Brave Kuching limited against JDT’s bench strength

KUALA LUMPUR: Aidil Sharin Sahak believes Kuching City’s brave showing against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final proved they can compete tactically with the country’s best.

Kuching frustrated the 12-time Super League champions for much of the first half on Saturday, pressing aggressively, defending compactly and threatening JDT through quick transitions down the flanks.

Aidil feels, however, it also exposed the gulf in squad depth and financial power that still separates the two sides.

Kuching executed the game plan almost perfectly before injuries and JDT’s superior bench strength shifted the contest after the break.

“First half, yes, we did massively well,” Aidil said.

“We controlled the game well and we frustrated the opponent well in keeping the ball and countering them.

“In the second half, we had to make changes because of injuries.

“This is where the difference is with JDT when they come in and put a punch more into the game.”

Aidil revealed that Kuching had specifically targeted JDT’s defensive areas with pace and direct running, and that his surprise decision to start Ronald Ngah Wanja nearly paid off.

“We do a lot of research on what the opponent’s weakness is,” said Aidil.

“You can see in the first half that (Joao) Pedro had very good speed and crossed into the box while Jerome (Etame) also turned defenders away one-versus-one.”

But while Aidil was encouraged by his team’s tactical discipline, he admitted the final also underlined what Kuching must improve ahead of a demanding 2026 campaign involving the Asian Champions League Two, Asean Club Championship and domestic competitions.

“We need more squad, more depth, and also more quality players,” Aidil said.

“We have the second-best defending record compared to JDT, but we still need better defenders because we are going to play international games a lot.

“And attacking-wise, we need to improve also because we are not among the best scoring teams.”

Still, the former Singapore international insisted Kuching would not sacrifice financial stability in pursuit of rapid success, delivering a pointed remark on the dangers of reckless spending in Malaysian football.

“We have to improve ourselves but that depends on our own budget,” Aidil said.

“We don’t want to burst the budget and the boys don’t get a salary like some other clubs.”

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times