KUALA LUMPUR: Dickson Nwakaeme failed to spark on his return as Pahang were held 1-1 by PJ City FC in a Super League match at the Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan on Sunday.
It was a disappointing result for second-place Pahang who are now two points behind leaders Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Safee Sali handed PJ City the lead in the 33rd minute before the home team responded through Jose Eduardo (49th).
Nwakaeme was on leave for three weeks to settle family matters in Nigeria.
The striker, who has netted four goals, only played after the breather.
“I am slightly disappointed with our performance. Nwakaeme is back but I am not sure whether he was training (on his own) in the last three weeks,” said Pahang coach Dollah Salleh.
“Nwakaeme only arrived hours before the match and he begged me to play him in the match against PJ City. He only wanted to play in the second half.
On the match, Dollah said he can’t figure out why his players were unable to convert their chances.
“We didn’t take our opportunities. The visiting team depended on counter-attacks and scored from one chance,” he added.