Latest news with #Fandi
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pundits praise Fandi for giving JDT a hard time
KUALA LUMPUR: As Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) edged Sri Pahang 2-1 in yesterday's Malaysia Cup final, how was the quality of play? For many football followers, the Southern Tigers were far from their best at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. JDT struggled to impose their vaunted dominance, especially in a tense first half where the game plan of Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was working pretty well. Former international Hasnizam Uzir was among those unimpressed with the champions, noting that JDT looked a shadow of their former selves. "JDT were below par, they didn't play their normal game and struggled in midfield. Natxo Insa didn't function well alongside Afiq Fazail and Juan Muniz. There was no creativity, and they couldn't penetrate Sri Pahang's disciplined defence," said Hasnizam. Pahang executed a defensive "half-block", sitting deep with five defenders and four midfielders, effectively stifling JDT's attacking play. "When Insa didn't function, it's hard for JDT to move the ball forward. They tried to use the width with their wingers, but it didn't work," added Hasnizam JDT's style, usually built on swift rotations and intensity, lacked spark under Hector Bidoglio, which prompted Hasnizam to make a comparison with their former coach, Esteban Solari. "This isn't like Tano's (Solari). Bidoglio seems to control more from the dressing room, but in modern football, that's not enough. The team played slowly, while Fandi's tactics worked. There was no rushing and just waiting to strike from defence," said Hasnizam. Sri Pahang's plan nearly succeeded, and they scored through T. Saravanan in the 14th minute off a well-executed counter attack. The Elephants, even after losing Sergio Aguero to a red card in the 35th minute, held firm with discipline and belief. But a penalty by Bergson Da Silva (54th minute) and a goal from Aris Aiman Hanapi (74th) ensured that the Malaysia Cup stays in JDT's trophy room. Former international Azlan Johar also applauded Fandi for his strategy in pushing JDT all the way. "Fandi's team gave JDT a good run. On paper, JDT should have won easily, but Pahang made them work for it. It was a good final, and I congratulate them," said Azlan.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Semi-final was our final, says disappointed Fandi Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR: Sri Pahang FC head coach Fandi Ahmad said that the 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup semi-final clash against Sabah FC was in many ways, their true 'final.' The former Pahang and Singapore striker added that his team celebrated reaching the final as they believed luck might not be on their side in the ultimate showdown. Ironically, in the final the Elephants lost 1-2 to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil here, last night. 'They (players) were committed to this (final) because we didn't do well in the year we were supposed to fight for the top three but things happened along the way and thereafter we knew our fight was for the (Malaysia) Cup. 'Actually, the semifinal match against Sabah FC was our final, this one ia bonus. After that game everybody celebrated because we were in the final because things might not work out for us in the final,' he told the post-match press conference after the final here, last night. Commenting on the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the match, Fandi expressed his disappointment. 'For me, the VAR is a disappointment because nobody knows what's happening, only the inside people, we can't say good or bad, I won't say anything but whether it's a fair call or not fair call I can't say. I think you all know but what can we say,' he said, declining to comment further on the officiating quality. The high-intensity final saw both teams forced to play with 10 players after two red cards were shown by referee Razlan Joffri Ali, one to Sri Pahang's striker Sergio Aguero and the other to JDT's defender Park Jun Heong. Sri Pahang, under the guidance of Fandi Ahmad, stunned JDT by taking the lead through a 14th-minute strike from winger T. Saravanan. Drawing on their experience, JDT responded to equalise with a penalty from prolific striker Bergson Da Silva in the 54th minute, before Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi scored the winning goal in the 74th minute. The victory completed JDT's historic triple treble, making them the only team to achieve this feat since Kedah's double treble in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The triple treble refers to winning the three major Malaysian football competitions — the Super League, FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup — in a single season.
Barnama
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Barnama
Semi-Final Was Our Final, Says Disappointed Fandi Ahmad
KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- Sri Pahang FC head coach Fandi Ahmad said that the 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup semi-final clash against Sabah FC was in many ways, their true "final." The former Pahang and Singapore striker added that his team celebrated reaching the final as they believed luck might not be on their side in the ultimate showdown. Ironically, in the final the Elephants lost 1-2 to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil here, last night. bootstrap slideshow 'They (players) were committed to this (final) because we didn't do well in the year we were supposed to fight for the top three but things happened along the way and thereafter we knew our fight was for the (Malaysia) Cup. 'Actually, the semifinal match against Sabah FC was our final, this one ia bonus. After that game everybody celebrated because we were in the final because things might not work out for us in the final,' he told the post-match press conference after the final here, last night. Commenting on the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the match, Fandi expressed his disappointment. "For me, the VAR is a disappointment because nobody knows what's happening, only the inside people, we can't say good or bad, I won't say anything but whether it's a fair call or not fair call I can't say. I think you all know but what can we say,' he said, declining to comment further on the officiating quality. The high-intensity final saw both teams forced to play with 10 players after two red cards were shown by referee Razlan Joffri Ali, one to Sri Pahang's striker Sergio Aguero and the other to JDT's defender Park Jun Heong. Sri Pahang, under the guidance of Fandi Ahmad, stunned JDT by taking the lead through a 14th-minute strike from winger T. Saravanan.
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Fandi fumes over 'questionable' decisions after Sri Pahang fall to JDT
KUALA LUMPUR: Sri Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was left frustrated by several "questionable" decisions following their 2-1 defeat to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday. In front of more than 56,000 fans at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Fandi refrained from openly criticising referee Razlan Joffri Ali, instead repeatedly telling the media: "You can watch it yourself." One major point of contention was Arif Aiman Hanapi's 74th-minute winner, with Fandi suggesting a possible offside. "I'm not sure. We just saw the video, and it looked like he was in an offside position. "I think so, but we're not sure. It didn't show the VAR replay, and it really upset us," he said. Fandi also highlighted another incident where Sri Pahang were preparing two substitutions, but play continued, leading to JDT's second goal. "We had two substitutes waiting, but the referee didn't stop the game. Syazwan Andik was still inside if I'm not mistaken." The Singaporean also criticised the VAR system, claiming only certain individuals were allowed to view it. However, he refused to elaborate further to avoid disciplinary action. Fandi's future at Sri Pahang remains uncertain, with his contract expiring at the end of the month. "My contract ends at the end of this month. Even the players aren't too sure what's going to happen," he said. Meanwhile, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio praised his side's hunger and winning mentality after clinching a third consecutive Malaysia Cup title. Asked about the refereeing decisions, Bidoglio was quick to dismiss the controversy. "In every final, I tell the players not to analyse. We need to win, so I don't analyse the final. "We must play with personality, character and technique. "Today, JDT were champions, and it was really amazing," said the Argentine. Bidoglio admitted it had been a tough match, pointing to the long and tough season. "We knew it would be difficult. After working for about 15-16 months, the last game is always hard. "Our players have played in the M-League, the Asian Champions League, the national team, and international friendlies. "It's been a tough season but an excellent and amazing one," he said. JDT secured victory through Bergson da Silva's penalty in the 54th minute and Arif's decisive strike after T. Saravanan had given Sri Pahang a surprise early lead in the 14th minute. The triumph sealed the Southern Tigers' historic triple quadruple, completing another clean sweep of the 2024-2025 M-League season with the Super League, FA Cup, Charity Shield, and Malaysia Cup.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Personal glory not important, says Fandi Ahmad ahead of Sri Pahang's Malaysia Cup showdown with JDT
Fandi Ahmad (main image), didn't realise he is on the verge of emulating a feat that has only happened once in the history of the Malaysia Cup. When the legendary Singaporean striker leads Sri Pahang out at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, to face the juggernaut that is Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Fandi could become only the second foreigner to win the Malaysia Cup as a player and coach. Selangor's Mehmet Durakovic – born in Titograd, Yugoslavia, but an Australian citizen – lifted the trophy with the Red Giants in 1995, 1996, and 1997. He then coached Selangor to their record-extending 33rd title in 2015 and repeated the feat with Perak in 2018. Fandi, a five-time Malaysia Cup winner as a player – with Kuala Lumpur (1987, 1988, 1989), Pahang (1992) and Singapore (1994) – now stands on the brink of replicating Durakovic's coaching success. 'I didn't know I could be the second foreigner to win the cup as a player and coach. I don't think of personal glory. To me, what's important is Sri Pahang,' Fandi told Twentytwo13. 'JDT is the favourite, but we have a chance – football is a funny game. Anything can happen on the pitch. 'Winning and losing is part and parcel of the game, but of course, I hope we win. I can guarantee my players will give their best in the final.' Alongside him is someone equally familiar with lifting the prestigious trophy – Sri Pahang manager Dollah Salleh. As a player, Dollah won the 1985 tournament with Johor and was Fandi's teammate during Pahang's 1992 triumph. As a coach, he has claimed the cup with three teams: MPPJ FC (2003), Selangor (2005), and Pahang (2013). But standing in their way is the near-invincible JDT, eyeing a fifth Malaysia Cup title. JDT began its season with the Charity Shield, awarded by walkover after Selangor FC's request to postpone the May 10 match was denied – days after winger Faisal Halim was splashed with acid at a mall in Kota Damansara. The attack left Faisal with severe scarring on his left arm, face, and head. Though Faisal returned to action and even played for Malaysia in a 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal last month (March 26), the case remains unresolved. In the FA Cup final on Aug 24, JDT thrashed Selangor 6-1 to secure its third consecutive title. It was nearly flawless in the Malaysia Super League, winning 23 of 24 matches and finishing with 70 points. Selangor finished a distant second on 52, while Sri Pahang ended the season in eighth place with just 29 points, after seven wins, eight draws, and nine defeats. Can Fandi and Dollah pull off the impossible and stop JDT's clean sweep? Or will Johor fans have yet another reason to celebrate the 'special holiday' the state government declared in honour of the team?
