Matias Conti’s sole second half strike was more than enough as Pahang secured a narrow 1-0 win over Perak to book their slot at the top of the MSL table for the next one month.
The Super League will be heading into a one-month hiatus, allowing space for the international break. Hence, the value of this match was largely evident in both teams as they displayed positive body language throughout the match.
The tempo was relatively balanced from the offset, though the absence of Nurridzuan Abu Hassan, forced Horace James to start on the flank, where he wasn’t entirely effective today.
Midway through the second half, Pahang were handed a lifeline as Raffi Nagoorgani was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Matias Conti stepped up and fired home comfortably, to send the home fans into raptures.
What followed was a mini revival from Perak as they pushed forward in search of the equalizer. Datuk M. Karathu brought on Hafiz Ramdan and Ridzuan Azly to help boost their attacking line-up, and it almost paid dividends as Hafiz Ramdan threaded a through ball for Namkung Woong on the 89th minute, though the South Korean’s attempt collided against the post.
But despite the late onslaught, Pahang eventually held on to protect their lead and ultimately clinch the win that will see them sit on top of the table, with a two-point margin over second placed PDRM.
More to come…
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