Kuching City FC were left heartbroken in their first-ever AFC Champions League Two appearance after a late Moses Dyer header gave Phnom Penh Crown FC a 2-1 victory at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The Cats appeared set to take a valuable point from their Group H opener after fighting back from a goal down, only for Dyer to strike again in stoppage time.

The first half ended goalless despite both sides creating opportunities, with Kuching City goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli producing several important saves to keep the score level.

Phnom Penh Crown finally found the breakthrough in the 55th minute.

Guytho Mijland created the opening with a well-timed delivery into the danger area, allowing Moses Dyer to finish and put the Cambodian side 1-0 ahead.

The goal forced Kuching City head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak to make attacking changes as the Cats searched for a response.

The response came through substitute Ajdin Mujagic.

Introduced to strengthen the attacking line, Mujagic made an immediate impact by producing a composed individual finish in the 73rd minute.

The Kuching City forward worked his way past the Phnom Penh Crown defence before sending a low shot beyond goalkeeper Um Vichet, bringing the score level at 1-1.

With the momentum shifting towards the visitors, Kuching City looked on course to secure a point from their continental debut.

But the decisive moment came deep into stoppage time.

Phnom Penh Crown won a corner, with Long Phearath delivering the ball into the Kuching City penalty area.

Dyer rose highest amid a crowded penalty area and powered a header beyond Haziq Nadzli to restore Phnom Penh Crown’s lead at 2-1.

The goal, scored in the dying moments, ended Kuching City’s hopes of taking anything from their first ACL2 match.

For Dyer, it was a decisive night as his brace secured all three points for Phnom Penh Crown after Kuching City had fought back from 1-0 down.

Despite the defeat, the Cats showed resilience by responding through Mujagic and pushing the Cambodian hosts until the final moments.

Kuching City will now turn their attention to their next Group H fixture against Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC on 15 October 2026, with the match scheduled to be played at Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru. – SarawakCrocs

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