Milicic goes through a gamut of emotions in debut match with Pahang

KANGAR: It was a night of surprise, happiness, heartbreak and pain all rolled into one for new Pahang striker Anthony Milicic in the 2-2 draw against Perlis on Saturday. 

The 30-year-old Australian player was both surprised and happy to celebrate his Super League debut by scoring a brace against the Northern Lions.  

But then came the heartbreak as Pahang threw away the two-goal lead by allowing Perlis' Lamin Conteh Jr to score twice in the final five minutes. 

And Milicic was also in pain after being hacked down far too many times throughout the match. In fact, he had to spend the final few minutes on the sideline, and was still receiving medical treatment when the home side equalised.  

Lamin pulled a goal back when Pahang defender Jonathan Bass conceded a spot kick after needlessly handling the ball in the area. And the Pahang defence was in total disarray at the end of regulation time when the Perlis forward sneaked in to equalise. 

“I will remember this match for a very long time. I was surprised to score twice despite only being with the team for about 10 days.” 

“It always feels good to score goals but I don’t feel like celebrating at the moment because of the circumstances in which we threw away a win. The players are devastated because the three points away from home were almost within our grasp,” said Milicic. 

The Australian also added that he was not at his best against Perlis and could only get better as he is still getting used to the Malaysian climate and style of play. 

“The Perlis match gave me a clear indication of what to expect here as I have never been kicked or knocked down so many times before in a single match during my career.” 

Although most teams would have been satisfied to come away from the Northern Lions' fortress with a point, the East Coast giants were unhappy with the result. 

And Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan could barely keep his cool as he gave his players a tongue lashing in the dressing room after the match. 

“After playing so well to take the lead and keep the opponents at bay, I am disappointed that my players simply lost their concentration in the final five minutes,” said Zainal.