SUPER LEAGUE: KUCHING CITY RISE TO THIRD AS JDT MARCH TOWARD INVINCIBILITY

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- Kuching City FC secured a crucial victory after defeating Selangor FC 2-1 in a Super League match at the Sarawak Stadium in Kuching tonight.

The win propelled Kuching City to third place in the league standings, sharing 36 points with fourth-placed Sabah FC.

The home side started strong and took the lead in the 26th minute through Muhammad Ramadhan Saifullah Usman, giving them an early advantage.

Selangor, who had already secured the runner-up position, equalised in the 50th minute through a counterattack which Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi finished.

Kuching City sealed the victory in the 84th minute when Jimmy Raymond struck the winning goal, keeping their hopes alive for a third-place finish ahead of Sabah and Terengganu FC, who are in fifth place with 32 points.

The visitors tried to mount a comeback in the final minutes, but Kuching City's solid defence ensured they held on to their lead until the final whistle.

Meanwhile, at the City Stadium in Georgetown, league champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) extended their unbeaten run with a 3-0 win over home side, Penang FC.

Spanish-born Eddy Israfilov opened the scoring in the 20th minute through a header from Nazmi Faiz’s corner kick. Seven minutes later, he doubled JDT’s lead with another header.

The Southern Tigers, who have won 20 matches and drawn once so far, came close to adding another goal in the 33rd minute after being awarded a penalty for a handball by Penang’s Richmond Tetteh. However, Bergson da Silva's attempt was saved by Penang goalkeeper Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman.

In the second half, Hector Bidoglio’s men sealed the victory with a third goal in the 53rd minute through Heberty Fernandes, marking their 20th league win with three matches remaining.

-- BERNAMA