By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 24: ‘Shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars’.
This quote, often attributed to Norman Vincent Peale, serves as a reminder to aim for ambitious goals, as even partial success still yields significant progress, and that was the case for Kuching City FC (KCFC) in their 2025/2026 Malaysia Cup journey.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) defeated KCFC 2-0 in the Malaysia Cup final at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday night (May 23).
The much-anticipated match saw the presence of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof, Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, as well as several Sarawak and federal Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers who joined more than 50,000 supporters to cheer on the two teams.
JDT’s first goal was scored by Marcos Guilherme De Almeida in the 80th minute, with Arif Aiman Hanapi striking the second goal in the 90th minute.
KCFC came close to finding the net in the 19th minute, but Joao Pedro’s cross failed to be converted by Muhammad Ramadhan Saifullah.
In the 60th minute, KCFC were awarded a penalty after Ramadhan was brought down inside the penalty box. However, Ramadhan failed to convert the opportunity.
The win solidified JDT’s sixth Malaysia Cup title since they first won the trophy in 2017.
Although KCFC did not manage to bring home the trophy, they’ve still made history by advancing to the final for the first time, as well as qualifying for next year’s AFC Champions League Two. The event also saw the Premier presenting awards to KCFC players.
Additionally, Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, praised the KCFC on their performance.
“As a Sarawakian, I am proud to see Kuching City FC advance to the final. It was not an easy journey, but their determination is worthy of praise. It was a good fight,” he said in a Facebook post.
He also extended his congratulations to JDT, praising them for their consistent and quality playstyle, which continues to set the bar high for the nation’s football scene.
“Football always has a way of uniting us—Johor, Sarawak, and the whole of Malaysia. Congratulations to both teams—their players, coaches, supporters, and everyone involved in making this historic final a success,” he said. — DayakDaily
