PETALING JAYA, Sept 1 – Second-half substitutes stole the limelight for Kedah FC as the Red Eagles battled to a 2-2 draw against Sri Pahang FC for a precious point in the Super League at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on Wednesday.
Former internationals Syazwan Zainon and Azamuddin Akil replaced Fandi Othman and Fayad Zulkifli respectively.
The duo made an impact in the match with Azamuddin setting up Syazwan who drilled home a stinging grounder past Pahang keeper Daniel Wafiuddin in the 67th minute to give Kedah 2-1 lead.
Earlier, the Red Eagles grabbed an 11th minute lead with a long-range attempt by Amirul Hisyam Awang Kechik that sailed into the far corner past a rooted Daniel.
However, this was wiped out in the 29th minute when South Sudanese striker Kenny Athiu was rewarded for his hard work upfront with an unstoppable shot past Ifwat Akmal.
Kedah replaced goalkeeper Ifwat Akmal with Shahril Saari, because of injury for the second half, and the substitute keeper played a part in Sri Pahang’s equaliser in the 87th minute when he allowed a looping into his own net. It was an own goal as Kedah defender Loqman Hakim Marzuki knocked the ball into their own net when challenged by Abu Bakar Yakubu.
Kedah remained in second place 39 points from 19 matches. Johor Darul Takzim has already won their eighth successive Super League title with 51 points from 20 matches. Terengganu FC is in third place with 37 points.
The one point won by Sri Pahang puts the Elephants in ninth place with 18 points – ahead of 10th placed Petaling Jaya City FC on goal difference.
Kedah’s next match is on Saturday when they play Kuala Lumpur City FC at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras while Pahang takes in Penang FC on Sunday.
About The Author
