Top form: Pahang’s Kpah Sherman celebrating after scoring against Sabah. — Pahang FC
PETALING JAYA: Super striker Kpah Sherman may be the star of Pahang’s team but he did not forget the hard work of two youngsters.
Instead of taking the credit for scoring the all-important equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Sabah in the first leg of their Malaysia Cup semi-final match at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday, the Liberian praised midfielders – 22-year-old Saiful Jamaluddin and Ibrahim Manusi, 23.
The 32-year-old Sherman, who was the captain in that game said Saiful and Ibrahim produced top-quality midfield performances to frustrate their opponents and Sabah crowd.
“It feels good to score the equaliser but credit should go to the team for producing a good show against a good side. We came out of the game strong, which made all of us happy,” said Sherman, who has six goals in 17 domestic matches.
“The young guys like Baim (Ibrahim) and Saiful were brilliant because they were truly at their 100 percent throughout the game.
“Whenever Sabah had the ball, they kept chasing them and getting us going with their passes and tempo, which allowed us to get this result.
“Saiful and Baim have been playing well for us in recent games, so we hope the momentum will continue.”
Sabah drew first blood through midfielder Stuart Wilkin in the ninth minute, but Pahang fought back with the equaliser from Sherman in the 66th minute.
Sherman has been playing as a single striker for Pahang throughout the season under coach Fandi Ahmad but he is fine with the role.
“Whether as a lone striker or with a partner, I am fine with anything as long as I give my best.”
Both Pahang and Sabah will resume their rivalry in the second leg at the Temerloh Stadium on Feb 2, with Sherman urging his teammates to go for the kill and get to the final of the Malaysia Cup after 11 years.
“Our away form is better than home. We still have another 90 minutes to chart our future, so we have to do something special in Temerloh not just for us, but for our home fans as well.
“It is time we show that we can deliver the goods at home as well.”
Pahang last qualified for the final in 2014 when they beat Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 5-3 in a penalty shootout after both sides drew 2-2 during the regulation and extra time.
They also last qualified for the semis in 2019, where they held Kedah 8-8 on aggregate but lost out due to away goals.
