SHAH ALAM: Armed Forces bounced back in style from their Malaysia Cup opening day defeat with a 3-2 win over Selangor in a Group A match at the Shah Alam Stadium.
The Gladiators struck through skipper Hairuddin Omar (14th minute), Mohd Fitri Omar (42nd) and winger Christie Jayaselan (47th) while Selangor replied through captain Mohd Amri Yahyah (30th ) and S. Kunalan (92nd).
The win was the perfect riposte from coach B. Sathianathan’s men after their 4-3 loss to Sime Darby last Tuesday.
Sathianathan’s decision to field Super League Golden Boot winner Marlon James, who had just recovered from flu, proved to be a masterstroke as the Saint Vincent and Grenadine striker provided two assists.
Selangor began nervously and failed to control the midfield area, which was dominated by the industrious Forces engine room, led by Argentinean Bruno Martelotto.
Forces custodian Mohd Farizal Marlias was also in his element, making several crucial saves to deny the Red Giants from getting back into the match.
Over at the Selayang Stadium, 10-man Johor staged a magnificent comeback to edge Sime Darby 2-1.
Croatian Karlo Primorac put Sime Darby in front in the 14th minute but Johor equalised in the 24th minute through midfielder Khairul Ismail’s freekick effort.
Khairul turned villain six minutes later as he was sent off for handling the ball.
Defender Mohd Izuan Jarudin became the hero for Johor when he grabbed the winner in the 49th minute.
Johor, who drew 0-0 with Selangor last Tuesday, lead the group with four points. Forces and Sime Darby have three points each but Sathianathan’s men are second on better goal difference. Selangor prop up the group with a single point from two matches.
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