Sports & Fitness

Selangor secure three points in season opener against Kelantan

Yazan Mousa Mahmoud Abd Al-Arab’s header enough for 1-0 home win

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 27 Feb 2023 1:51PM

Selangor secure three points in season opener against Kelantan — Ayron Del Valle Rodriguez (70) from Selangor FC and Morgaro Lima Gomis (7) from Kelantan United FC try to take control of the ball. Selangor head coach Tan Cheng Hoe says despite opening the Super League season with a win, his team still has not met his expectations just yet. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, February 27, 2023

by Saktesh Subramaniam

KUALA LUMPUR – Selangor FC start their 2023 Super League season with three points in the bag after they won 1-0 against Kelantan United FC (KUFC) last night.

At the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium, Selangor new arrival Muhammad Faisal Abdul Halim was eager to make his mark for The Red Giants, but opportunities to penetrate the KUFC defence were tough to come by.

The Green Deer did not have many opportunities for attempts at goal as well, as the match saw possession switch sides almost equally.

After several crosses into the penalty box by Selangor, they finally got a break in the 40th minute after defender Yazan Mousa Mahmoud Abd Al-Arab netted a header.

The second-half saw less action for the 6,701 fans that attended the season opener, with KUFC’s attempt to put pressure on Selangor not working out in their favour.

Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar (44) from Selangor FC tries to stabilise himself as Muhammad Fauzan Mohd Fauzi (2) from Kelantan United FC takes a dive. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, February 28, 2023

Selangor would have several other chances to increase their lead, with captain Brendan Gan’s shot curling over the bar in the 80th minute, and another Selangor attempt saved by the keeper from point-blank range.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, KUFC head coach Tomas Trucha said his team came into the game not expecting it to be a walk in the park.

“We wanted to give it our best and fight for a good result. I am neither angry nor disappointed, we wanted more but there are things we can take away from this match.

Selangor FC and KUFC players in action at the 2023 Super League at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, February 28, 2023

“We need to work on our transitions more moving forward, and also our set pieces. Everyone has room for improvement, even me as a coach,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor head coach Tan Cheng Hoe said despite the win, his team still has not met his expectations just yet.

“There is still lots to do. There are a few weaknesses that we need to improve, especially when it comes to decision-making.

KUFC goalie Asyraaf Omar tries to block a goal from Selangor FC. – SYEDA IMRAN/The Vibes pic, February 28, 2023

“But I am happy with the three points today. We are still in the process of finding the chemistry among the players and working on good team understanding,” he said.

KUFC will travel to East Malaysia now to take on Sabah FC on March 1, while Selangor also travel east to face Kuching City FC on March 2. – The Vibes, February 27, 2023