DPMM FC edged Kuching City FC 3-2 in a thrilling Malaysian Super League clash at Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on 18 October 2026, with a late winner settling a contest that swung back and forth from the first whistle. The home side twice surrendered the lead before finding a decisive third goal in the closing stages, securing three valuable points in front of their supporters.

Match overview

DPMM FC started with intent, pressing high and forcing Kuching City into a series of early defensive clearances. The home side’s dominance in possession was rewarded inside the opening quarter of an hour, but Kuching City responded with the kind of counter-attacking threat that kept the match balanced throughout. The visitors refused to fold after falling behind, equalising twice and threatening to snatch a point before DPMM’s final push.

The game’s tempo rarely dropped. DPMM’s midfield trio controlled the rhythm for long spells, while Kuching City’s wingers stretched the pitch on transitions. A crowd of several thousand witnessed a match that felt like a cup tie rather than a league fixture, with both benches urging their teams forward until the final minute.

Key moments

• 12' – DPMM FC take the lead through Hakim Yazid, who cut inside from the left and curled a low effort into the far corner.
• 29' – Kuching City reply against the run of play. Firdaus Roslan latches onto a loose ball in the box and slots past the goalkeeper.
• 41' – DPMM restore their advantage. Azwan Salleh’s free-kick is flicked on, and Faiz Karim finishes from close range.
• 63' – Kuching City equalise for a second time. Amirul Hakim converts a penalty after a handball appeal from the visitors.
• 86' – DPMM grab the winner. Hakim Yazid turns provider, crossing for Faiz Karim to head home his second of the night and send the home fans into raptures.

Tactical story

DPMM FC lined up in a fluid 4-3-3, with the full-backs pushing high to pin Kuching City’s wide midfielders deep. That approach created space for Azwan Salleh in the half-spaces, and the midfielder repeatedly linked play between the lines. Kuching City, meanwhile, operated in a compact 4-2-3-1 and looked most dangerous when breaking at speed through Firdaus Roslan and Amirul Hakim.

The visitors’ equalisers came from moments of transition, but their willingness to press high after half-time nearly turned the game. DPMM’s manager responded by introducing fresh legs in midfield, restoring control and allowing the home side to finish strongly. The winning goal was a textbook example of sustained pressure: a recycled cross, a flicked header, and a striker arriving at the back post.

Standout players

Hakim Yazid was the game’s most influential attacker, scoring the opener and providing the assist for the winner. His direct running troubled Kuching City’s right-back all evening. Faiz Karim delivered the decisive brace, showing poise in the box and intelligent movement between the centre-backs. In midfield, Azwan Salleh dictated play and was central to DPMM’s best sequences.

For Kuching City, Firdaus Roslan was a constant outlet and took his goal well, while Amirul Hakim showed composure from the penalty spot. Their goalkeeper made several sharp saves to keep the scoreline level for long periods.

Season impact

The victory strengthens DPMM FC’s position in the Malaysian Super League standings and extends their unbeaten run on home soil. For Kuching City FC, the defeat leaves them searching for consistency, though the performance offered encouragement in attack. Both sides now turn their attention to the next round of fixtures, with DPMM eager to build momentum and Kuching City determined to convert promising displays into points.