KUALA LUMPUR – Sri Pahang FC team manager Datuk Dollah Salleh has instructed his players and coaching staff to secure a place in the Malaysia Cup final for their home fans as they take on Sabah FC in the return-leg semi-final in front of a full-house Temerloh Stadium tonight.
The first leg, held on January 18 at Stadium Likas, ended in a 1-1 draw between the Elephants and the Rhinos.
Sri Pahang last reached the Malaysia Cup final in 2014, when they lifted the title after defeating powerhouse JDT 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
It is understood that all 10,000 tickets for tonight’s semi-final clash at Temerloh Stadium have been sold.
Speaking to Scoop, Dollah, a two-time Malaysia Cup-winning coach, expressed confidence that his team could break their decade-long absence from the final with the backing of their home supporters.
“It’s not easy to earn the fans’ support, and we must never take it for granted. They don’t always turn up in large numbers, but they will today because we’ve made it this far. Hence, we should respect the fans and give our 100% in the match against Sabah.
“We know they are a strong side, but with our fans as the 12th man, I believe we can turn the tables and finally reach the final to break our more than 10-year curse.
“I have reminded all the players and coaches, including head coach Fandi Ahmad, of the significance of this match and the need to win for our fans. They are well aware of their roles.
“We’ve prepared thoroughly, and I am 100% confident that the players and coaches will execute our game plan and give the fans what they want—qualification for the final,” said Dollah when contacted.
However, Sri Pahang will be without two key players for this crucial tie—Argentine winger Manuel Hidalgo is suspended, while centre-back Syazwan Andik is ruled out with a knee injury.
“These two players are crucial for us, and their absence in such an important match is a big loss. But I believe our squad’s strength doesn’t rest on just two players—we have capable replacements ready to step up.
“The good news is that our starting XI is injury-free, and coach Fandi has already fixed his strategy. I’m confident the team will rise to the occasion against Sabah,” Dollah added.
The winner of this tie will face defending champions JDT in the final, with the Malaysia Football League (MFL) yet to confirm the date.
JDT secured their seventh Malaysia Cup final appearance after thrashing Terengganu FC 6-1 on aggregate yesterday. — February 2, 2025