KUALA LUMPUR: Kuching City recorded a historic first point in Group H of the Asian Champions League Two (ACL2) after holding Hong Kong heavyweights Kitchee SC to a 1-1 draw at the Taha Ariffin Stadium on Thursday.
The result lifted the Kuching side to third place in the group, trailing second-placed Kitchee by a point.
On paper, the difference in resources was noticeable.
Kitchee fielded former Spain international Asier Illarramendi, a 2014 UEFA Champions League winner once signed by Real Madrid for €32.2 million (RM158 million), alongside former Cardiff City and Real Betis playmaker Víctor Camarasa.
However, Aidil Sharin Sahak's men were not intimidated, dictating the tempo and creating more chances than their expensively assembled opponents over 90 minutes.
"When it comes to the ACL, opponents have the financial power to sign unlimited top-tier foreign quality, like having an ex-Real Madrid player in their engine room," said Aidil.
"That level of experience definitely helps them. But talking strictly about football, today (yesterday) you could see that possession-wise and game-wise, we were superior.
"If you look at the statistics and the chances created, we had more than them. Quality-wise and performance-wise, we were right there."
Kuching City took an early lead in the second minute through an own goal by Kitchee goalkeeper Pong Cheuk Hei, but Everton Camargo equalised in the 14th minute.
Aidil said the difference between securing one point and all three came down to opposing goalkeeper heroics and clinical execution in the final third.
"We had very good chances to score, but unfortunately their keeper saved a few," he said.
"Although he fumbled the first goal, in the second half he pulled off crucial saves for Kitchee — at least two that were easily going in.
"The difference between the two teams was experience. Kitchee play every year in international competitions, and most of their squad are seasoned internationals."
Aidil stressed that tactical execution must eventually translate into wins, though he acknowledged squad depth remains a balancing act.
"We can compete, but we don't have luxury depth. We don't have two Ronald Ngahs or duplicate match-winners," he said.
"When you rotate, there is a risk of losing momentum, but these boys proved that with the right tactical application, we can go toe-to-toe with the best."
Kuching travel to South Korea next to take on Gangwon FC on Oct 29 in their third Group H match.
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