Kelantan City face a challenging second leg in the FA Cup quarter-final against a strong Kuching City side, with the return match scheduled for tomorrow at the State Stadium in Kuching. The tie remains finely poised after a goalless draw in the first leg held on September 20 in Kota Baru.

Winger Wan Zaharulnizam Zakaria, one of Kelantan City’s most experienced players, stressed the importance of a disciplined defensive approach to match up against their opponents. The 35-year-old, who has previously represented Malaysia internationally and played for teams such as Kelantan, Pahang, and Melaka, emphasized that maintaining defensive solidity will be critical, especially when playing away from home.

“We will try to defend as best as possible,” Zaharulnizam said, acknowledging the quality of Kuching City’s lineup, which includes several impactful foreign players. He indicated that Kelantan City are prepared to extend the match into extra time and even a penalty shootout if necessary, viewing that scenario as a viable path to advancing.

The Kelantan City side, competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League, is seeking to make its mark with an upset against the more established Kuching squad. Zaharulnizam described the opportunity for a shock victory as a “dream” for the newly formed club, which aims to craft its own Cinderella story by reaching the semi-finals.

Zaharulnizam also noted that Kuching City’s recent fixture against Tampines Rovers provided his team with useful insights for tomorrow’s game. Despite the challenges, he believes the contest remains evenly matched, estimating the chances at 50-50. He stressed the need for Kelantan City to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities by exploiting spaces left by Kuching City’s offensive maneuvers.

The experienced winger is expected to play a key role in launching such counters, relying on his pace and creativity down the flanks. As the teams prepare to contest the decisive leg, Kelantan City’s focus will be on cautious defending and tactical smartness, aiming to secure a place in the semi-finals against a formidable opponent.