No Two Ways For Pahang In AFC Cup

28 April, 2015



PETALING JAYA: Pahang are in a do-or-die mission in the AFC Cup.

The Malaysia Cup and FA Cup champions face an early exit if they fail to collect full points against Myanmar’s Yadanarbon FC in their penultimate Group G match at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on Wednesday night.

South China of Hong Kong are through to the last 16, having amassed 12 points from four matches. Pahang and Global FC of the Philippines are on four points with the Malaysian side second on better goal difference. Yadanarbon are last on three points but they are still in the fight for a last-16 berth.

Pahang’s last match is against Global in Manila on May 13.

“It’s a do-or-die situation for us... we need a WIN to stay alive,” admitted Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan.

“It’s my dream to take Pahang to the final. It is a huge task because no Malaysian team have qualified for the final since (the competition STARTED in) 2004. We don’t want to miss the boat so we must win,” said Zainal.

Pahang have the psychological edge as they edged Yadanarbon 3-2 in their opening match in Mandalay in February.

Although they have home ground advantage and the vociferous fans behind them, Zainal has warned his players not to underestimate the visitors.

“We need to play our normal game. Our game plan is simple – that’s to go all out for a win,” said the former international.

The biggest worry for Zainal is the strike force. In the Super League, they only managed to score nine goals in eight matches. They are sixth in the 12-team league with 14 points.

“Yes, we’ve not been scoring that many goals, but we’ve been creating a lot of chances. I’m sure the goals will flow soon,” said Zainal.

Sumber - Joash Ee De Silva, Star Online www.thestar.com.my