Kuantan: Pahang will have to make do without injured R Surendran in tonight's Charity Shield clash at Darul Makmur Stadium against LionsXII. Less than five hours to go, but manager Dato' Che Nasir Salleh is still optimistic about The Elephants' chances.
He shares with Bola Pantai Timur, " We have two or three players who can replace Suren. We have the home advantage. Pahang can beat Lions XII but it will depend on everybody giving their commitment." Surendran has to be ruled out after sustaining an ankle injury during the friendly match against PDRM last week which they won by 3 - 0. He needs to rest for about one month.
At the same time, Che' Nasir notes that even without import players and the departure of several key players, LionsXII is a steady and strong team under their legendary prodigal son, Fandi Ahmad, as the coach. He stresses, "Pahang cannot under-rate them and we have to be very disciplined."
It is a timely warning to The Elephants' players as Fandi reportedly said his side has the character. LionsXII captain Isa Halim, centre-back Safuwan Baharudin, goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud and striker Khairul Amri can be looked upon to guide the younger players.
Tonight's encounter is also counted as the first Astro Malaysia Super League game for this new season. Who will get off to a winning start and collect three points? We shall see.
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