Pantai Timur Finale Review

A superb header by Mathias Conti and a brave performance by Khairul Azhan helped Pahang to achieve Malaysia Cup dream coming out 1-0 winners over Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium. The win ends a 21 year Malaysia Cup drought.

No question that Pahang were the dominate team over the course of the game. Their organisation strangled Kelantan's pattern of play. Going into the game, all the talk was of how Kelantan, without Obinna would cope.

Pahang's attack targeted Kelantan's weakness in the centre of defense and exposed it they have.

The only goal came from the head of Argentine Mathias Conti. The Striker made the most of Azamuddin Akil's superb run and cross to finish quite superbly.

Here's seven things we've learnt from Pahang vs Kelantan

1. Without Obinna, Pahang took advantage.

And they did took it well. Kelantan's central defenders looked disjointed and unorganised. Early on in the game, Khairul Fahmi did try to pull his defenders together however it wasn't enough. Both defenders rode their luck until the decisive goal that sealed the game.

2. Dollah Salleh's tactical change at half-time piled on more pressure

Introduction of Fauzi Roslan in the start of second half, meant that Pahang changed to a 4-4-2. With Azamuddin Akil who played as a second striker in the first half move to a right wing position. It work as they were overrunning Kelantan's right. In hindsight got the winner.

3. Amirul Hadi proved his worth at midfield.

There is little doubt that his move to Pahang revived his career and enjoying the best form of his life. With the faith of his head coach, the former Malaysian international could be expecting a recall after his performances this calendar year.

4. Bojan Hoddak didn't have a plan B.

There's much evidence that the head coach is too over reliant of his starting players. He doesn't really utilize his squad very well. Made substitutions really late into the game when the team needed a lift to inspire them to carry on. Early introduction of Faiz Subri and Fakri Saarni early in the 2nd half could have given them another outlet to exploit.

5. Fakri Saarni is Kelantan's long term future.

Many people will give me a lot of stick for this. I'm sticking with it. I've been such a critic of the player. Even when he signed for Kelantan mid-season I was shock. However he has improved a lot physically, technically and mentally. All he needs are the goals to boost his confidences.  His introduction during the second half helped the teams efforts to get the equalizer. Combining well with Indra Putra, Dickson and Norfarhan.

6. Khairul Azhan repays Dollah Salleh's faith by putting a brave performance.

When Kelantan did looked threatening, Khairul Azhan was there to kept the clean sheet for Pahang. He did nothing wrong whatsoever over the 90 minutes. Made a special stop in the heart of the Pahang fans when he denied Norfarhan in the dying moments of the game.

7. Fans were superb.

Despite the downpour, fans from the east coast were high in spirit and voice at Shah Alam. Even us who were watching from the screens felt the intensity of the game.

Conclusion.

So Pahang emerge as victors of this year's Malaysia Cup. The traditional season curtain closer could have well set the tone for next year's domestic season. With the attitude of "We can win this." resonates to every club in the country.

This is Pantai Timur! Malaysia Cup Final Preview.

Malaysia Cup Final Preview by Khalilul.

The magic of Malaysia Cup will be in full flow when Kelantan meets Pahang on Sunday night at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Fence sitters may be hoping for an explosive affair between the two teams from the east coast.

The two sides have face each other four times during this calendar year. Twice in the league and twice in the group stages of the Malaysia Cup. Kelantan came out on top twice at Kota Bharu. As Pahang were held at Darul Makmur twice.

This will be The Red Warriors fourth Malaysia Cup Final appearance in the space of five years. While Pahang make their much awaited return to the grand stage of Domestic cup football. Their final appearance was back in 1997. They'll certainly be looking to make it a special one.

Here is a complete preview of the match with latest team news and probable starting lineups.

Kelantan

The Red Warriors goal has been certainly to stamp their authority as a dominated force in Malaysian football.

Kelantan have been picked up five wins, three draws and two losses so far in their Malaysia Cup campaign. Scoring a massive 25 goals which on average is 2.5 goals per-game and conceded 14 goals which on average 1.4 goals conceded per-game.

So Kelantan have no problem in scoring goals when required to. Main concern will be the defence.

Missing from the team will be the tank at the back Obinna. Who is serving a suspension after been shown a yellow card in the Semi-final at Kota Bharu

Kelantan predicted line up. (4-3-3): Khairul Fahmi, Nik Shahrul, Azizi Mat Rose, Farisham, Zairul Fitree, Shakir Shaari, Piya, Zairo Anuar, Indra Putra, Dickson Nwakaeme, Nor Farhan.

Pahang

Pahang during this calendar year under Dollah Salleh back in the Super-league have shown many what they are capable of. Finishing a respectable fifth in the league only a point behind Kelantan.

Pahang have been picked up five wins, three draws and two losses so far in their Malaysia Cup campaign. Scoring Scoring an impressive 20 goals which on average is 2 goals per-game and conceded 16 goals which on average 1.6 goals conceded per-game.

Same as as Kelantan they'll have no shortages of firepower up front. However the issue for Pahang over their leakage at the back have been lapse of concentration.

Pahang predicted lineup(4-4-1-1): Khairul Azhan, Jalaluddin Jaafar, Damion Stewart, Razman Roslan, Shahrizan Salleh, Amirul Zainal, Hafiz Kamal, Gopinathan, R. Surendran, Azamuddin Akil, Mathias Conti.

Players to Watch

Kelantan: Dickson Nwakaeme

Can the Nigerian increase his status with the Kelantanese faithful by bringing in another silverware? He certainly has the ability to do just that. Even since his introduction into the team, he has been enjoying and contributing a lot of goals with his key passes, assist, goals and overall team play in all competition this year.

Pahang: Azamuddin Akil

Azamuddin Akil will be the one pushing Pahang's attack tirelessly over the period of the Malaysia Cup Final. Don't be surpise if his name is on the score sheet for the Elephants during the final because he has the ability to do so. He'll undoubtedly enjoying himself in this year's season domestic curtain closer.   

Wild Cards to consider:

Kelantan: Ahmad Fakri Saarani

Most of his substitution appearance so far this year have been very fruitful and positive for The Red Warriors. He might make a few silly misplace passes, but he will pour his heart out for the team in order to get the win. He has been a very improved player over the years. Can you can see why the Kelantan management and coaching staff have so much faith in him in the coming foreseeable future.

Pahang: Fauzi Roslan

Pahang's fox in the box has been a household name since the opening match of the Super League against Johor Darul Takzim. However his form this year have been somewhat of a start and stop over the months. Only aged 25 he has more than enough time to show his true qualities in the upcoming years for the elephants. In the second leg semi-final against Sarawak he came off the bench to score a header that booked Pahang a spot in the final. Maybe he could do the same against Kelantan. But this time scoring the winner?

Conclusion.

Looking at the stats and players you can argue the Kelantan have the slight advantage of being the more experienced team in this final. However you can't ignore Pahang's drive they'll push on until the final whistle. They'll prove much to handle for Kelantan in this exciting Malaysia Cup Final.

All in all, let's all hope for an intense, exciting and friendly Malaysia Cup Final competition between the two football loving teams from Pantai Timur.