Kuching City FC may have fallen 2-0 to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final last Saturday night — but their run to Bukit Jalil is being celebrated as the club's greatest achievement to date.
Under head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak, the Cats stunned Malaysian football by reaching the final for the first time ever. Their campaign was built on grit:
Round of 16: Beat Penang FC 2-1 on aggregate after losing the first leg away
Quarter-finals: Dominated DPMM FC 6-2 on aggregate
Semi-finals: Edged Selangor FC 2-1, winning the home leg 1-0
They played 7 matches, won 4, drew 1, lost 2 — scoring 10 goals and conceding just 6. They won all three home matches at the State Stadium.
Beyond the Malaysia Cup, their Super League performance also secured qualification for next season's AFC Champions League Two as Malaysia's No.2 — another historic first for the club.
More than 50,000 supporters packed the National Stadium, including Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and several state and federal ministers.
JDT's goals came from Marcos Guilherme (80') and Arif Aiman Hanapi (90'). Kuching City had a golden chance from the penalty spot in the 60th minute but couldn't convert.
" alt="" /> Location: Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur
" alt="" /> Details: Kuching City FC first-ever Malaysia Cup final appearance + AFC Champions League Two qualification
" alt="" /> Sources:
https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/25/cats-lose-final-but-celebrate-historic-season/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/05/25/cats-lose-final-but-celebrate-historic-season/
https://dayakdaily.com/shoot-for-the-moon-land-among-stars-kuching-city-fc-fall-to-jdt-in-msia-cup-final-but-achieve-historic-milestones/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://dayakdaily.com/shoot-for-the-moon-land-among-stars-kuching-city-fc-fall-to-jdt-in-msia-cup-final-but-achieve-historic-milestones/
What do you think? Did Kuching City exceed expectations this season? " alt="" />
