Saturday showdown to decide champions-elect: Zainal

Pahang's Matias Conti (second right) is mobbed by team-mates after scoring in the Super League match against Selangor in Kuantan in February. - Filepic

PETALING JAYA: The champions elect of the Super League is expected to be known on Saturday.

Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan believes the winners of the top-of-the-table clash between his side and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Darul Makmur Stadium “will hold the upper hand in the fight for the league title”.

The former international striker said the match is like a final and a “must-win” for Pahang.

“There are 10 more matches to go but this game is crucial to decide the champions,” said Zainal.

On Tuesday, Pahang consolidated their position at the top of the 12-team league with a hard-earned 1-0 win over Police at the Darul Makmur Stadium to lead the pack with 26 points. The Elephants scored a last-gasp winner thanks to midfielder Azidan Saruddin’s flying header deep into stoppage time.

Defending champions JDT are second on 24 points after notching a 2-0 win over Terengganu at home.

“Our defence has been vulnerable since the beginning of the season. They conceded late goals, but they showed discipline in defence and proved to me that they can play 90 minutes of football on Tuesday. The bonus is that we even scored in stoppage time,” said Zainal.

Pahang have the edge come Saturday. They have only lost once in 13 matches at home this season – the only blemish was a 1-0 loss to Hong Kong’s South China in the AFC Cup on March 18.

JDT also do not have a proud record against Pahang. They failed to win in their five meetings last season with three losses and two draws. JDT, however, salvaged some pride by beating Pahang 2-0 in the season-opener Charity Shield at the Larkin Stadium this season.

“Past records do not count any more ... it is history. What matters now is Saturday’s outcome. We need the three points,” said Zainal.