Pahang will face an arduous task of taking on Johor Darul Ta’zim this weekend for the second leg of FA Cup fixture.
Although Pahang took the lead at the Darul Makmur Stadium in the first leg, the Tok Gajah squad are aware that they need to work twice as hard at the Larkin to prevail against the Southern Tigers. Pahang won 3-1 at the first leg.
Johor Darul Ta’zim have just comfortably defeated Boeung ket Angkor FC 3-0 in the AFC Cup group F fixture, and it looks like they are back to their winning ways.
Pahang, on the other hand, just suffered a 2-2 draw against Selangor during a Super League fixture last Sunday. Pahang’s defender Mohd Afif Amiruddin admits that the draw has put a dent on their confidence.
“Yes, the draw [against Selangor] did affect us and our preparations — but rest assured that we will give it our all this Sunday. We’ll fight until we make the finals.” Metro quoted him as saying.
“What we’re focusing on right now is to keep ourselves fit for the match, and be mentally strong to take on JDT at the Larkin.” he added. He also urged his teammates to be 100% focused and give it all they’ve got this Sunday.
“Of course, to win, we need the best from every player.”
Meanwhile, head coach Dollah Salleh is aware that Pahang’s defence need to be alert and on their game this weekend — if they are to prevail against the Southern Tigers. He also noted that the Tok Gajah squad made some defensive errors in the first leg.
“Honestly, I was not satisfied with our performance [against Selangor]. We left a lot of gaping spaces and can consider ourselves fortunate to claim a point.” Dollah Salleh told ESPN.
“We will need to work on our deficiencies for the coming matches.” he added.
Pahang will face Johor Darul Ta’zim this Sunday, on the 23rd April at the Larkin Stadium, with a 3-1 lead from the first leg.
How do you think they will perform?
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