Malaysia Cup: Sri Pahang FC’s Narrow Escape from Semi-Finals
Lack of Focus Threatens Sri Pahang’s Malaysia Cup Ambitions
TEMERLOH, Dec 23 (Bernama) – Sri Pahang FC’s mission to advance to the semi-finals of this season’s Malaysia Cup campaign nearly came to an end due to a lapse in concentration during their match against Perak FC.
Head Coach Fandi Ahmad expressed his disappointment at the team’s lack of focus, particularly in maintaining discipline during set pieces, which allowed Perak FC to score goals. However, he credited the team’s fortunes to a late-game shift in formation and strategy, which secured a 3-3 draw.
"Tonight’s game was intense, with balanced attacks from both teams, and our players gave their all," Fandi said. "Unfortunately, we regret the lack of focus, particularly in maintaining discipline during set pieces, which often allowed our opponents to score."
Sri Pahang FC entered the match with a one-goal advantage from their previous encounter, and Fandi expressed optimism that addressing these shortcomings promptly could strengthen the team’s prospects of advancing further in the competition.
On Argentine import Manuel Federico Hidalgo’s hat-trick performance, Fandi described it as a meaningful "gift" for the player, who will briefly return to his home country for his wedding soon.
Perak FC Head Coach Yusri Che Lah, on the other hand, lamented that defeat could have been avoided if his players had managed their emotions better.
"We drew the match but lost our chance at the semi-finals. I told my players there’s no shame in this as they fought valiantly until the 95th minute," Yusri said. "Still, if they had remained calm and avoided playing emotionally, we wouldn’t have conceded two penalty kicks to the opponents."
Conclusion:
Sri Pahang FC’s narrow escape from the semi-finals serves as a wake-up call for the team to address their weaknesses and improve their performance. With a late-game shift in formation and strategy, the team managed to secure a draw, but it remains to be seen whether they can build on this momentum to advance further in the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What was the outcome of the match between Sri Pahang FC and Perak FC?
A: The match ended in a 3-3 draw.
Q: What was the main cause of Sri Pahang FC’s near-miss in the semi-finals?
A: A lapse in concentration and lack of focus, particularly in maintaining discipline during set pieces, allowed Perak FC to score goals.
Q: How did Perak FC’s Head Coach Yusri Che Lah assess the match?
A: He lamented that defeat could have been avoided if his players had managed their emotions better.
Q: What is the next step for Sri Pahang FC?
A: The team will need to address their weaknesses and improve their performance to advance further in the competition.