GEORGE TOWN: A first half strike by Ramadhan Saifullah was enough to ensure a slim 1-0 victory for visiting Kuching City FC against Penang FC in a 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup Round of 16 first leg match at the City Stadium, here tonight.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang FC’s hopes of registering a win in front of the home fans and rewarding newly appointed coach Wan Rohaimi Wan Ismail with his first win did not materialize when Ramadhan struck in the 44th minute during a match that was played in wet conditions as it was raining. Wan Rohaimi was appointed on November 14 by Penang FC to replace Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, who was relieved of his duties after a poor 2024/2025 Super League season.

Both teams showed a lot of determination right from the start, but Kuching City FC, despite playing away from home, looked dangerous and could have taken the lead in the 34th minute through their import Tchetche Kipre, but his attempt failed to find the target. However, Tchetche Kipre, who had always looked dangerous
, provided a perfect pass for Ramadhan to give Kuching City FC the winning goal and take home a slim advantage for the return leg in Kuching later.

The second leg between Penang FC and Kuching City FC is scheduled on November 30 at the State Stadium in Kuching, Sarawak.