Selangor coach Irfan hits out at inept show by Solihin and Shukor

PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Irfan Bakti (pic) has slammed midfielders K. Solihin and Shukor Jusoh for their below-par displays in the 4-0 friendly loss to Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium on Thursday.

Dickson Nwakaeme (25th minute), Rizal Fahmi Rosid (33rd), Indra Putra Mahayuddin (49th) and Haris Safwan Kamal (51st) scored for the Red Warriors in a match which saw both teams fielding their second stringers and President’s Cup players.

Both sides were without six key players each as they were training with the national team.

The Klang Valley giants were without Norazlan Razali, Asraruddin Putra Omar, Mahalli Jasuli, K. Gurusamy, S. Kunalan and Amri Yahyah.

Kelantan did not have the services of Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Nik Shahrul Azim Abdul Halim, Azizi Mat Rose, Shakir Shaari, Mohd Norfarhan Mohd and Ahmad Fakri Saarani.

Irfan said he was not concerned about the outcome of the friendly as it was part of their preparation for the Malaysia Cup, which will begin on Aug 20.

But he was clearly unhappy with the performance of his senior players, saying “they should have done better”.

“Both teams did not have several key players. On top of that, it was the fasting month, but that is not a reason for them to dish out a below-par performance,” said Irfan.

“I don’t know what Solihin and Shukor ate during break fast ... they were very sluggish on the pitch and I’m disappointed with them. I cannot accept fasting as an excuse for not playing well.”

The Red Giants, who are hoping to bag their 33rd Malaysia Cup trophy, are in Group A with Armed Forces, Sime Darby and Johor.

Johor Darul Takzim are in Group B with PKNS, T-Team and Felda United. Group C comprises FA Cup champions Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu and Negri Sembilan while Group D has Premier League champions Sarawak, Lions XII, Perak, and Kedah.

Irfan reckons that Selangor, defending champions Kelantan and Super League champions Lions XII will be the teams to watch in this edition of the Malaysia Cup.

“Kelantan did well towards the tailend of the season ... jumping from ninth spot to finish fourth in the league. They will be the favourites in the Malaysia Cup,” said Irfan.

“We will play a few more friendlies and I think our key players will have no problem clicking with the rest of the team after their stint with the national team.”