ATM 1-6 Pahang Rangers

ATM and Pahang Rangers went head to head on the opening day of the new MPFL season in Johor, and it was Pahang, who finished third last season, that came away with the points after a brilliant second-half performance.

It was the perfect start for Spanish coach Eloy Alonso, who joined the club in April from the Thailand national team set-up, but his side were wasteful in front of goal in the first half.

They did take the lead from the penalty spot with four minutes to go to the break, De Souza tucking away a clinical finish to finally make the breakthrough.

ATM, who finished ninth in division two last season, conceded plenty of possession but got themselves level just after De Souza's opener, Shamsuri Saleh opening his account to ensure his side went in all square at half time.

The second half was a different story, as Pahang scored five without reply. De Souza grabbed his second at the start of the half, Harith Na'im gave them a two-goal cushion, and two more goals followed in quick succession, Akmarulnizam Idris making it four before debutant Brazilian Rodriguinho got off the mark for his new club.

Tuah Eizlan rounded off the scoring with three minutes to go to make it 6-1.

ATM missed a late second penalty but now turn their attention to their Matchday Two clash with Selangor, who put thirteen past Wipers on the opening day, while Pahang will look to upset two-time winners Johor in their second match.