Fandi lauds Pahang’s determination, discipline and dedication in great escape


No home comfort: Sabah’s Joao Pedro (right) is challenged by two Pahang defenders. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Discipline, dedication and dogged determination saw Pahang escape with a draw in the first leg of their Malaysia Cup semi-final match against Sabah at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday.

The home team were the favourites and had rousing support from their home fans but Pahang did all they could to avoid a defeat and won praise from their coach Fandi Ahmad.

And what made the draw even sweeter was that they did not concede a goal even after their winger Manuel Hidalgo was sent off in the 70th minute after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for an offence.

Fandi said they would go into the second leg semi-finals with confidence after surviving a fervent crowd and a top-quality opposition.

“Determination, discipline and dedication led us to this result. The boys were in the right mood to keep pace with Sabah,” said the Singaporean legend.

“We stood resolute in defence. Even after the sending-off, we kept our composure.

“We struggled to prepare for this game because it had been raining constantly in Kuantan but when we arrived in Kota Kinabalu, we had two good sessions and it showed.”

Sabah started with a bang when midfielder Stuart Wilkin produced a superb right-footed finish to beat Pahang goalkeeper Zarif Irfan Hashimuddin in the ninth minute to pile on the pressure but the Elephants stayed resilient.

Pahang then silenced the Sabah crowd by scoring the equaliser in the 66th minute when Liberian striker Kpah Sherman finished off a pass from playmaker Sergio Aguero.

On Hidalgo’s sending-off, Fandi said the player denied that he was diving to get a penalty after being challenged by Dominic Tan in the 68th minute.

“I didn’t see the incident properly, but Manu (Hidalgo) told me that it was a tackle. He wasn’t play-acting because he said he had a cramp after the challenge.

“We were shocked to see the decision from the referee but we had to move on. We will miss him in the second leg, so it is time for the back-ups to turn up and show what they’ve got.”

Meanwhile, Sabah coach Martin Stano is staying hopeful when they clash again in the second leg at the Temerloh Stadium on Feb 2.

“We wanted to win and have an advantage before the second leg.

‘‘Unfortunately, we scored one but didn’t hold the ball well. We rushed our passes,” said the Slovakian.

“In the second half, we improved but didn’t convert our chances. Worse, we conceded. It won’t be easy in the next leg, but nothing is impossible.”

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Football

Soccer-Ibrahimovic hails dominant Milan despite narrow win over Verona
Soccer-Luis Enrique praises PSG's focus as they extend unbeaten run
Soccer-PSG extend unbeaten run with win at Toulouse
Soccer-Former Porto president Pinto da Costa dies aged 87
Soccer-Gimenez goal earns Milan 1-0 win over Verona
Soccer-Conte lauds Napoli's response after yet another formation change
Soccer-Simeone praises ten-man Atletico's 'gladiators' for rescuing point against Celta
Soccer-Leverkusen's 'fantastic' game against Bayern was only missing a goal, says coach Alonso
Soccer-Marmoush's breakout performance was only a matter of time, says Guardiola
Soccer-Sorloth rescues 10-men Atletico in 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo

Others Also Read