Pahang have been effectively knocked out of the AFC Cup after losing 5-3 on aggregate to Tajikistan side Istiklol FC.
Having lost the first leg 4-0, the burden was always heavy for Pahang, heading into the second leg. But despite their best efforts – which culminated in a 3-1 home win – Zainal Abidin’s men failed to follow in the footsteps of JDT, who booked their semi final slot last night.
Despite the match being a massive one for the home side, the attendance at the Darul Makmur Stadium was rather. That though, did not stop the home side from dominating the play in the first few minutes, as Istiklol struggled to cope with the humidity.
Dickson Nwakaeme and Matias Conti created a couple of opportunities upfront, but Pahang only managed to break the deadlock on the 30th minute, as a fine cross from Azamuddin Akil allowed Hafiz Kamal to head home from close range to make it 1-0.
The goal meant that Pahang needed three more to equal the score on aggregate, and they certainly came out, firing on all cylinders in the second half, looking to continue closing the gap. But their hopes were dealt with a major blow merely six minutes after the restart as Saifulnizam was sent off, leaving Pahang with 10 men.
Zainal Abidin made a tactical shift, pushing Conti into a midfield role, which required Dickson to spearhead their attack by himself. The move evidently took it’s toll on Pahang, as Istiklol grew into the game and started launching attacks.
Having said that, Pahang eventually doubled their lead on the 58th minute. Dickson produced a stunning solo run on the byline, before teeing Hafiz Kamal up, and the Malaysian international made no mistakes by comfortably slotting home to make it 2-0.
Merely three minutes later, the home crowd was silenced. Istiklol secured their elusive away goal as defensive mix-up allowed Makhmudov to break and produce a composed finish from the left side of the box, making it 2-1.
At this point, the Pahang lads looked completely destroyed, which was reflected on the pitch as Istiklol began taking control of the tempo. Zainal acted quickly, and made a couple of substitutions, bringing on Gopinathan and Saarvindran.
Both men added much needed pace and stamina on the flanks, and that eventually led to their third goal of the game. D. Saarvindran beat two defenders, before jinking a shot into the back of the net to make it 3-1.
But minutes later, the final whistle was blown and though Pahang received a standing ovation for their inspiring performance, they were effectively sent packing from the AFC Cup.
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