PETALING JAYA: Pahang have been defying the odds in the Malaysia Cup despite a topsy-turvy season in the Super League.
They toppled tournament favourites Selangor 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16 and on Friday, they silenced Perak 1-0 in the quarter-finals first-leg match at the Manjung Football Stadium.
The Elephants’ only goal came from their Liberian international striker Kpah Sherman who finished off Saiful Jamaluddin’s cross with a header in the 23rd minute.
Their run in the Cup so far comes as a surprise as they have not been at their best in the top division.
In the Super League, they are currently eighth in the 13-team table, winning three matches, drawing six and losing four.
They, however, are playing their cards right in the Malaysia Cup.
Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad praised his players but reminded them not to underestimate Perak in the upcoming second leg on Dec 22 in Temerloh.
“Perak will undoubtedly adopt an attacking approach right from the start, and our players must stay vigilant against their movements, especially their high-quality foreign strikers,” said Fandi.
“We must be well prepared to thwart Perak’s onslaught, and I hope the players maintain their focus to avoid any mistakes,” he added.
Before that game, they will play Johor Darul Ta’zim on Tuesday in Johor Baru.
Meanwhile, Perak head coach Yusri Che Lah has voiced his frustration over his team’s narrow defeat despite putting on a strong performance.
“We had many opportunities and the players gave their all, but we couldn’t capitalise on them.
“There were two or three clear chances in the first half, but none were converted into goals.”
