Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bulacan: Pahang FA booked themselves a Round of 16 meeting with last year’s AFC Cup semi-finalists Persipura Jayapura after they secured second place in Group G following Wednesday’s goalless stalemate with debutants Global FC.
The Malaysian club went into the game at the Philippine Sports Stadium knowing a draw would be enough to guarantee qualification for the next phase alongside group winners South China of Hong Kong, but that defeat would see their hosts advance at their expense.
And although Pahang were enforced to weather a constant barrage of attacks from their hosts, Zainal Abidin Hassan’s side stood firm and saw out the tie to earn themselves a place in the AFC Cup’s last 16 and a meeting with Group E winners Persipura.
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“We had a very tough time. We were cautious but we were also disciplined,” said Pahang coach Hassan.
“We had showed very good spirit. The boys gave everything they had. There was plenty of pressure on us. Global played wonderful football and they made it hard for us. But we got what we wanted which was to qualify for the next round.”
It took Global just a couple of minutes after kick-off to carve out a fine chance on goal with captain Misagh Bahadoran setting up Dennis Villanueva inside the box only for defender Damion Stewart to make the clearance.
Bahadoran caused all sorts of problems with his pace, putting pressure on defender Roslan Razman. His early endeavor almost led to the opening goal, with Razman needing a last-ditch tackle in the 14th minute to deny the Global skipper a clear sight on goal.
Mark Hartmann also had a golden chance to give the hosts the lead just before halftime but his low shot from the edge of the area was palmed onto the post by Pahang goalkeeper Mohamad Khalid Azhan.
Pahang did have a chance to ease the pressure early in the second half through Mohamad Azzamuddin on a rare counter-attack, as the striker forced a reflex save from Global custodian Patrick Deyto.
Global continued on to be on top, though, and Dennis Villanueva fired over on the volley in the 58th minute after some good work from Paolo Bugas on the right flank.
Azhan was called into action again in the 78th minute, keeping out Raul Martinez’s stinging effort from long range, before Global coach Dan Padernal sacrificed defender Amani Aguinaldo for Richard Talaroc who was deployed up front.
The ploy nearly worked as Talaroc carved out a couple of good chances in stoppage time only to be let down by his finishing. Instead, Pahang held out till the final whistle and advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time.
“The boys did their very best tonight, but the goals just did not want to come for us,” said Padernal, who sees his side end up third in the group with five points, three adrift of Pahang.
“But we’re very proud of all of our players for representing their country well in our first appearance in the AFC Cup.”
Photo: WSG