Top of the world: Sergio Aguero celebrates his first goal against Kedah. — Pahang FC
PETALING JAYA: Playmaker Sergio Aguero, who turned 31 two days ago, earned a timely birthday gift with a double in Pahang’s 6-0 thrashing of Kedah in the Super League.
The naturalised Argentinian celebrated his birthday on Monday (April 7) and produced a superb performance for the Elephants the following day with goals in the 38th and 67th minutes.
The first strike was a simple tap-in off a defensive rebound but the second was just sumptuous. Receiving a pass from midfielder Nor Azam Azih, Aguero took a deft touch with his left foot and unleashed a volley past Kedah goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim.
Pahang’s other goals were scored by Serbian centreback Aleksandr Cvetkovic (45th), winger T. Saravanan (60th), Safwan Suhaimi (own goal, 77th) and Argentinian midfielder Stefano Brundo (84th).
Aguero was delighted with the win, saying that it was time to give some happiness to the fans ahead of the Malaysia Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 26.
“It feels good to score two goals, a day after my birthday but the three points are what we want and at the end of the day, smiles on the faces of the fans,” said the versatile Aguero, who can also function as a striker.
“The mood in the team has been good for the past few weeks, especially after our last win against Police, where we beat them 3-1. Now with this 6-0 win, we feel even more motivated.
“Also, the dressing room is galvanised as all the salary arrears have been settled.”
Meanwhile, Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad has admitted that he is still in the process of identifying his best starting 11 for the Malaysia Cup final against JDT.
According to Fandi, every player still has a chance to prove their worth in the remaining two Super League fixtures before the highly anticipated final.
“We’re still looking for the right ‘finisher’ – someone who can strike and convert chances effectively. There’s still time and we’re allowing every player to showcase their strengths before the Malaysia Cup final,” he said.
Despite the emphatic win, Fandi remained humble and cautioned against complacency.
He emphasised that the team must stay focused and continue to work on areas that need improvement in the limited time available.
“If possible, we want to climb higher in the Super League standings too. But the main focus now is the Malaysia Cup final,” he added.
“It’s been a while since we reached the final and now that the opportunity is here, the players seem more fired up and highly motivated.”
Pahang are now ninth in the league with 23 points from 22 matches.
