Pahang coach Dollah approaches last eight with bated breath

PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Dollah Salleh is worried over the form of his players ahead of their quarter-final clash against Melaka in the Malaysia Cup.

The Elephants, who had booked their last eight spot early in the Malaysia Cup, easily swatted aside Penang 2-0 in their final Group C match at the City Stadium in Georgetown on Wednesday.

Pahang scored their goals through defender Herold Goulon (second minute) and an own goal from Penang’s defender A. Segar (57th).

The East Coast side topped Group C with 15 points and take on Group D runners-up Melaka in the first leg at the Hang Jebat Stadium on Sunday and the return leg at the Darul Makmur Stadium on Sept 29.

“This win doesn’t mean much as we have qualified early for the knockout stage. I’m more focused on getting the team in shape for the quarter-finals,” said Dollah.

“We didn’t play for three weeks due to the international break, and when the Malaysia Cup resumed we suffered a 1-3 loss to Perak last week and the result bothered me.”

“Six players just returned after their national team duties and they obviously needed a break, I rested them against Penang. I want them to be fresh for the quarter-finals.”

The 55-year-old coach also rested hotshot attackers – Nigerian Dickson Nwakaeme and Malaysian international Mohamadou Sumareh – who have picked two yellow cards respectively.

“Nwakaeme and Sumareh are one booking away from suspension so I had to bench them ... they tend to talk back to the referee and I can’t afford to lose them for the first leg,” said Dollah.

“I know Melaka coach Zainal (Abidin Hassan) very well. Both of us want to win the match and go for the Malaysia Cup title.”