Thers's No Stopping Pahang 'Keeper Khairul

3 Mac, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Shot-stopper Khairul Azhan Khalid has done it again.

The national custodian made two saves in Pahang’s dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the FA Cup second round match at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on Monday. The match ended 1-1 in extra time.

Khairul denied Luciano Figueroa and Junior Eldstal as the Elephants moved into the last 16.

This is the second time Khairul emerged as the saviour against the Southern Tigers in a shootout.

During the Malaysia Cup final, he saved Norshahrul Idlan Talaha’s kick for the 5-3 win after both teams were tied 2-2 after extra-time.

Khairul’s heroics won him a grand double – the Best Goalkeeper and Most Valuable Player of the Year accolades at the national football awards last season.

Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan was full of praise for his goalkeeper.

“He (Khairul) saved the day for us. I am happy and proud of him,” said Zainal.

“It was a dramatic match. We had many chances in the first half but couldn’t make it count. I think we were lucky not to concede towards the end as JDT pressed for the winner.”

Pahang led in the 20th minute with Matias Conti’s goal but Hariss Harun equalised in the 80th minute for the visitors to force extra time.

Pahang scored their penalties through Conti, Damion Stewart, Zesh Rehman and Razman Roslan. JDT’s scorers were Safee Sali and Hariss.

JDT coach Bojan Hodak said it was a cruel blow to bow out in this manner.

“To lose in the penalties is always frustrating. I am not happy with the way we played in the first half,” lamented the Croatian.

“The second half was better as we took the game to Pahang. We could have wrapped it up in the final few minutes of extra time.”

Pahang will take on minnows MISC-MIFA next in the last 16 on March 30 or March 31.

Original source - K. Rajan, Star Online www.thestar.com.my