Abang Johari Watches Kuching City FC Draw With Kitchee SC

KUCHING – Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg attended Kuching City FC’s Asian Football Confederation Champions League Two (ACL Two) Group H match against Hong Kong side Kitchee SC at Taha Ariffin Stadium on Thursday night, 15 October 2026.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both sides scoring during the opening 14 minutes. Abang Johari arrived at the stadium at about 9pm and watched the fixture alongside his daughter, Dayang Norjihan.

Kuching City made an early start when Kitchee defender Pong Cheuk Hei scored an own goal in the second minute, giving the home side the lead. The advantage lasted until the 14th minute, when Everton Camargo scored for Kitchee to bring the visitors level.

Neither team managed to restore its lead, leaving the Group H encounter level at the final whistle. The result saw Kuching City and Kitchee share the points from the fixture.

Abang Johari’s attendance brought attention to Kuching City’s participation in continental club football. The Sarawak side’s involvement in ACL Two represents an opportunity to compete against teams from other Asian football associations and gain experience at regional level.

His presence at the stadium also placed the state leadership among the spectators for a match involving one of Sarawak’s football representatives. However, no additional announcements concerning state support, funding or future football initiatives were provided in the event details.

For Kuching City, the draw against Kitchee marked another fixture in their Group H campaign. The early exchange of goals established an open start to the match, but neither side was able to find a decisive breakthrough after Camargo’s equaliser.

The result also set the scene for the teams’ next scheduled continental fixtures on 29 October. Kuching City are due to travel to South Korea to face Gangwon FC, while Kitchee are scheduled to meet Phnom Penh Crown.

The upcoming matches will provide both clubs with another opportunity to pursue points in the group-stage competition. Kuching City’s away assignment against Gangwon FC will take the Sarawak team to South Korea as its ACL Two campaign continues.

The 1-1 result against Kitchee leaves the focus on Kuching City’s preparation for its next match and its progress through the group stage. With further fixtures ahead, the club will look to build on its performances as it represents Sarawak in Asian club football. — Sarawak Daily