PETALING JAYA: There is a cool cat dictating Kuching City’s rhythm in the final third who goes by the auspicious name of Ramadhan Saifullah.
And his inspirational display was surely a blessing for the Cats in their 3-1 win over Brunei in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final first leg match at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Ramadhan also capped the precious away win with a composed goal in the 82nd minute.
He is grateful to be given the licence to roam across the attacking line and is happy to repay the trust of those who believe in him.
“As a player, you always strive to be better, but I’m happy I’ve been able to contribute with goals and assists. Football is a team game, and my priority is always to help the team win,” said Ramadhan.
“I believe I can reach an even higher level. I want to stay consistent, keep working hard and finish the season strongly.”
Kuching struck first in the 38th minute when Cameroonian striker Jerome Etame converted a low, driven cross from Ahmad Danial Ahmad Asri.
Brunei responded 12 minutes later in fortuitous fashion as Nigerian centreback and captain James Okwuosa inadvertently turned Miguel Oliveira’s cross into his own net.
The visitors, however, regained control in the 64th minute, again benefiting from an own goal after Brunei goalkeeper Haimie Nyaring fumbled Petrus Shitembi’s corner into the net.
Ramadhan then put the tie firmly in Kuching’s grasp with eight minutes remaining, latching onto a pass from Shitembi before drilling a low shot from outside the box.
Since joining Kuching from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) two seasons ago, Ramadhan has evolved into a versatile attacking threat.
Comfortable on either flank, he frequently drifts into central areas to create chances, test goalkeepers from range or slip through passes behind the defence.
With seven goals in 24 matches across all competitions this season, Ramadhan is the third most productive attacker - behind JDT winger Arif Aiman Hanapi and
Selangor captain Faisal Halim.
Ramadhan is now focused on helping Kuching reach the Malaysia Cup last four as they take a two-goal cushion into the quarter-final second leg at the State Stadium in Kuching on Feb 14.
“We have to stay focused, respect our opponents and maintain the same intensity to get the result we want in the second leg,” he said.
