Aiman Nazirmuddin
Football Tribe Malaysia
Pahang bounced back to beat PKNS FC 2-1 at the Shah Alam Stadium on Sunday, putting pressure on league leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim. This victory closes the gap between Tok Gajah and the South Tigers to just two points. This result also means that Pahang maintains their unbeaten in the league, stretching through the first nine matches of the league.
While Pahang were attempting to set up an attack, PKNS FC managed to open the scoring through a devastating counter-attack in the 13th minute. Kpah Sherman made a solo run through the visitor’s defenses before sending the ball to Cambodian striker Chan Vathanaka, who opened the scoring for PKNS.
Stunned by the hosts’ first goal, Pahang struck back in the 24th minute, as a goal from in-form striker Dickson Nwakaeme leveled the scoring at 1-1. The visitors looked almost certain to take the lead but PKNS goalkeeper Mohd Zarif pulled off a brilliant save to deny Jose Eduardo de Almeida from giving the Elephants a second goal. However, Jose Eduardo would have the last laugh, striking the winning goal in the 75th minute to grab a crucial three points for the visitors.
This result for Pahang was crucial in preventing defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim from pulling away from the rest of the teams. The side bested Petaling Jaya City 1-0 in an away fixture on Saturday. The Southern Tigers were temporarily five points clear at the league’s summit, but Pahang showed their determination to chase down the league leaders.