MSL: Late goal denies LionsXII victory

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Pahang Captain Azamuddin Akil

They thought they had done enough to hang on to victory. First, Safuwan Baharudin contorted to head away a dangerous ball, before Shakir Hamzah made a vital tackle as another cross came in.

But when the ball returned for a third time into the box via a punt to the far post and was knocked back across goal, there was no one this time to stick in a foot or make any sort of intervention as Azamuddin Akil dived in to head home a 95th minute equaliser.

That heartbreaking goal denied the LionsXII all three points in a 1-1 draw after they looked to have weathered the barrage of attacks from Pahang FA, who laid siege to the visitors’ goal throughout the game.

Safuwan, in particular, was immense at the heart of the Malaysian Super League leaders’ defence as he made numerous vital blocks and tackles to frustrate Azamuddin and substitutes Matias Conti and Fauzi Roslan.

Such valiant rearguard action was needed due to the smash-and-grab tactics of coach V. Sundramoorthy, which admittedly looked to be working out well after skipper Shahril Ishak had curled home a low freekick in the 11th minute for his seventh goal of the season.

It looked like Pahang's time was up when Safuwan and Shakir made those two clearances in the final minutes, but Damion Stewart rose superbly to head back a deep cross for their captain to level deservedly for the Tok Gajah as the Darulmakmur Stadium erupted with joy.