{
  "id": 15573012,
  "title": "Aidil stands firm on Safawi call after Kuching's late DPMM heartbreak",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/aidil-stands-firm-on-safawi-call-after-kuchings-late-dpmm-heartbreak",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T06:44:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1558908/aidil-stands-firm-safawi-call-after-kuchings-late-dpmm-heartbreak"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kuching City coach Aidil Sharin Sahak defended his decision to withdraw playmaker Safawi Rasid midway through their Super League match against DPMM FC, stating that playing 90 minutes is not stipulated in Safawi's contract. The visitors took a 2-1 lead in the 50th minute, but DPMM capitalized on a red card shown to Petrus Shitembi in the 62nd minute to equalize and eventually win 3-2. Aidil emphasized the importance of managing a squad of 30 players, ensuring everyone gets a chance to play and rest. This was Kuching's second league defeat of the season, placing them third with 12 points. Meanwhile, Johor Darul Ta zim continued their impressive season with a convincing 3-0 win over Terengganu, leading the table with 18 points.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Does Safawi Rasid's contract say he must play 90 minutes?",
  "key_points": [
    "Aidil Sharin Sahak withdrew Safawi Rasid mid-match.",
    "DPMM equalized and won 3-2 after red card to Petrus Shitembi.",
    "Kuching placed third with 12 points after second defeat."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing player rotation and contractual obligations over match results signals a shift toward long-term squad management despite the immediate competitive cost of losing a lead.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}