KUANTAN, April 7 — Pahang failed to capitalise on home ground advantage when they were held to a goalless draw by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2018 FA Cup at the Stadium Darul Makmur, here last night.
With the draw, the Tok Gajah squad have a tough challenge ahead as they must win when they play away at Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos, Larkin on April 20, if they were to proceed to the semi-finals stage this season.
In the first half of the game, both sides adopted a cautious attitude and occasionally tested the defence of the opposition on weak attempts.
In the 39th minute, the Southern Tigers almost took the lead but the free-kick taken by skipper Safiq Rahim hit the bar of the goal post.
The visitors again threatened the East Coast team’s defence in the 42nd minute when Mohamad Fadhli Shas’ header from a corner kick taken by Muhammad Safawi Rashid, was denied by goalie Mohd Helmi Heliza Elias.
The goalless draw remained until the final whistle. — Bernama
