Bitter rivals Pahang and JDT clash in FA Cup quarter-finals

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s blockbuster galore in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The highlight of the last-eight round will be the clash between bitter rivals Pahang and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) and the Klang Valley derby between Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

The other half of the draw will see PKNS take on Perak, while PKNP will take on the sole Premier League side Felda United in the other quarter-final clash.

The first leg will be held between April 6-8 while the second leg will be between April 20-22.

The Pahang-JDT clash is the repeat of last year’s quarter-final, which saw the eventual finalist Pahang edge the Super League champions 4-3. They however lost 2-3 in the final to Kedah.

Pahang manager Datuk Sufian Awang said he expects a tough fight from JDT who will be out for revenge.

“This is a repeat of the last year’s quarter-final. We beat Kedah (1-0) in the third round which was the repeat of the last year’s final,” said Sufian after the draw here yesterday.

“Both teams have good players and what’s important is during the match, Pahang will put a fighting display and we expect JDT to give us a tough challenge.

“I’m sure both teams will come with their own strategies for this match. We need to respect JDT who are a good side but we will be ready ... our coach Dollah Salleh will have plans for this game.

“This match is a “classico” and it will attract the attention of not just the fans of both teams but also the football fans.”

The winner of Pahang-JDT tie will meet the winner of the PKNP and Felda United before marching on to the final.