Match Report: USM 0-2 Pahang Rangers
The first match of Circuit 8 was a closely fought match as Pahang took all three points.
The opening match of Circuit 8 proved to be a closer affair than many would have predicted as Pahang Rangers overcame second from bottom USM.
USM played out a thrilling 6-6 draw with Terengganu in their last match, while Pahang were looking to make up for their defeat to JDT.
Pahang started brightly with Felipe De Souza and Rodrigo Da Silva controlling the play but despite plenty of possession that found the USM defence in stubborn mood, especially keeper Ahma Zuhairi who was called into action on several occasions.
Pahang eventually made the breakthrough after 15 minutes, De Souza played a lovely one-two with Adam Rayyan before scoring his 25th goal of the season.
The second half was almost a mirror image of the first, Pahang having all the play, USM keeping them out, they almost grabbed an equaliser but Amiro Izzat made a finger-tip save to keep the lead intact.
Pahang eventually made sure of the points with a second goal with two minutes to go, Rodrigo with a breakaway goal to seal a 2-0 win and move Pahang back level with JDT who play Selangor later.
Despite ending up empty-handed, USM can be pleased with their efforts in frustrating Eloy Alonso’s side as they look for positives in their final few games of the season.
MVP: Felipe De Souza (Pahang Rangers)
