Getting through: JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi dribbling past Pahang’s Kevin Ingreso (left) and Mohd Azwan Aripin. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad isn’t disappointed despite the end of his team’s unbeaten run in the Super League on Wednesday.
After all, their opponents were none other than the mighty Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Pahang’s 11-match unbeaten streak ended with a 0-2 defeat to the Southern Tigers at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri but not after a good show.
Fandi’s men put up a spirited fight and managed to hold on until the second minute of added time in the first half before conceding the first goal to JDT’s Brazilian striker Bergson da Silva.
JDT put in the security of a second goal in the 74th minute through Argentinian Fernando Forestieri, who notched his 13th goal of the season, matching his 2022 achievement with half the season to go.
Fandi said the players had followed all the tactical instructions given but a goal in the last minute of the first half changed the game plan.
“We lost to the best team in the league. Congratulations to my players who gave 100% and almost managed to create a surprise but a goal in the last minute of the first half dampened their spirits a bit,” said Fandi.
“I am still proud of the players who gave everything. The players put pressure on JDT and we also had a few chances but they were always better.
“Our tactics were to cover Arif (Aiman Hanapi) and his passes were successfully broken by our defensive line. Our tactics worked but they were smart to take chances.
“We didn’t expect Bergson’s goal. The outcome could have changed if it remained 0-0 in the first half because they would have been more frustrated but it was not meant to be,” said Fandi.
Fandi also admitted that he needed a few more players, especially in defence and midfield ahead of the second transfer window next month.
“We are a bit lacking in the reserve line due to the loss of three players and a loan player,” he said.
“However, the substitutes played well and listened to the instructions of the coaching staff. I’m happy with the performance even though I know it’s not easy to beat and we only lost 2-0 and were able to create a few chances,” he added.
JDT coach Esteban Solari admitted they had to work hard to claim three points from a gritty Pahang side.
“We could have gone ahead in the first half as there was a foul on our player and we could have gotten a penalty but it didn’t happen. They didn’t give up and continued to attack,” he said.
“In the second half, we controlled the game and continued to apply pressure but our opponents started to play a compact game in the central position to cut our short ball passes,” he explained.
JDT strengthened their grip in the Super League with 36 points, 12 more than second placed Selangor.
