PETALING JAYA: Sergio Aguero (pic) would remember last week for two good reasons.
Number one was being called up to play for Malaysia in the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AMEC) on Nov 29, and the second was to help secure Pahang’s spot in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final on Dec 1.
The naturalised Argentine was instrumental in the round of 16 when he scored the Elephants’ winning goal against Selangor in the 2-1 second-leg win at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday.
Pahang’s other goal was scored by Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo in the 25th minute, while Selangor’s goal was scored by Singaporean international Safuwan Baharuddin in the 77th minute.
Pahang won 3-2 on aggregate and will look to go all the way and hopefully have a chance of winning it for the fifth time.
“The round of 16 was not easy because we took on a strong Selangor side. Our opponents played well, but we played our game and got the results to qualify,” said the 30-year-old.
“In the first game in Temerloh, we controlled the 90 minutes but in Petaling Jaya, that was not the case as they dominated at least 70 minutes of the game, while we had a good 20 minutes.
“But we got the win at the end and repaid the faith and love shown by our fans and families. We gave everything on the field.
“As for the AMEC, for the national team, any time, any day, I am proud and happy. I am prepared and I would love to bring happiness to our people in Malaysia by having a good campaign.”
Pahang will take on Perak in the two-legged quarter-final, with the first-leg kicking off on Dec 15 at the Manjung Stadium.
Sergio, though, could miss the first-leg if Malaysia qualifies for the semi-finals of the AMEC.
He did give his take on the Seladang.
“Another tough game. They have good tactics and one side that runs a lot. But Pahang are a big team. They have to respect us.”