Premier League Sime Darby FC and Pahang stunned Super League Sabah and Felda United 2-0 and 1-0 respectively in the first round of the FA Cup yesterday.
Pahang midfielder Mohd Hafiz Kamal rifled in a free-kick in the 41st minute to down Felda United 1-0 at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Malacca.
Sime Darby beat Sabah 2-0 with goals from defender Mohd Shazlan Alias in the 40th minute and Liberian striker Patrick Wleh five minutes later at the Selayang MC Stadium.
Sime Darby coach Ismail Zakaria was proud of his players who gave a disciplined performance against the much heralded Rhinos.
“It wasn’t easy, but my boys did really well and I’m proud of their performance,” said Ismail.
“Sabah play in the Super League and obviously were the favourites. But my players followed our game plan to stay compact and disciplined to win the match,” said Ismail
“We will take it one match at a time although the FA Cup isn’t our main target this season. Playing in the Cup will enable my team to mature faster.”
Sime Darby next meet fellow Premier League side USM FC in the second round at the USM Stadium on March 10.
Pahang will take on Super League side T-Team at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.
Ismail does not see their next rivals as easy prey although Sime Darby thrashed USM FC 4-1 in a Premeir League match on Feb 10.
“We have beaten them before but that doesn’t mean it will be a walk in the park for us,” said Ismail.
“We have to remember that anything can happen in a knock-out competition and tread carefully.”
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