Negri plotting Pahang’s downfall
ALTHOUGH winning promotion to the Super League is their main priority, Premier League leaders Negri Sembilan have one eye on tripping Pahang in their FA Cup semi-final, first leg in Kuantan today.
Negri’s run to the semi-finals has seen them knock out Super League sides Selangor and Penang and they should have no fear facing Pahang at the Darulmakmur Stadium.
Asri Ninggal’s team have drawn two successive away games in the Premier League, either side of a 0-0 draw against Sabah at Paroi in the second leg of the quarterfinals.
But Asri said the string of draws does not mean their FA Cup campaign is having an effect on their league form, where they are currently three points ahead of Terengganu at the halfway stage.
“Of course, our key performance indicator is to win promotion to the Super League,” Asri told Timesport after arriving in Kuantan yesterday.
“But getting to the semi-finals of the FA Cup is a bonus for us. We are just two matches away from the final so we will try to have a good game.
“Once you reach the semifinals, you always hope to do better and move a step forward.”
Pahang are also winless in their last three games in all competitions and only got to the lastfour after Mohamadou Sumareh’s late goal in the second leg of the quarter-finals knocked out 2016 champions Darul Ta’zim.
“We have a few injuries and we will have to find a way to cope playing against a good team like Pahang in front of their own fans,” said Asri, with Negri the only team in the country yet to be beaten this season after 15 games in all competitions.
“I have told the players that playing the Super League teams this year will show what standard we need to reach next season if we get promoted.
“So it is a good experience for them to play the top teams and set a benchmark for us.
“But in the end, it is important to play good football, keep our focus and try our level best.”
One potential threat for Negri has been removed with Sumareh suspended following a coming together with Darul Ta’zim midfielder Afiq Fazail last weekend at Larkin.
It left Pahang coach Dollah Salleh questioning the fairness of the decision by the FA of Malaysia disciplinary committee to suspend the Gambian striker.
“Sumareh was tackled by another player and the referee did not show Sumareh any card and then suddenly he is suspended and becomes the victim,” said Dollah.
“This is like a fairy tale, the innocent gets punished. How is it that the victim is the one who gets a ban and fine?”
Sumareh’s absence could give an opening to Nurridzuan Abu Hassan, who has appeared as a substitute in Pahang’s last two matches after recovering from injury. Devinder Singh