PETALING JAYA: It was certainly not what Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad wanted. His team struggled to a 1-1 home draw with Kuala Lumpur in the Super League at the Temerloh Stadium on Sunday.
And the coach stuck the boot into his players, criticising them for their lack of preparedness to play on a waterlogged field.
Argentinian centreback Stefano Brundo saved the Elephants blushes with a penalty in the 80th minute after the away side drew first blood in the 45th minute when midfielder D. Kenny Pallraj, who was left unmarked, headed home a corner from captain and playmaker Paulo Josue.
After the game, an upset Fandi said his men should have won the game.
“We didn’t play football, we played rugby. We couldn’t play our football because of the field. We had to play high balls but we did our analysis and worked on set-pieces for this field condition.
“I am disappointed. I am sure the players are too. We created so many chances that we wasted. We should have had three goals in the first-half. Open chances, we shot outside,” lamented the former Singaporean international.
“Some didn’t follow their orders and we allowed a free header. I gave the players names to mark during corners but it was not adhered to. We always forget our task. We concede silly goals from set-pieces.”
Fandi also slammed his players for not wearing the proper boots for the conditions.
“I told them to wear six-stud boots but some wore rubber studs. As professionals, you have to be prepared.”
Pahang were also missing Liberian striker Kpah Sherman, who was ill.
“He was not feeling well and was advised not to play because of the weather. He will be available for the next game,” said Fandi.
Pahang will now shift their attention to the Malaysia Cup where will take on Sabah in the second leg semi-final, also at the Temerloh Stadium on Feb 1.
Kuala Lumpur coach Miroslav Kuljanac, meanwhile, was glad his team got a point after losing their last four matches in all competitions, the last being a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against Cong An Ha Noi in the Asean Club Championships.
“In the last four matches, we played well but did not get the wins. Against Pahang, it wasn’t a great game of football but we fought for every ball and got a precious away point,” said the Croatian.
Kuala Lumpur are ninth with 18 points from 17 games, while Pahang are a rung below them in 10th with 16 points from 16 matches.
