PETALING JAYA: Striker Faisal Halim cut a frustrated figure after Selangor’s 2-4 defeat to Singapore giants Lions City Sailors in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two.
But the winger and captain remains determined to learn from the setback and come back stronger in the upcoming matches.
Moving forward: Faisal Halim in action against Lions City Sailors. — Photo by Selangor FC
The Malaysian international admitted the Red Giants were far from their best in the loss at Bishan Stadium on Wednesday.
Brazilian forward Anderson Lopes was the hero for the opposing team as he savoured a goal feast by scoring in the seventh, 13th, 45th and 54th minutes.
The Red Giants netted one in each half through Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes (37th) and Faisal (73rd).
“I honestly feel bad. We did not play well,” said the 27-year-old Faisal.
“The coach had a plan and we executed it differently.
‘‘We conceded simple goals. This is high-level football – simple and silly mistakes cost us.”
Faisal stressed that the team would not point fingers but take collective responsibility for the defeat.
“We will not single out any individuals. As a team, each one of us will take responsibility,” he said.
“We will learn from this game. We still have time to correct ourselves and prepare for the upcoming matches.”
Faisal, however, remains optimistic about turning things around when they face Indonesia’s Persib Bandung on Oct 23 in Bandung.
Still winless after two matches, Selangor sit at the bottom of Group G, while the Sailors lead the standings with four points.
The attention will now be on the domestic scene when they take on Immigration in the Super League at the Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang on Sunday.
“I’m grateful the fans came all the way to Singapore to support us, but we are sorry that we could not win. The performance wasn’t good enough from us,” said Faisal.
“We promise to bounce back, get back to better form and make up for it.”
