
The return fixture will be played on Feb 14 in Kuching.
