PERFECT WIN FOR PAHANG
East Coast side stroll to third FA Cup crown with victory over Selangor
PAHANG were flawless in the 2-0 victory over Selangor for their third FA Cup crown at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday.
The east coast side’s performance was so complete, it left their opposition and fans with very little to complain about.
Midfielder Nor Azam Azih netted in the first half while Brazilian striker Patrick Cruz scored from the penalty spot for Pahang’s first trophy since their treble (Charity Shield, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup) in 2014.
Leading the impressive Pahang was Matthew Davies and at the age of 23, is now the youngest cup winning captain in the history of the competition.
The right-back had suffered two big disappointments last year and hoisting the trophy also lifted a big burden off his shoulders.
“It is a massive relief. I won runners-up medals in the FA Cup (with Pahang) and the Sea Games (with Malaysia) last year,” said Davies on Saturday.
“I did not want to think too much ahead of the final, but I was determined not be bridesmaid for the third time.
“I am really stoked and happy for the fans.
“On the outside, it may have looked easy but I can tell you it wasn’t for us on the pitch.
“Selangor pushed us all the way and it wasn’t until the 94th minute that I was able to relax.”
The champions of the FA Cup get an automatic AFC Cup spot but Pahang could be denied the berth as they are serving a twoyear suspension for opting out of the Asian club competition this season.
Dollah hopes the Pahang FA (PFA) and the FA of Malaysia (FAM) will come to a solution on the suspension.
“It is up to PFA to appeal against the ban (imposed by FAM). “I leave it to the management,” said Dollah.