Photo courtesy of Selangor FC
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor displayed resilience in the first leg of the Challenge Cup final against Police at MBPJ Stadium, securing a vital victory despite being reduced to 10 men.
The Red Giants began strongly, with Alvin Fortes scoring a powerful goal in the third minute.
Their celebration was short-lived when captain Safwan Baharuddin received a red card in the 11th minute following a VAR review that confirmed his foul on Police forward Shahrel Fikri.
Undeterred by being a man down, Selangor maintained their attacking momentum. Fortes seized another opportunity in the Police penalty box to score his second goal, putting Selangor ahead.
Police showed determination, with Shahrel Fikri cutting the deficit in the 27th minute with a well-timed finish from a brilliant pass by Fadi Awad.
The visitors equalised in the 38th minute when Badrul Affendy Razali expertly headed in a corner, beating Selangor goalkeeper Kallamullah Al Hafiz.
After the break, Selangor came out stronger, with Jordan international Ali Olwan restoring their lead in the 51st minute.
Police had a chance to equalise in the final moments, but Faith Obilor missed the opportunity, giving Selangor a hard-fought victory in the first leg.
Both teams will meet again in the second leg on Feb 22.
