Selangor FC coach Kim Pan-gon said his players’ “passion and desire” were key in the Malaysian side earning a 1-1 draw with Thailand’s BG Pathum United FC on Wednesday, which confirmed the club’s progress to the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup semi-finals.
The draw earned the Red Giants, who played much of the match with 10 men following Alvin Fortes’ 25th-minute red card, second place in Group A behind defending champions Buriram United FC, and takes the club into May’s knockout rounds.
“I am very proud of all Selangor FC players and also of our supporters tonight,” said Kim, whose team remains unbeaten since the South Korean’s arrival in early January. “The atmosphere was beautiful.
“We started the match very well, but once again we faced an early incident, similar to the previous game. This is something we still need to improve.
“However, despite this difficulty, the players showed great passion and desire. They really wanted to qualify and reach the semi-finals, and that mentality was crucial for us.
“Tonight, we showed our team spirit and our strengths as the Red Giants. This is not a big achievement yet, but it is a meaningful step forward. We will continue to take things game by game.”
Captain Faisal Halim gave his shorthanded side the lead in the 36th minute and, although an own goal by Richmond Ankrah provided BG Pathum United with a lifeline, Selangor held on to advance in their first appearance in the competition.
“I always tell the players that football is not only about physical strength or numbers,” said Kim. “Even with 10 players, there is something more than just the number on the pitch.
“Mental strength is significant. Desire is very important. I reminded them of who we are — the Red Giants, a historic club — and that we must play with pride and passion for our fans.
“The players responded very well. I gave only a small message, but they already had the fire inside. Their reaction was excellent, and I am very proud of them.”
BG Pathum United head coach Masatada Ishii was left frustrated by his side’s inability to make their numerical superiority count as the Thais fought in vain for the win needed to qualify for the last four.
“It was a very regretful night for us,” he said. “We had the numerical advantage from the first half, but we were unable to score and unable to win the match. That is something we are very disappointed about.
“We need to find better ways to be more clinical in front of the goal. Tonight, our weakness was our inability to convert the chances we created.”
