By FRANCIS XAVIER
KOTA KINABALU: Tambadau Juniors kicked off their President’s Cup challenge with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Pahang at the UMS Stadium yesterday. The Group A encounter saw the visiting Pahang slot home the solitary goal of the afternoon in the 64th minute through Muhammad Shah Farkhan Mohamad Roop, who easily pounced home the opener from close range.
The Tambadau Juniors started the tie aggressively as they were determined to capitalise on the homeground advantage, but it was Pahang that looked more dangerous and could have taken an early lead when Muhammad Nur Izzat Che Awang only had Joslan Aping to beat but only to see his attempt from just outside the six-yard box sail above the crossbar.
After the interval, Tambadau Juniors tried their best in search for goals but to no avail. Instead, a defensive error by defender Kelvin Pengiran proved costly that saw Muhammad Irfan Mohd Ezral pick up a loose ball (from Kelvin’s error), before sending a superb cross for Muhammad Shah Farkhan, who easily poked home the winner. This was Pahang’s second straight win. In the season opener, they also scored a slim 1-0 win over Armed Forces. Tambadau Juniors will take on UiTM FC in an away fixture on Thursday (February 28).
