PETALING JAYA: Pahang head coach Fandi Ahmad knows his team will be missing firepower in the Malaysia Cup final, but is backing his squad’s heart and hunger to carry them through against favourites Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
The Elephants will be without two of their key attacking players, Liberian striker Kpah Sherman and Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo.
Kpah is suspended after picking up three yellow cards, while Manuel is ineligible to face his parent club, JDT.
Despite the setback, Fandi remains confident that his replacements are ready to rise to the occasion at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday (April 26).
"We may lose some sharpness without Sherman and Hidalgo, but I believe in the players stepping in.
"Our focus isn’t on JDT, it’s on ourselves.
"We need to stay disciplined, communicate well on the pitch, and most importantly, fight with everything we have," said the Singaporean tactician.
Embracing the underdog status, Fandi hopes his players will use it as fuel to take on the defending champions.
"We’re the underdogs and we’re fine with that. The team have shown good form in recent matches, the motivation is high, and the fighting spirit is strong. We’re united.
"Football isn’t always about flair. Sometimes, it’s the will that brings you silverware. Everyone needs to be on the same page," he added.
He also made a quiet plea for fairness in officiating.
"All I ask is for a fair game. Keadilan itu tanda kemakmuran – justice is a sign of prosperity. That’s what I believe. JDT are undoubtedly ahead in terms of quality. We respect them, but once we step onto the pitch, we will give it our all."
On the other side, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio is refusing to take Pahang lightly, urging his players to stay focused and not get distracted by the noise around them.
"This will be a tough game. We have to be fully focused and give 100 percent.
