PETALING JAYA: Pahang’s last encounter against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan ended in chaos.
A total of 40,000 fans packed into the 35,000-capacity stadium, forcing the match to be abandoned due to safety reasons.
It was an important FA Cup semi-final match with JDT having won the first-leg 1-0. But due to the crowd trouble the match was abandoned and later replayed at a neutral venue in Shah Alam.
Although Pahang won the replay 2-1 (2-2 aggregate), it was JDT who marched into the final on the away goal rule.
Pahang skipper Razman Roslan said it was a bitter lesson for all and the national player hopes to see no untoward incident when the two teams clash again in their Super League match in Kuantan on Friday.
“We lost the homeground advantage because of the crowd problem. Let’s not repeat the same mistake. We are looking forward to this game after JDT beat us to the FA Cup final last year,” said Razman from Kuantan on Thursday.
Pahang are expected to field their best players following the return of striker Dickson Nwakaeme and winger R. Surendren from injuries.
Razman said the recent 2-1 win against Lions XII in Singapore has also boosted the team’s confidence.
“No team have beaten Lions XII at their den since last year. We have progressed well and are in good form now,” said Razman.
The Pahang FA (PFA) expect a bumper turnout of 35,000 fans. The Elephants are on a high since winning last year’s Malaysia Cup after 21 years.
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