PAHANG URGED TO THINK BIG
Coach wants Pahang to stand toe-to-toe with Darul Ta’zim
AJITPAL SINGH ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
PAHANG coach Dollah Salleh has reminded his players that they must shed any sense of inferiority if they are to outwit defending champions Darul Ta’zim in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
Unbeaten at home this season, Pahang will entertain Benjamin Mora’s side in the quarter-final, first leg at Darulmakmur Stadium on Saturday, where Dollah expects his side to rise to the occasion and exert revenge over the 3-2 defeat in the Super League in Johor Baru on March 3.
“I think we respected them too much in our last meeting and that led to individual mistakes. We should take advantage of being the host on Saturday, where a victory is a must. Anything less than that will make it very tough for us in the return leg (on April 23),” said Dollah when contacted in Kuantan yesterday.
“Darul Ta’zim are the best team in the M-League. Although Mora has made some changes to his squad, they are still strong in every department.
“We need to play without fear but most importantly, we must avoid mistakes and take our chances. If we can get our rhythm right from the start, I think we have a chance to win.”
The match on Saturday is expected to be a fiery affair as both teams are known for their attacking prowess.
Darul Ta’zim, however, have to pay extra attention to Pahang as Dollah’s side are the highest scoring team in domestic competitions with 28 goals in total with Brazilian Matheus Alves being the biggest contributor with nine strikes.
As for Mora’s side, they have netted 19 times with Argentine Gonzalo Cabrera topping the charts for the club with six goals.
Pahang will have to do some reshuffling in defence as centreback Afif Amiruddin is suspended while defenders Muslim Ahmad and Saiful Nizam Miswan are fighting against time to regain fitness for various reasons.
Wingers D. Christie Jayaseelan and Ahmad Syamim Yahya have returned to training from injuries but both also have fitness issues.
“Muslim was hospitalised for two weeks and he only reported back a week ago. The others are also working hard to regain their match fitness. I hope they will be fit as I need all available options for the game,” said Dollah, whose team are currently second in the Super League.
Dollah’s side were in Hong Kong recently for two friendly matches, where the coach tested options in the 3-3 draw with BC Glorysky and the 3-0 defeat to Kitchee.
“The matches in Hong Kong gave me insights over options and tactics. It was a good outing, although the results were not so encouraging.”
I think we respected them too much in our last meeting and that led to individual mistakes. We should take advantage of being the host on Saturday, where a victory is a must.
DOLLAH SALLEH
Pahang coach