Pahang Scrape Through In AFC Cup

13 Mei, 2015

PETALING JAYA: Pahang have qualified for the AFC Cup last 16 – by the skin of their teeth.

The Elephants held Global FC of the Philippines to a 0-0 draw in their final Group G match at the Philippines Sports Stadium in Manila on Wednesday.

Table-toppers South China of Hong Kong maintained their 100% record by collecting the maximum 18 points from six matches after wrapping up their campaign with an easy 3-0 victory over Yadanarbon of Myanmar at Mandalar Thiri Stadium in Mandalay on the same day.

Second-placed Pahang, with eight points, were let off the hook after the Filipino side squandered at least six sitters, including one by striker Mark Hartmann which came off the woodwork in the 44th minute.

A defeat in Manila would have allowed Global to pip Pahang to the last 16 – based on head-to-head results.

The two teams had also drawn 0-0 at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on March 11.

Pahang had gone into the game needing only a draw and coach Zainal Abidin Hassan opted for a defensive strategy, with Pakistan international Zesh Rehman and Jamaican Damion Stewart in the starting line-up.

Pahang’s top goal scorer Dickson Nwakaeme, with six goals in the competition, was only brought on at the hour mark.

Pahang will meet Group E winners Persipura Jayapura of Indonesia in the last 16 at the Mandala Stadium in Jayapura on May 26.

Sumber - Eric Samuel, Star Online www.thestar.com.my