{
  "id": 5002757,
  "title": "Irfan praises defensive bounce back after holding Kuching",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/irfan-praises-defensive-bounce-back-after-holding-kuching",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-02T03:11:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/09/1524022/irfan-praises-defensive-bounce-back-after-holding-kuching"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Tuesday, Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW) demonstrated a significant improvement in their defensive tactics, managing to hold off Kuching City to a goalless tie in the first round of 16 match of the FA Cup at Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium. Coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim acknowledged that the victory was a hard-earned one, with Kuching City having previously defeated KRW 5-0 in the Super League. Irfan commended his team's efforts, highlighting the resilience of his players, especially considering several of them were new to the top tier. The coach was also pleased with the way his squad handled Kuching's aerial attacks, calling it a challenge they successfully completed. Irfan expressed gratitude to the fans for their attendance and optimism for the team's future. He noted that KRW missed a clear opportunity when Faiz Nasir, likened to Messi, failed to capitalize on Emmanuel Mbarga's well-executed delivery. The draw provides KRW with renewed confidence for the upcoming second leg, but Irfan emphasized the importance of resolving transfer restrictions to strengthen the squad for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Kuching coach Aidil Sharin Sahak admitted that KRW made it challenging for his side, and urged his players to work harder in the return leg on September 8. While the draw wasn't a negative result, as Kuching kept a clean sheet and avoided defeat, he acknowledged there is room for improvement.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Kelantan Red Warrior (KRW) produced a vastly improved defensive display to hold Kuching City to a goalless draw in the first leg of their FA Cup round of 16 tie at Sultan Mohammad IV Stadium on Tuesday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}