Malaysia Cup Final: Sri Pahang Capable of Pulling Off Upset Over Defending Champions JDT
PETALING JAYA, March 18 (Bernama) – Sri Pahang FC are capable of pulling off a surprise upset over defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the 2024-2025 Malaysia Cup final scheduled to be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 12.
Former Tok Gajah squad coach, Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan believes that the performance of the team from the east coast has been outstanding in this Malaysia Cup campaign and expects Fandi Ahmad’s team to play without pressure against the domestic football giant.
"We certainly don’t deny the strength that JDT have, but I think Pahang will give good and fierce competition in the final," he said when met at a breaking of fast with the media organised by the Malaysia Football League (MFL) here last night.
"The ball is round, we have seen many surprises happening, JDT certainly doesn’t want what happened in the 2014 final to happen again and they will be more careful. For Sri Pahang, they will still be able to surprise and this is the chance for the players to shine in the final," he added.
The last time Sri Pahang lifted the Malaysia Cup was in 2014 when they were under Zainal Abidin’s management by defeating JDT 5-3 in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied 2-2.
The four-time champions ended a wait of more than a decade to advance to the final stage of the prestigious local football competition by defeating Sabah FC 3-2 on aggregate while JDT easily dismissed the challenge of Terengganu FC 6-1 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, the national football legend hopes that speculations about Sri Pahang’s absence from the Super League next season will not affect the players’ focus ahead of the Malaysia Cup final this time.
He also said that the local football scene will experience a big loss if his old team does not play in the 2025-2026 Super League.
"For me, the players need to focus on the final, and let the management do their job in other agenda so let us pray because Pahang is an elite team and needs to be in the Malaysian football scene," he said.
Last week, the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail in a question and answer session with JDT supporters said that the Sri Pahang and Kedah Darul Aman FC teams will most likely not play in the Super League next season.
He explained that this problem is due to inefficient financial management when expenses exceed income.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sri Pahang FC have the potential to pull off a surprise upset over defending champions JDT in the 2024-2025 Malaysia Cup final. With a strong performance in this Malaysia Cup campaign, the team is expected to give a good and fierce competition in the final.
FAQs
Q: Is Sri Pahang capable of pulling off a surprise upset over JDT in the 2024-2025 Malaysia Cup final?
A: Yes, according to Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan, former Tok Gajah squad coach, Sri Pahang have the potential to pull off a surprise upset.
Q: What does Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan expect from Sri Pahang in the final?
A: He expects Sri Pahang to play without pressure against the domestic football giant and give good and fierce competition in the final.
Q: Why might Sri Pahang not play in the Super League next season?
A: According to the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail, the problem is due to inefficient financial management when expenses exceed income.