Pahang FA may have won this competition last year, but they will not be underestimating Premier League side Penang FA, when they take on each other at the Darul Makmur Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Northern Malaysian side are currently on top of the Premier League chart, doing well in the quest to secure promotion into the Super League next year. In fact, they are unbeaten throughout all competitions this year, precisely why Zainal Abidin will be extremely cautious in approaching this match.
The Panthers opened their FA Cup campaign with a slender 1-0 win over Perlis, but the more impressive performance came against Negeri Sembilan. K. Devan has undoubtedly shaped a good team with Negeri, so it was always going to be a tough ask, as far as beating them is concerned. But Jackson Tiago’s men did not disappoint by seizing a 2-1 win to book their spot in the quarter finals of the FA Cup; something they have not achieved in over 13 years.
But here comes the trick for them. In Pahang, they’ve got an eccentric opposition, that could either struggle to show up, or perform admirably to snap a comfortable victory. Note that in six Super League games thus far, the Tok Gajahs have won twice, drawn twice and loss twice. Still not clear? They defeated Johor DT in the FA Cup, but suffered a defeat against strugglers ATM in the league.
But with home advantage in the first leg, we’re inclined to believe that Pahang will show up tomorrow night. They rarely disappoint on home turf, and the boisterous atmosphere can sometimes get to opposition players as well. That will certainly be something that the Penang side will have to overcome, should they have intentions of causing an upset.
Lee Kil Hoon is undoubtedly Penang’s main man, but he will be required to maneuver past Damion Stewart. That being said, the crucial battle will take place in midfield. Pahang are a side that spread the ball wide, when they hit on the offensive. And you wouldn’t blame them for doing so, when they have a player like Gopinathan on their ranks.
Rafiuddin Roddin and Azrul Ahmad’s role in the team will be pivotal as they will be tasked with nullifying Gopi’s threat. On the right flank, Azamuddin Akil is the man who needs to be kept at bay.
The neutrals will obviously be rooting for an upset, and judging by Penang’s form this year, that seems a possible outcome. Though it must be reiterated that Pahang, should they turn on the style, can run rampant.
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