PETALING JAYA: Kuching City coach Aidil Sharin’s tactical tweaks did the trick as his Cats clawed back from a goal down to edge Terengganu 2-1 in their Super League clash at the State Stadium on Friday.
The hosts fell behind in the 13th minute after a well-worked set-piece between Tajikistan duo Ehsan Panjshanbe and Shervoni Mabatshoev, which the latter headed home.
Down 1-0 at half-time, Aidil had to change his tactics, a move that paid dividends in the second half as his Cameroonian forwards stepped up.
Ronald Ngah levelled for Kuching in the 64th minute with a composed penalty before substitute Jerome Mpacko Etame completed the turnaround in the 80th, finishing off a precise left-footed assist from Petrus Shitembi.
The victory lifted Kuching to second spot with 47 points from 22 matches, one ahead of Selangor.
Aidil credited his players’ resilience and adaptability.
“It was a good comeback and we deserved to win,” he said.
“We knew Terengganu are a quality side.
“Our initial plan to attack from the flanks didn’t work in the first half and we conceded a sloppy goal from a set-piece.
“But after that, the boys responded well.
“In the second half, we made tactical changes, adjusted the formation and controlled the game better.”
With two matches remaining against Melaka (May 9, away) and Kuala Lumpur (May 16, home), Aidil acknowledged the mounting pressure as Kuching chase an Asian Champions League Two spot.
“We’re not a big team like JDT or Selangor, and we face challenges in terms of facilities and recovery.
“But we will take it one game at a time. I can’t promise anything, but the players will give their best.”
Meanwhile, Terengganu interim coach Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan lamented his side’s inability to capitalise on their early lead.
“Our attack did not function as we hoped.
“We created chances but failed to score a second goal,” he said, admitting his team struggled to cope with Kuching’s second-half intensity.
With two games left, Terengganu remain focused on securing a top-five finish. They are fifth with 33 points from 22 games.
