Selangor secure three points in season opener against Kelantan

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. 

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.

“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. 

“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