Sri Pahang FC has officially accepted the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM)‘s decision to maintain the suspension of star striker Kpah Sherman, ruling him out of the highly anticipated Unifi Piala Malaysia 2024/25 Final against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on April 26.
The club’s Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Mohammed Suffian Awang, confirmed their position after FAM rejected the appeal submitted by the club, which requested a review of Sherman’s disciplinary status. The Liberian forward is set to miss the final after accumulating two yellow cards during the tournament—automatically triggering a one-match suspension.
“Of course, we are disappointed to receive confirmation that Kpah Sherman will be unable to start in the final,” Suffian told Astro Arena journalist Fadhirul Shuhaimi. “However, we respect FAM’s ruling and accept the outcome.”
Sherman, one of Tok Gajah’s key players this season, has been instrumental in their journey to the final, providing crucial goals and experience up front. His absence will undoubtedly be felt as Sri Pahang gears up for their first Malaysia Cup final appearance since winning the title in 2014.
Despite the setback, Suffian expressed confidence in the club’s technical team, spearheaded by head coach Fandi Ahmad and technical advisor Dato’ Dollah Salleh.
“We must place our trust in the coaching staff. Fandi Ahmad and Dato’ Dollah are experienced individuals who know how to adapt and strategize, especially in high-stakes matches like this,” he said. “They will certainly rework the lineup with tactical precision, and God willing, deliver the best performance for Sri Pahang.”
The final clash against JDT, the dominant force in Malaysian football, is expected to be a fierce contest. With Sherman ruled out, attention now turns to potential replacements and tactical adjustments that Fandi may deploy to fill the void left by the striker’s absence.
Credit Photo : Sri Pahang FC
