ISKANDAR PUTERI: Despite a 3-0 defeat to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Sri Pahang FC head coach Fandi Ahmad praised his team's spirited performance in their Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium last night (June 22).
Fandi noted that his players showed significant improvement and maintained a fighting spirit, forcing the home team to work hard to secure their goals in the first half.
However, he admitted that several midfield errors hindered their ability to create dangerous opportunities.
"I am very pleased and satisfied because they worked hard... but our mistake was not closing down the space. I had already warned them about Heberty's threat with his left foot... we failed to have anyone tackle him... we just shadowed him.
"Overall, I believe we played well. The players gave 100 per cent, which is crucial to me. The combination of Nikola and Kpah Sheeman didn't click, even though everyone put in the effort. However, I must admit that JDT's players are a cut above us, and that's something we couldn't avoid," he said in the post-match press conference at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
In yesterday's match, a hattrick by JDT's star striker Heberty Fernandes secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Sri Pahang FC, further cementing the Southern Tigers' position at the top of the Super League.
JDT head coach, Hector Bidoglio, said despite the absence of key forwards Fernando Forestieri and Bergson Da Silva, the team's tempo and strategy remained intact against the sixth-placed Sri Pahang.
"Our focus now shifts to the next challenge, which is the FA Cup match against Malaysia University.
"It is a crucial game for us, and we need to approach it with seriousness and professionalism," Bidoglio said.
He highlighted the importance of the upcoming fixture and promised that JDT would display their best tactics and potential against the young squad from the A1 Semi-Pro League, Malaysia University.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium on June 28. — BERNAMA