Selangor gave an improved performance despite not playing their new signings with a 1-1 draw against Pahang at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan on Sunday.
After the humiliating 4-0 beating at the hands of PKNS FC at home last week the Red Giants are shaping up to make a push for the top bracket after the stalemate in Kuantan.
The share of the spoils against the Elephants in Kuantan would not have come at a better for coach B. Satianathan as the 33-time Malaysia Cup champions face five-time Super League champions Johor Darul Takzim at the Shah Alam Stadium on March 1.
Pahang, lying third in the league, will be facing winless Perak SEDC (PKNP) in Manjung a day later.
While dropping two important points at home Pahang also saw red against Selangor when their French defender Herold Goulan taking an early shower in the 72nd minute for a second yellow card offense when he roughed up Endrick Santos. Earlier in the first half, Goulon was booked for a similar offense on Syahmi Safari.
Pahang started without their Nigerian hitman Dickson Nwakaeme with coach Dollah Salleh opting for national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha to take the place.
Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria gave the Elephants the lead on 34 minutes when beat Selangor keeper Khairul Azhan Khalid with a low shot from outside the penalty box that took a deflection of off defender Halim Saari and into the net.
However, Selangor, playing one of their best games since the season got underway, was not letting that early deficit to get into their way. Instead, the Red Giants were posing a serious threat each time striker Rufino Segovia was on the ball.
And it was the Spaniard who hammered in the equalizer which came on 61 minutes. New signing, international Syazwan Zainon sent a through ball and Segovia’s attempt deflected off Pahang keeper and hit the roof of the net.
Dollah replaced Norshahrul with Nwakaeme in the 73rd minute but instead, it was Selangor who looked more dangerous as both teams failed to add to their tally.
Kedah is on top of the table with 10 points – the same as JDT – after four matches with goal difference separating them. Pahang retained their third place with eight points.
For the record, Selangor is in eighth place with three points from three draws and a defeat. RIZAL ABDULLAH
