ACL2: Visitors' Own Goal Helps Kuching City Collect One Point

KUCHING, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Kuching City FC’s quest to secure their first three points on home soil in the 2026/2027 AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) campaign fell short, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Hong Kong club Kitchee SC in a Group H encounter at Taha Ariffin Stadium here tonight.

The first half saw a balanced contest between the two sides, both of whom performed well, though the visitors’ passing proved more effective in putting pressure on the hosts' defensive line.

The hosts took an early lead in the second minute through an own goal by Kitchee SC goalkeeper Pong Cheuk Hei Bear.

A back-pass from defender Callum Beattie was mishandled by Bear, resulting in the ball rolling into his own net.

However, Kitchee SC did not take long to level the score; in the 14th minute, Everton Camargo capitalised on a pass from Victor Camarasa to fire a precise shot past 'The Cats' goalkeeper, Haziq Nadzli.

The match grew somewhat tense, with home player Ariff Farhan receiving a yellow card in the 27th minute following a tackle on the visitors' player, Kendy Ikegami.

As the match moved into the second half, both teams maintained their attacking momentum in search of another goal.

However, neither side’s forward line could break through the opposing defence, and the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

The result sees Cambodian club Phnom Penh Crown FC continue to lead the Group H standings with six points, followed by Kitchee SC with two points, while Kuching City FC and South Korean club Gangwon FC have each collected one point.

Kuching City will continue their Group H campaign by facing Gangwon FC on October 29, with the match scheduled to take place at Gangneung Stadium, South Korea.

-- BERNAMA