PETALING JAYA: No one saw it coming, but the Malaysia Futsal Cup final turned into a one-sided affair as Selangor thrashed Pahang Rangers 13-3 to lift the title.
The clash at the N9 Arena in Nilai on Saturday (Aug 23) was a repeat of the 2022 final, but few would have expected Selangor to run riot in such fashion.
Pahang had entered the final on a high after pulling off a stunning upset by knocking out defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim with an 11-9 aggregate win in the semi-finals last Sunday (Aug 17).
However, Edgar Eder Baldasso’s men proved that Pahang’s backline was not as sturdy as anticipated, breaking the deadlock as early as the first minute through Brazilian import Vitor Fernandes.
Fernandes was unstoppable in the first half, netting four goals, while youngster Syahir Iqbal added a brace.
Faris Johan and another Brazilian import, Evandro Borges, also got on the scoresheet as Selangor stormed to a commanding 9-1 lead at the break.
Fernandes was not done yet as he added three more goals in the second half, while Khairul Effendy Bahrin also found the net to complete the rout.
Pahang’s consolation strikes came through Razin Rahim, Iqhmal Najmi, and Matheus Moura late in the second half.
