Safuwan, Nwakaeme’s return spells trouble for Turtles

PETALING JAYA: Defending champions Pahang are feeling optimistic ahead of their FA Cup quarter-final second leg with the return of two key players.

The Elephants are trailing East Coast rivals Terengganu 2-1 after the first leg at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu last week.

Their imports – midfielder Safuwan Baharudin and striker Dickson Nwakaeme (pic) – have been given a clean bill of health and their presence will turn the tide in Pahang’s favour at the Darul Makmur Stadium tonight.

Skipper Matthew Davies said the team are a bit tired after playing three matches in seven days and their return is welcome news.

“The tie is not over yet, there’s still plenty to play for. We are playing at home in front of our fans and we also have Safuwan and Nwakaeme back so I don’t see why we can’t win the tie,” said the Perth-born player.

“We lost our last two games as we struggled a bit playing through tight fixtures but those two defeats don’t take away the fact that we have been playing well since the start of the season.”

Last season, Pahang suffered three home defeats and one of them came at the hands of Terengganu in a Super League clash on May 11.

Matthew said Turtles hitman Kipre Tchetche’s return to form is a concern ahead of the clash. The Ivorian has scored six goals in five matches.

But the 24-year-old Malaysian international added that he has faith defender Herold Goulon will contain Tchetche.

“Tchetche is proving to be a handful but I believe Goulon can stop him. I think he’s the best centreback in the league right now.

“We dominated in the first leg and created a lot of chances but we couldn’t score but tonight will be different. We are confident,” said Matthew.