Dollah throws in towel in title race
PAHANG coach Dollah Salleh has given up on wresting the Super League crown from Darul Ta’zim following the 2-0 defeat to the former AFC Cup champions at Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan on Tuesday.
Dollah’s side have dropped from second to third and are now 12 points behind leaders Darul Ta’zim with seven matches remaining in the league.
Goals by Argentine Gonzalo Cabrera and Natxo Insa in each half sealed the win for Darul Ta’zim as they are now the favourites to win their fourth straight league title.
Darul Ta’zim lead with 36 points, nine more than secondplace Kedah, followed by thirdplace Pahang (24 points)
Dollah said it is as good as over for Pahang in the title race and their only aim now is for second position.
“I am upset that we are 12 points behind Darul Ta’zim. I think there is no hope for us to close the gap. However, we are not giving up on the fight for the second spot,” said Dollah after the match.
“My players gave their best. We had no luck as we could not convert chances. Darul Ta’zim took their chances and played tight when we dominated in some periods.”
Pahang captain Saiful Nizam Miswan said his team are still trying to rediscover their form.
“Things have not been going well after the Ramadan break. We are still trying to regain our form and play good football,” he said.
Darul Ta’zim coach Ulisses Morais described the result as good as it was a difficult match.
“We only knew we would win when Insa scored the second goal in the 87th minute. The players are beginning to understand my ideas and I hope we can continue our momentum in the following matches,” said the Portuguese coach.