No way through: Sabah’s Darren Lok (left) is stopped by Selangor’s Harith Haiqal during their Super League match on Tuesday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s first away win of the season in the Super League on Tuesday is a great confidence booster ahead of their FA Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim on Aug 24.
The Red Giants edged Sabah 2-1 at the Likas Stadium for their maiden win on the road. In their previous two away games, Selangor lost 0-1 to Kuala Lumpur and were held 1-1 by Pahang.
Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil was both delighted and relieved to see his side leave Kota Kinabalu with full points.
‘’Three points before the FA Cup final is good motivation for us. It was our first away win in three games and it was a tough match. Sabah gave us lots of difficulties in terms of organisation,’’ he said.
“Furthermore, we had to deal with a pitch which was a bit wet. But I’m glad we still managed to fight our way to a win.
‘’Even our substitutes Nonet (Aliff Haiqal Lau), Q (Quentin Cheng) and Mickey (Faisal Halim) played big parts in our win.’’
Against Sabah, Chilean striker Ronnie Fernandez continued his good form with a goal and an assist for Selangor.
The 33-year-old fired the visitors ahead in the 31st minute with a stinging right-foot shot from outside the box after receiving a pass from Venezuelan playmaker Yohandry Orozco.
Fernandez then fed Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar for a headed goal in the 87th minute. The Rhinos replied via an an own goal from Selangor captain Safuwan Baharuddin.
Selangor stay second in the standings with 19 points from nine games, while Sabah remain fourth with 13 points from eight matches.
Meanwhile, Faisal is slowly notching up the minutes on the pitch as he looks to return to full fitness after recovering from an acid attack at a shopping mall in Damansara on May 5.
Nidzam said they are taking it step by step to ensure Faisal returns to his usual self as the season progresses.
“The last match, he got 11 minutes, today 15 minutes. Maybe in the Sultan of Selangor Cup match, he will get 30 minutes.
“We are slowly helping him to regain to full fitness.”
