On paper, it looks like another "David versus Goliath" kind of match. Pahang is the reigning Malaysia Cup champion and playing in the much superior Super League compared to The Fighters (previously known as The Settlers) who are currently occupying the second spot in the Premier League. But, in football, anything can happen and the FA Cup final tonight could see history being made as Felda United seek to become the first Premier League club side to win the trophy since its inception 24 years ago.
One positive aspect of the match from the local fans' point of view tonight is certainly on the two men in charge of Pahang and Felda. The final will see a battle between two local coaches – Zainal Abidin Hassan of Pahang and Irfan Bakti of Felda United. This will be the first major final in three years where both finalists are coached by locals. This shows that the standard of our local coaches are up there with the foreigners. Or perhaps, the standard of the foreign coaches in the M-League are not as worthy as the money spent on them?
Both Zainal and Irfan have found success as a coach before. Zainal who was one of the top strikers in Asia during his heyday as a player has guided the Elephants to FA Cup glory in 2006. Irfan has a slightly better record having previously guided two sides – Penang and Terengganu – to FA Cup glory in 2002 and 2011 respectively. Tonight, Irfan and Zainal are relishing the opportunity to outdo each other.
The wise money is on Pahang to win. They have better players and are used to playing in the high capacity crowd like the 70,000-capacity Shah Alam Stadium. But, we can never really count Felda out yet. Their veterans such as Indra Putra Mahayuddin and Mohd Shukor Adan have been in good form this season and in Edward Wilson Junior, they have a prolific goal-getter who has scored 16 goals in the Premier League.
- Brader Sports
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