Eyes on the ball: Terengganu’s Manuel Ott (left) vying for the ball with Pahang’s Adam Nor Azlin during the Super League match. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Fandi Ahmad is a man under pressure.
The Pahang coach, who used to rake in titles easily when he was a player, has yet to manage a win in seven league matches this season.
The Elephants even needed a last-minute equaliser to hold Terengganu 1-1 at the Sultan Mizan Stadium in Gong Badak on Friday.
The Turtles took the lead through Uzbek midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov in the 45th minute, but Argentinian centreback Stefano Brundo saved Pahang the blushes when he scored in the 95th minute.
Singapore legend Fandi has come under fire from fans as they have only won one game in eight Super League matches. But he remains optimistic. He says the side are improving game by game but were just not able to finish off the chances they had.
Pahang are lying 10th in the 13-tear Super League with seven points, while Terengganu are third with 15.
“We would have won if it wasn’t for (Terengganu goalkeeper) Suhaimi Hussin. He made a lot of saves to deny us a win,” he said.
“We were confident that we could compete against Terengganu despite playing away from home.
“We are not productive in front of goal despite the numerous chances. I am glad we got a goal towards the end. I am happy we got the point.
“In our last four games, we should have won at least three. We were wasteful upfront but in terms of commitment and effort, I cannot fault my lads,” he said.
Fandi is now hoping the management will make some new signings in the second transfer window, which starts on Aug 26.
Pahang already have Brundo, Liberian striker Kpah Sherman, Ukranian striker Mykola Ahapov, and Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo.
“(Kuvondik) Ruziev had to leave the team due to family issues in Uzbekistan,” said Fandi.
“In almost every game, we have only been using four foreigners. I do hope the club will make some signings.”
Asked if he was keen to get one of his sons to bolster the squad, Fandi said: “Irfan, Ilhan and Iryan have clubs already. They have deals with their respective clubs in Thailand.”
