KUALA LUMPUR: The extended breaks between matches in the Super League are affecting the competitive level of some of the teams.
Following the 2-2 draw against Terengganu at the Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan, Sri Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad raised concerns about this issue.
Terengganu led 2-0 courtesy of Omad Nazari, who scored twice in the 25th and 72nd minutes.
However, the Elephants fought back to salvage a point, with Rafael Da Silva (78th minute) and Sergio Aguero (80th) finding the net.
Fandi touched on the challenges posed by the long breaks.
"This is the problem when we've been on break for far too long. My players had to adjust to the competitive level displayed by Terengganu, who are still active in the Malaysia Cup and AFC Cup.
"They had a quicker pace with the ball, which prompted me to make substitutions to keep up.
"Terengganu, however, slowed down their pace in the second half, perhaps with the thought of defending their two-goal lead.
"It provided us with an opportunity to push forward. It was a remarkable and extraordinary comeback."Sri Pahang are fourth in the standings with 44 points with four games remaining.
Fandi hopes to maintain Sri Pahang's position and achieve their top-five target in the league, as it is the only competition they are actively participating in following their 2-1 aggregate loss to KL City in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
"We don't want to drop points, and I hope we can secure a victory against Police on Nov 8 to maintain our position in the league," said Fandi.
Meanwhile, Terengganu coach Tomislav Steinbruckner was satisfied with his team's performance but disappointment with the draw.
"Sri Pahang scored two goals from a distance. I didn't see any of my players attempting to block those shots.
"Nonetheless, I am content with how we played, just not with the result because we were leading."
Terengganu are currently sixth in the standings with 36 points and have three more league matches left to play.
They will host KL City in the semi-final return leg of the Malaysia Cup on Friday before traveling to the Philippines on Nov 8 to face Stallion Laguna in the AFC Cup.