Say my name!: Chrigor Moraes (right) celebrating with Noor Al-Rawabdeh (centre) and Zack Clough after scoring against Terengganu. — Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: Selangor striker Chrigor Moraes needed just one night to show his full range – left foot, right foot, and even his head, as he fired his first hattrick in the Red Giants’ 5-2 triumph over Terengganu.
The Brazilian forward was instrumental for the Red Giants at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday and vowed to keep the momentum going.
“I’m really happy to have gotten my first hattrick,” said Chrigor.
“We knew Terengganu were going to be difficult, but we started the match really well.”
The 24-year-old was on fire at home, giving his side the lead early after heading the ball past Terengganu goalkeeper Suhaimi Husin in the 17th minute.
After winger Alvin Fortes doubled the lead in the 24th minute, Chrigor scored back-to-back goals before half-time, with one coming off his left foot, and another his right, completing his hattrick in stunning form in front of the home crowd.
Having spent time playing in the Thai Premier League with Buriram United, Chrigor added that the level of competition in the Super League exceeded that during his time in Thailand.
“I can say it’s more difficult here because the players are stronger, just like in Brazil. They are tall and strong,” he said.
Chrigor added that the team chemistry on the pitch has been good, especially with midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh, who provided assists for his second and third goals.
“I always talk with Noor (Al-Rawabdeh) before the match, and he knows I like having the ball.
“He understands that and delivers great passes for me to finish,” said Chrigor.
For Jordanian Al-Rawabdeh, the match was a shot at redemption for the team following their 1-2 loss against Negri Sembilan last Sunday.
Despite having a fever, the 28-year-old captain was all over the pitch, determined to give his side their second win of the season.
“I had a fever, but after the defeat to Negri, I just wanted to bounce back,” said Al-Rawabdeh.
“I just couldn’t wait, the fans deserve a win, and I want to make sure they leave every match with smiles on their faces.”
After the match ended, Al-Rawabdeh headed straight to the airport as he will be returning to the Jordanian national team to play friendly matches against Russia and the Dominican Republic next month.
