PETALING JAYA: Kuching City coach Aidil Sharin Sahak made no bones about the gulf in standard between his side and South Korea’s Gangwon after they went down 0-1 in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two match on Thursday.
The Cats are still searching for their first win in the competition but could not hold off the home side at the Gangneung Stadium.
The result left Kuching bottom of Group H with just one point from three matches.
They had earlier lost 2-1 to Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Crown and drew 1-1 with Hong Kong’s Kitchee.
Aidil acknowledged the gap in quality.
“They are a good side. The level of football in Korea is always better and higher. They are one of the best in Asia, and much better in terms of technique,” said Aidil,
He, however, believes home advantage could change the outcome in the return leg.
“We lost 1-0, but when we play them at our home ground, it will definitely be a different game because of the weather and the home advantage.”
In the first leg, Choe Byeong-chan scored the only goal in the 27th minute from Kang Joon-hyuck’s assist.
Kuching pushed for an equaliser in the second half, with Aidil introducing winger Safawi Rasid, Cameroonian striker Jerome Etame and Timor-Leste winger Joao Pedro.
But Gangwon held firm to claim their first win in the competition.
“It was a good goal by the opponent and it’s not easy to stop shots like that. We will definitely learn from it,” said Aidil.
“We played with a positive attitude though and didn’t sit back and only defend. Unfortunately, we didn’t score from the few chances we created.”
“We are a new club and this is our first time in this competition. It’s not easy, but bit by bit, we are competing with the best clubs.
“Even Seoul, the K League champions, found Gangwon difficult to beat. Our boys showed their quality, and it is a good experience for them. I’m happy we didn’t back down against one of the best teams in Asia.”
Kuching host Gangwon at the State Stadium in Kuching on Nov 5, before welcoming Phnom Penh Crown on Nov 26.
They wrap up the group stage against Kitchee on Dec 3.
