Two Liga 1 Indonesia alumnus etched themselves in the scoresheet on Tuesday as Sri Pahang FC saw off Sabah FC 2-1 at the Darul Makmur Stadium to kick-off Matchweek 4 of the 2021 Liga Super Malaysia season. Former PS Sleman attacker Yehven Bokhashvili opened the scoring for Pahang before Lee Tuck extended the Tok Gajah‘s lead with a goal of his own, before former Persela Lamongan and Bhayangkara Solo FC winger Saddil Ramdani reduced the deficit for Sabah late on in the game.
With head coach Thomas Dooley still being rested by the Pahang higher-ups following the Tok Gajah‘s abysmal start to the season – which saw them lose twice in their first two league games of the season – Dollah Salleh once again took control of the home side, having taken charge of Pahang in their Matchweek 3 outing over the weekend, which was a goalless draw away at Melaka United. Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto’s Sabah were also seeking for their first league win of the season, having also lost twice and drew once in their first three Liga Super games of 2021.
After a first half devoid of goals but teeming with chances, Pahang took the lead in the 55th minute through their Ukrainian striker Yehven. Former Terengganu FC captain Tuck swung in a brilliant free-kick from outside the Sabah penalty area, with the ball being headed towards goal by Mamadou Wague, which was then punched away by Sabah goalkeeper Rendy Robson. Unfortunately for Sabah, the ball wasn’t cleared far enough and former Maguwoharjo Stadium fan-favorite Yehven pounced on the rebound with a powerful volley that went straight into Robson’s goal, opening the lead for Pahang.
The home side then built on their advantage in the 70th minute with Tuck turning from creator into scorer. Substitute Izzat Che Awang delivered a cross into the Sabah penalty area that was met by a header from Tuck. The ball went skywards, seemingly going out for a goal-kick, however it flew above a stunned Robson’s head before dropping down into the goal.
Despite being two goals down Sabah refused to give up just yet and chased for a goal or two, in hopes of mounting a late comeback. In the 80th minute, both Levy Madinda and Saddil were preparing themselves for a free-kick outside the Pahang penalty area, however Gabon international Levy instructed Saddil to stand his ground inside the area. Indonesia international Saddil obliged and Levy floated in the free-kick with his right foot. Saddil wasted no time in rising the highest and met Levy’s excellent ball with a powerful flying header that went past Pahang goalie Zarif Irfan, reducing the deficit for Kurniawan’s Tembedau.
Sabah were unable to build on Saddil’s header though and their efforts in mounting a comeback fell short, as Pahang clung onto their slender lead and walked away from the game with the 2-1 win, the Tok Gajah‘s first win of the 2021 Liga Super season.
Despite Sabah’s defeat, Saddil’s goal marked a good week for Indonesian footballers in the ASEAN stage. In March 10th, Todd Rivaldo Ferre, on loan at Thai League 2 side Lampang FC from Persipura Jayapura, scored in his starting debut for the Emerald Chariots as they drew 1-1 with unbeaten Thai League 2 leaders Nongbua Pitchaya, while on the same day that Saddil scored Sabah’s consolation, Yanto Basna managed to ensure another year of top-flight football for PT Prachuap with a sublime volley as the Killer Wasps edged out SCG Muangthong United 1-0.
Tuesday’s Liga Super action also saw Penang FC taking on bottom side UiTM FC at the City Stadium in George Town, with the two sides playing out a goalless stalemate.
Matchweek 4 continues on Wednesday with a quartet of matches – Kuala Lumpur City taking on Perak FC at the KLFA Stadium, Kedah Darul Aman facing-off against Petaling Jaya City at the Darul Aman Stadium, Terengganu locking horns with Melaka at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium, and the blockbuster clash of the day – Johor Darul Ta’zim welcoming Selangor FC to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.