Sri Pahang FC is gearing up for battle with a clear mission: to stop Johor Darul Ta’zim from completing a clean sweep of domestic trophies in the 2024/25 season.
That defiant stance was made clear by head coach Fandi Ahmad, who will lead the Tok Gajah against his former club in the upcoming Malaysia Cup Final on April 26 at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
Fandi, a legendary figure in Singaporean football, previously helmed JDT from 2012 to 2013. Despite acknowledging the reigning champions’ depth and dominance, he believes Sri Pahang has what it takes to pull off an upset.
“Of course, we want to win. But we must work hard for it,” Fandi said at the pre-match press conference.
“Yes, they have the advantage in terms of quality and teamwork — they’re ahead. But in football, anything can happen.
“We respect them, definitely. But once we’re on the pitch, we have to give it everything.”
Sri Pahang enters the final in fine form, having won their last four Super League matches — a perfect momentum builder for what will be their biggest test of the season.
Beyond seeking their first Malaysia Cup title since 2014, Sri Pahang also has the chance to break a long-standing winless streak against JDT, having not beaten the Southern Tigers since a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final victory back in 2018.
Most importantly, they carry the hopes of ending JDT’s quest for a four-trophy haul — the Liga Super, FA Cup, Charity Shield, and now the Malaysia Cup — a feat the Southern giants are aiming to complete for the third time in club history.
As the two powerhouses of Malaysian football prepare to collide at Bukit Jalil, fans can expect a fiery, passionate encounter where Sri Pahang looks to defy the odds — and JDT seeks to cement another chapter of domestic dominance.
Credit Photo : Sri Pahang FC
