Sabah FC will need to continue looking for a finalist in the second leg after tying Sri Pahang FC scoring 1-1 in the Unifi Piala Malaysia 2024/25 Semi-Final 1st leg at Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu.
The match began with Sri Pahang displaying fluid attacking movements, particularly through their wingers, threatening the home side’s defense. However, it was Sabah FC who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the visitors.
In the 9th minute, Sabah’s Stuart Wilkin punished Sri Pahang’s defensive error with a clinical finish, giving the home side an early lead and energizing the crowd at Likas Stadium.
Despite continued pressure from Sri Pahang, led by head coach Fandi Ahmad, their efforts to equalize before halftime were thwarted by Sabah’s resolute defense.
The second half began with Sri Pahang increasing their attacking intensity. A quick counterattack almost yielded a goal, but Sergio Aguero’s miscontrol at a critical moment spared Sabah from conceding.
However, Sri Pahang’s persistence paid off when Hidalgo orchestrated a brilliant move, providing a key pass to Aguero, who then set up Kpah Sherman for the equalizer. Sherman’s precise finish brought the match level, much to the frustration of Sabah’s head coach, Martin Stano.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 66th minute when Sri Pahang’s Hidalgo was shown a red card for a reckless tackle on Sabah defender Dominic Tan. This left Sri Pahang down to ten men for the remainder of the game.
Sabah pressed hard for a winner, taking advantage of their numerical superiority, but Sri Pahang’s defense held firm.
The referee added four minutes of stoppage time, but neither side could find the decisive goal. The match ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with everything to play for in the second leg.
The second leg of this semi-final will take place at Stadium MPT, Temerloh on February 1, 2025, where Sri Pahang will have the advantage of playing on home soil.
Credit Photo : Sri Pahang FC
