Pahang Striker Mohd Fauzi Itching For Action In AFC Cup

10 Mac, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Pahang striker Mohd Fauzi Roslan is itching for first team action.

The burly striker is set to get his big break when the Elephants host Philippines’ Global FC in their AFC Cup Group G match at the Darul Makmur Stadiumin Kuantan on Wednesday night.

The AFC Cup debutants, who suffered a 6-1 drubbing by Hong Kong’s South China on Feb 25, have travelled with only 15 players to Kuantan due to injuries and are expected to be sitting ducks against double winners Pahang.

Injuries to key players, including skipper Misagh Bahadoran, have left Global depleted and their morale took a massive blow following a 2-0 loss to bitter rivals Kaya FC in their United Football League match last Saturday.

The nippy Fauzi, who has mostly warmed the bench, is expected to be paired with Nigerian striker Dickson Nwakaeme and the fleet-footed R. Gopinathan to lead Pahang’s attack in the absence of main hitman Matias Conti.

“I’m ready for the match. We are playing in a competition that’s at a higher level and I want to test my ability,” said the Pekan-born player.

“We’re playing at home, so we must collect full points ... but we shouldn’t look down on our opponents.”

The Malaysia Cup and FA Cup winners look good to win the match following their recent form.

Pahang edged Yadanarbon of Myanmar 3-2 in their AFC Cup Group G opener on Feb 25 and knocked out bitter rivals Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the FA Cup with a 4-2 win on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in extra time on March 2.

Last week, Pahang recorded their first win in the Super League with a 2-0 victory over Sime Darby FC.

The Elephants will start without Conti and midfielder Hafiz Kamal for the match. The duo were substituted due to injuries in the 2-0 win over Sime Darby.

The team will also miss skipper Mohd Razman Roslan, who will be serving his one-match suspension after being red-carded in the Yadanarbon match

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