Malaysia’s AFC Cup duo maintain winning ways

League leaders Pahang were indebted to a Matias Conti brace as they came from behind to beat Sime Darby 4-2.

Serbian Marko Perovic had given rock bottom Sime Darby a shock 2-0 lead within the first 13 minutes at the Selayang Stadium, only for defender Damion Stewart to head home for Pahang before the break.

Conti drew the visitors level in the 58th minute when he converted Stewart’s flick on, before handing Pahang the lead and doubling his tally with a neat finish 10 minutes later.

Fauzi Roslan’s effort in the 73rd minute duly sealed all three points for Pahang who will face Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol over two legs in the AFC Cup’s last eight.

Pahang’s success saw them move to 36 points, two ahead of rivals and reigning champions Johor Darul Ta’zim following the Southern Tigers’ 2-0 win at Sarawak.