Selangor FC's Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim.– Bernama
PETALING JAYA: On a night when Selangor needed their captain to shine, Faisal Halim rose to the occasion with a talismanic display to inspire them to a 4-2 victory over Singaporean club Tampines Rovers in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup Group A clash at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday (Sept 24).
The winger scored twice and was at the heart of everything positive for the Red Giants, who showcased their attacking depth and pressing intensity to claim all three points.
Tampines started brightly, dictating possession with patience, while Selangor looked to strike quickly on the break.
For all the early probing, clear chances were scarce until the 17th minute, when Faisal broke the deadlock.
Released down the left by Cape Verdean forward Alvin Fortes, his cross took a deflection off defender Shuya Yamashita and wrong-footed goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari.
The opener rattled Tampines, who struggled to keep their rhythm as Selangor pressed high and forced errors.
Their vulnerability was punished in the 29th minute when Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes harried Yamashita into a mistake, stealing possession before laying the ball off for English midfielder Zach Clough to finish with ease.
Tampines, however, found a lifeline before the break. In the 39th minute, Selangor's Ghanaian centre-back Richmond Ankrah fouled Japanese playmaker Kohya Kazama inside the box.
Kazama made no mistake from the spot a minute later to reduce the deficit.
Ankrah almost atoned instantly when he connected with a Faisal corner in the 43rd minute, but with the goal gaping, his header flew wide.
After halftime, Selangor came out firing. Moraes was denied by Syazwan in the 46th minute, before Fortes whipped in a dangerous cross seconds later that was unconnected.
The third goal eventually arrived in the 50th minute, with Faisal coolly finishing Clough's unselfish pass.
In the 57th minute, Moraes' pressing paid dividends and this time, the Brazilian squared the ball for Fortes, who slotted home Selangor's fourth.
Tampines reduced the deficit in the 65th minute through Japanese winger Hide Higashikawa, but Selangor's control never wavered, with Faisal orchestrating their tempo and tormenting the visitors until the final whistle.
It was a captain's performance of the highest order from Faisal, who not only found the net twice but also embodied Selangor's relentless drive.
Selangor are now top of the group with four points from two matches.
