KACUK FC Narrowly Lose 4-3 In Thrilling Friendly Clash

KACUK FC hosted SS FC at Kolej Vokasional ERT Setapak on the morning of 7 December 2025, with kick-off at 8:30am in a friendly 11-a-side encounter. The match ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat for KACUK FC after a pulsating 90 minutes of football plus injury time.

KACUK FC lined up in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, deploying Mat Ipan in goal. The defensive line featured Topek at right back, Fazal and Ezzy as central defenders, and Hazwan on the left flank. In midfield, Shahman operated on the right wing, Ja and Mierul held the central midfield roles, while Isz Anuar took up the left midfield position. Upfront, Mazue led the attack on the right with Ariff partnering him on the left. This setup was expected to provide defensive solidity through the back four, midfield control via Ja and Mierul, and attacking width from the wide midfielders and forwards.

On the bench, KACUK FC had a strong selection of substitutes including Jabbar, Azrizaf, Bak, Afif Jazimin, Long, Anas, Walker Lim, and Kuyok, ready to influence the game as required.

The match began with SS FC taking the lead in the 22nd minute, scoring from inside the box to put KACUK FC on the back foot early on. The home side’s response was hampered shortly after when Shahman was forced off injured in the 29th minute, replaced by Jabbar. This substitution proved crucial as Jabbar made an immediate impact, equalising in the 37th minute with a right-footed finish from a goalmouth scramble, restoring parity before the break.

Just before half time, KACUK FC made a tactical switch, bringing on Azrizaf for Ja in midfield at the 38th minute mark, signalling a shift in approach heading into the second half.

The interval came with the score level at 1-1, setting the stage for an open second period. KACUK FC made a flurry of substitutions immediately after the break, with Bak replacing Mazue, Afif Jazimin coming on for Hazwan, Long for Isz Anuar, Anas for Ariff, Walker Lim for Topek, and Kuyok for Ezzy between the 46th and 49th minutes. These changes indicated a clear tactical overhaul aimed at injecting fresh energy and creativity across the pitch.

The substitutions paid dividends early in the second half as Azrizaf struck a stunning screamer from outside the box in the 55th minute, expertly finishing with his right foot after a short pass from Long. This goal gave KACUK FC a 2-1 lead and lifted the home crowd.

KACUK FC extended their advantage further in the 67th minute when Mierul unleashed a long-range strike with his left foot, following a precise short pass from Kuyok. This goal, a spectacular effort from distance, put KACUK FC 3-1 ahead and looked to have put the game beyond SS FC’s reach.

However, SS FC mounted a dramatic comeback late on. They pulled a goal back in the 77th minute and then quickly followed with an equaliser just a minute later, bringing the score to 3-3 and reigniting the contest.

The visitors completed their turnaround in the 83rd minute when they were awarded a penalty, which they converted to take a 4-3 lead. Despite KACUK FC’s efforts in the closing stages, they were unable to find another equaliser.

Referee Reff Pian oversaw a fiercely contested friendly that showcased attacking intent from both sides. KACUK FC’s early promise and second-half resurgence were ultimately undone by SS FC’s late goals, leaving the home side to rue missed opportunities.

The game provided valuable match practice and tactical insights for KACUK FC as they look to build cohesion and sharpen their squad ahead of future competitive fixtures.