Pahang 3-2 Johor Darul Takzim FC: Tok Gajah complete amazing comeback win
The big spending Johor Darul Takzim FC were quick to live up to the expectations as the strongest team in the Malaysia Super League with attractive short passing football that forced the home side into submission early on.
Darul Takzim continued to press the ball and finally broke the deadlock in the 11th minute courtesy of a great work down the left hand side by their Spanish superstar, Dani Guiza. His pinpoint cross found the unmarked skipper Safiq Rahim who headed past the hapless Nasril Nourdin.
That goal sent the travelling Darul Takzim fans into raptures.
Despite trying to pass the ball around, Pahang fashioned little in the way of attacking pressure.
The Southern Tigers doubled their lead soon after through a first class pass by Guiza which found his strike partner, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha who calmly picked his spot.
Pahang custodian, Nasril was left dumbfounded by the finish.
Whatever that was said in the dressing room by Pahang's experienced coach, Dollah Salleh paid dividends as his charges came out with all guns blazing in the second half.
Central midfielder, Faizol Hussien threaded a world class through ball to Fauzi Roslan whose volley was too strong for Al-Hafiz Hamzah. Darul Takzim were stunned by Pahang's first goal.
The "Tok Gajah" equalised through a mishap in the complacent Darul Takzim defence which Fauzi Roslan was quick to pounce on. The home crowd went wild.
Dollah Salleh's charges completed the amazing comeback in the 82nd minute as Johor's kryptonite, Faizol Hussein yet again turned provider for second half substitute, R.Surendren who stabbed home the winning goal.
This result will surely be a blow to the Southern Tigers who were expected to dominate Pahang.
The game was there for the taking but a casual performance in the second half, in which the they never seriously tried to extend their lead, cost them dearly.
