KUALA LUMPUR: Aidil Sharin refused to point fingers after Kuching City’s Malaysia Cup final heartbreak and has taken full responsibility for their 2-0 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
Despite ending the season without silverware, the Singaporean remained proud of his side’s fighting spirit after they matched the Southern Tigers for long periods before being undone by their superior depth and clinical finishing.
“In the first half, we did massively well. We controlled the game, frustrated them, kept the ball and hit them on the counter-attack,” said Aidil.
“Unfortunately, we had to make changes in the second-half because of some injuries. That was the main difference between us and JDT. They brought more punch into the game and took their chances.
“But I cannot fault the players. The boys worked hard to reach the final.”
Kuching’s best opportunity to seize control came when they were awarded a penalty, only for Ramadhan Saifullah’s effort to go astray.
Aidil, however, quickly defended the 25-year-old winger.
“I don’t want to blame Ramadhan. Penalties are always 50-50, and even world-class players miss them,” he said.
“It would have been great if we had scored because the game could have been completely different.
“If you don’t take your chances against a team like JDT, you get punished.’’
Known for his adventurous approach, Aidil said he deliberately took tactical risks in an effort to unsettle the defending champions.
Many wondered why he didn’t start with the team’s top scorer Ronald Ngah but instead played Jerome Mpacko Etame upfront but the decision did give his team an edge.
“In the first half, (Joao) Pedro gave us speed and delivered some dangerous crosses. Jerome also showed his quality, although he still needs time. If he had been sharper today, he could have scored two goals.”
