* Pahang winless at home after two matches
Pahang’s poor run at home in Group G in the AFC Cup competition continued with a 1-0 defeat to favourites South China FC of Hong Kong at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on Wednesday.
Hong Kong international Chan Siu Ki surprised Pahang goalkeeper Khairul Azhan Khalid with a left footed shot for the winner after only 13 minutes of play.
With no foreign bite upfront following injuries to Nigerian Dickson Nwakaeme and Argentine Matias Conti, Pahang’s poor finishing allowed South China to escape with full points and keep their place at the top of the group having won against AFC newcomers Global FC of the Philippines (6-1) and Myanmar champions Yadanarbon FC (3-1).
For Pahang it was their first defeat in three matches. In the first match Pahang defeated Yadanarbon 3-2 in Mandalay before a disappointing scoreless draw against Global FC in Kuantan.
On Wednesday, Pahang again paid dearly for their poor finishing with international R. Gopinathan and R. Surendran unable to find the target despite creating chances.
Pahang also found South China goalkeeper Cristian Mora a stumbling block.
“Injuries are taking its toll on the team. I hope the injured players can recover fast to keep us in the running,” said Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan after the match.
His South China counterpart Mario Gomez counted his blessings with South China three wins out of three and said: “It was a tough match but I am happy with the three points.”
AFC Cup Results (March 18)
GROUP G
Pahang 0 South China 1
Yadanarbon 2 Global FC 0
PICTURES by www.asiana.my
