Felda United
PETALING JAYA: Pahang believe that their FA Cup final opponents – Felda United – are a Premier League outfit with Super League quality.
“Looking at their squad and the way they play ... they should give the teams in the top flight a run for their money,” said Pahang skipper Razman Roslan from Kuantan on Tuesday.
Felda, under coach Irfan Bakti, made heads turn when they defeated three Super League teams en route to the final – Sime Darby FC 1-0 in the second round; Sarawak on the away goals rule despite a 2-2 aggregate draw in the quarter-finals; and defending champions Kelantan, also on the away goals rule after a 5-5 aggregate draw in the semi-finals.
Razman said he was fascinated by the Felda side, especially after watching the team dazzle against fancied Kelantan in the semi-finals.
“They have all-round strength and quite a number of established players in their ranks, too,” said Razman.
Among the seasoned hands include Indra Putra Mahayuddin (winger), Mohd Shukor Adan, Shahrulnizam Mustapha, K. Solihin (midfield) and Mohd Farizal Harun (goalkeeper).
Razman said he was also impressed with foreign striker Edward Wilson Junior, who is the leading scorer in the Premier League with 16 goals.
“Wilson Junior is real impressive in attack and he is one of the many players we have to keep a close watch on in the final,” said Razman.
The 25th edition of the FA Cup final will be played at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.
Razman, who will be playing in his fourth final, has won the Cup twice with Selangor in 2005 and 2009.
The Pahang squad, under coach Zainal Abidin Hassan, are conducting their centralised training in Temerloh and will travel to Shah Alam on Friday.
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