(Kuching, 18th) Kuching City Football Club has written another historic chapter. After making its maiden entry into the Malaysia Cup final, the club has now successfully secured qualification for next year's AFC Champions League 2nd tier competition.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, KCFC ranked second in the 2025-2026 Malaysia Super League season with 53 points, trailing runners-up Selangor FC by just one point.
In the final round of the league on Sunday (May 17), KCFC edged Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 at the Sarawak State Stadium, securing their spot on the Asian stage and will join league champions Johor DT in progressing.
In front of more than 10,000 home fans, KCFC started aggressively, creating several threatening attacks.
In the 29th minute, the home side created a chance from a throw-in, with forward Jerome Mpacko Etame seizing the opportunity to score the opening goal for the team.
After the start of the second half, KCFC continued to strengthen their attack while maintaining a solid defense, successfully neutralizing their opponent's counterattacks.
In the 48th minute, the Kuching stadium was set alight again as Yuki Tanigawa headed in an effort from a corner, but referee Muhammad Usaid Jamal ruled it a foul in attack, disallowing the goal.
Despite missing the chance to extend their lead, Aidil Sharin’s squad maintained high morale and solid defending.
Midway through the second half, KCFC had two golden opportunities to extend the score, but failed to convert both.
At the final whistle, Jerome’s sole goal sealed the victory for KCFC, securing second place for the season and earning them a historic first Asian competition berth.
According to the Sarawak Public Communications Unit, KCFC ranked second in the 2025-2026 Malaysia Super League season with 53 points, trailing runners-up Selangor FC by just one point.
In the final round of the league on Sunday (May 17), KCFC edged Kuala Lumpur City 1-0 at the Sarawak State Stadium, securing their spot on the Asian stage and will join league champions Johor DT in progressing.
In front of more than 10,000 home fans, KCFC started aggressively, creating several threatening attacks.
After the start of the second half, KCFC continued to strengthen their attack while maintaining a solid defense, successfully neutralizing their opponent's counterattacks.
In the 48th minute, the Kuching stadium was set alight again as Yuki Tanigawa headed in an effort from a corner, but referee Muhammad Usaid Jamal ruled it a foul in attack, disallowing the goal.
Despite missing the chance to extend their lead, Aidil Sharin’s squad maintained high morale and solid defending.
Midway through the second half, KCFC had two golden opportunities to extend the score, but failed to convert both.
At the final whistle, Jerome’s sole goal sealed the victory for KCFC, securing second place for the season and earning them a historic first Asian competition berth.