Perak SEDC stand in Pahang’s path to final

are on the verge of yet another FA Cup final and they only need to finish the job against Perak SEDC today to do so.

With the score tied at 1-1 heading into the semi-final return leg, it is still all to play for between them and Perak SEDC.

Of the four teams still left in the competition, Pahang are undoubtedly the biggest side left in the competition and expectations are high on them to finish the job at Perak Stadium.

Despite them being the favourites against minnows Perak SEDC, captain Matthew Davies does not see it as added pressure for his team but instead is looking at it as a form of motivation.

“There is always pressure in every semi-final and quarter-final. The budget of both teams is not a factor. We also put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do well.”

“It is a big motivation after what happened last year. We have something to prove in the FA Cup. We really want to reach another final and go one step further,” said Davies yesterday.

In the recent first leg played in Kuantan, Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria equalised for Pahang after Sukri Hamid had put Perak SEDC ahead after only 13 minutes.

Yet there was a big sigh of relief for Pahang that Abu Bakar Fadzim’s side did not fully capitalise on the first leg as several regulars were unavailable for the home side.

Davies, Nor Azam Azih and Singapore midfielder Safuwan Baharudin did not play in the first leg but they will be available tomorrow.

“We had limitations in the last match but with us returning, we’re at full strength and you’ll see the full quality of our team.”

“Now that we are back, hopefully, we can get the job done,” added Davies.

Perak SEDC will need to reshuffle their attack as star forward and former club captain Shahrel Fikri Fauzi has moved to Thai club Nakhon Ratchasima.

In last year’s final, Pahang were edged 3-2 by Kedah.

FIXTURE — FA Cup semi-final return leg — TODAY: Perak SEDC (1) v Pahang (1) (Perak Stadium, 9pm) — first leg result in parenthesis.