PETALING JAYA: Selangor captain Faisal Halim answered his team’s cry for a revival in the most emphatic way possible, by leading from the front.
After a bruising week of defeats on two fronts, the winger produced a captain’s performance to inspire the Red Giants to a spirited 4-2 win over Singapore’s Tampines Rovers in the Asean Championship Shopee Cup at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday.
Faisal, nicknamed Mickey, struck twice in the 17th and 50th minutes to steady Selangor’s ship and was fittingly named man of the match.
His brace marked both a personal statement and a rallying point for a side desperate to rediscover their rhythm.
The other goals for Selangor were scored by English midfielder Zach Clough (29th) and Cape Verdean winger Alvin Fortes (57th).
Tampines got their goals through Japanese wingers - Kohya Kazama (41st) and Hide Higashikawa (65th).
The victory was timely after some hiccups.
Selangor had begun their regional campaign with a 1-1 draw against Buriram United and then thrashed Malaysian Universities 9-0 in the FA Cup round-of-16 second-leg, but stumbled badly soon after, falling 4-2 to Bangkok United in the AFC Champions League Two on Sept 18 before slipping 1-0 against Kuching City in the Super League on Sept 21.
The back-to-back defeats weighed heavily on the players, and for Faisal, the congested schedule tested both body and mind.
“We have been through this before - the defeats, the tight schedules. Players must be mature in managing their rest and recovery,” said the 27-year-old Faisal, who now has four goals and three assists in all competitions.
“It is the mentality that counts during this phase.
‘‘As captain, I can speak to galvanise the players, but they must choose to respond.
“They did, and I’m proud of them. This was our best game of the season so far.”
For Faisal, the night was also about more than just goals.
“We are a family, we are united. Different competitions, different matches, but the duty is the same - to give our best. Today’s two goals are a reward from God. I hope this momentum continues.”
The winger also addressed the absence of the Selangor Ultras.
“This win is for the club. Without the Ultras, we still fought for the badge. Players come and go, coaches come and go, but the club remain.
“I understand their frustration, but we also know we have a long way to go. We want to be a better team,” he said.
Faisal credited the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, for his constant support, calling the victory a tribute to him as well.
“Even in defeats, he motivated us and stayed positive. This win is also for him - a wedding gift too because he is getting married on Oct 2.”
