KUALA LUMPUR — Sri Pahang FC secured their first Malaysia Cup final appearance in 11 years after defeating Sabah FC 2-1 in the semi-final second leg at the Temerloh Municipal Council Stadium today.
Fandi Ahmad’s side, who lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, were forced to play catch-up football in the first half.
However, lady luck finally smiled on the Elephants in the 72nd minute when Sabah defender Dominic Tan inadvertently headed the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a cross from Mykola Agapov.
Sabah, under the guidance of Martin Stano, responded just five minutes later, with midfielder Kumaahran Sathasivam tapping into an empty net after a fine cross from Daniel Ting.
Sri Pahang striker Kpah Sherman continued to trouble Sabah’s defence in the final 13 minutes of the match, forcing goalkeeper Damien Lim into action with five shots on target.
Sherman then sent the 10,000 home fans at Temerloh Stadium into celebration, scoring in the 107th minute of extra time after receiving a pass from substitute David Rowley.
Sri Pahang progressed to the Malaysia Cup final with a 3-2 aggregate victory, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg on January 18 at Stadium Likas.
Pahang last reached the Malaysia Cup final in 2014, when they lifted the trophy after defeating powerhouse JDT 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
The Elephants will once again face JDT in the final, with the Malaysia Football League (MFL) yet to confirm the match date. — February 2, 2025