PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad (pic) was a frustrated man after watching his team do everything right but allow Kedah to escape from jail in their crucial Super League match at home on Saturday.
Pahang had taken total control by creating numerous scoring chances but a goal from Brundo Stefano through a 62nd minute penalty wasn’t enough to kill off the challenge from their northern rivals at the Darul Makmur Stadium.
A missed penalty by Espindola da Silva in the 86th minute summed up a night of misfortune for the home team as they settled for a 1-1 draw.
Fandi said they deserved victory but their inefficiency in front of goal was punished in the most painful way as Kedah equalised through Jonathan Balotelli of Brazil in the injury time.
Pahang are still unbeaten after six games with runaway league leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim being the other unscathed team, but the Elephants are hurt by their fourth draw that has crippled their progress.
“We played well and controlled the second half, scored first and created so many chances but our finishing was not up to the scratch. It was frustrating as we deserved three points,” said Fandi.
“We had so many counter attacks and they took advantage of our lapses in concentration in the last few minutes.
“Kedah are a good team and they dominated the first half but the second half belonged to us where they had only had one or two chances.
“We are supposed to earn full points but it was not our day. Furthermore, another draw is a headache for us.”
Meanwhile, a relieved Nafuzi Zain praised his players for weathering the storm in a tough match and salvaged a point.
“I am pleased with the performance and the fighting spirit shown by my players. It is never easy to play at the Darul Makmur Stadium but they did well to secure a point,” said Nafuzi.
“We dominated the match early but also made several mistakes by giving away two penalties. Fortunately, they missed the second penalty and if it had been 2-0, then it would be difficult for us.
“Overall, I would say this is our best performance so far in the league and I feel finishing is the only area we need to improve.”
The result has taken Kedah into second spot with 13 points and Nafuzi will be confident of securing three points when they face Penang in their next match in Alor Setar tomorrow.
