Pahang is in the FA Cup final for the second successive year and coach Dollah Salleh is not preparing for the grand finale against Selangor at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil this Saturday.
The Elephants overcame PKNP (Perak SEDC) 3-2 on aggregate while Selangor ousted PKNS FC 5-1 on aggregate.
Pahang had a tough battle to face PKNP at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh on Sunday with both teams tied 1-1 from the first-leg in Kuantan.
Dollah’s call to his players to get an early goal to rattle their opponents worked although it took the visitors a good 32 minutes to take the lead and it came through Austin Amutu.
“The first goal did the trick for us. Austin’s goal put added pressure on PKNP while it gave us the confidence. I salute my players for showing the character and discipline on the field.
“When Mat Yo (Norshahrul Idlan Talaha) added the second (75th minute) it was what we needed to take the upper hand,” said Dollah, a former international known for his gifted left foot.
Dollah is well aware that they face another toughie for the silverware – Selangor, who seems to be improving with each match under coach Nazliazmi Nasir after he replaced P. Maniam.
While Pahang wants to make up for their heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Kedah in last year’s final, Selangor is hoping to end their nine-year wait for the FA Cup. – OLEH RIZAL ABDULLAH
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