LATE FORMATION, STRATEGY CHANGES SAVED SRI PAHANG, SAYS FANDI 

TEMERLOH, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- A lapse in concentration during their match against Perak FC nearly cost Sri Pahang FC their mission to advance to the semi-finals of this season’s Malaysia Cup campaign.

Head Coach Fandi Ahmad said his squad left too many openings for Perak FC to attack and score goals, especially in the closing stages of the match.

However, the Singaporean legend 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.

“Unfortunately, we regret the lack of focus, particularly in maintaining discipline during set pieces, which often allowed our opponents to score,” he told reporters after the match at Temerloh Municipal Council Stadium last night.

Known as the Tok Gajah squad, Sri Pahang entered the match with a one-goal advantage from their  Dec 13 first-leg quarter-final clash against Perak.

Fandi expressed optimism that addressing these shortcomings promptly could strengthen the team’s prospects of advancing further in the competition.

On the 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.

Meanwhile, Perak FC Head Coach Yusri Che Lah said 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.

“Still, if they had remained calm and avoided playing emotionally, we wouldn’t have conceded two penalty kicks to the opponents,” he said.

Yusri urged his players to stay positive, aim for excellence in future matches, and work on rectifying past mistakes.

-- BERNAMA