Pahang opt for middle path to protect slim lead over PKNS

Pahang

LANGKAWI: Pahang are planning to adopt a “middle path” approach when they take on PKNS in the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals second leg at the MBPJ Stadium in Petaling Jaya on Friday.

Protecting a slender 3-2 lead from the first leg in Kuantan, the Elephants know that PKNS must not be allowed to score in the return match. A simple 1-0 victory for the Selangor club side will see them through to the semi-finals on the away goals rule.

Pahang coach Dollah Salleh admitted that the narrow advantage held by his team may not be enough, and the Elephants will need to be at their best against the hardworking PKNS side.

“Pahang need to find a perfect balance as we cannot be too attack-minded or defensive-minded in the second leg.

“We cannot adopt an all-out attack strategy and leave space at the back because if PKNS score, they will be ahead on the away goals rule. At the same time, it will be a folly to play it safe by packing the defence as it will invite PKNS to have a go at us,” said Dollah on Monday.

“PKNS have no choice but to attack from the start. If we are able to absorb the pressure and hit them on the break, then we can go through. However, it will not be easy and my players need to maintain their focus and discipline to see us through.”

Dollah will once again rely on his Argentinian forward Matias Conti, who scored all the three Pahang goals in the first leg.

But the former Malaysian international is also wary of the threat posed by PKNS main marksman Patrick Wleh. The Liberian scored a goal in the first leg.

“I have warned my players many times to keep a close watch on Wleh. He scored in the first leg and will be a big threat to us again on Friday,” added Dollah.

Dollah, however, is sweating over the fitness of winger Mohd Azamuddin Akil, who suffered a groin injury in the first leg.

“Azamuddin is now undergoing treatment. We will only know in the next few days if he can recover for the second leg.”

It has been 21 years since Pahang lifted the Malaysia Cup trophy, while PKNS are making their first appearance in the quarter-finals this year.