Let’s do it: Defender Quentin Cheng hoping for Selangor to return to winning ways.
PETALING JAYA: Selangor will have to rely on their young guns as they face a crucial AFC Champions League Two showdown against Persib Bandung at the Petaling Jaya Stadium tonight – with injuries threatening to derail their campaign.
The Red Giants, who lost 0-2 to Persib in Bandung on Oct 23, are without several key players, including Sharul Nazeem Zulphakar, Zikri Khalili, and Mukhairi Ajmal.
Their absence has left coach Christophe Gamel short on options as his side look to bounce back from a run of disappointing results.
Despite the setbacks, the Frenchman remains determined to see his team deliver a strong performance.
“We have to make it happen today,” said Gamel.
“We have to develop a good game no matter what happens. Persib have lots of foreign players, but we have young local players, and we want to bring a good game. This is the Champions League – we want to give them a hard time.”
Selangor currently sit bottom of their group after three defeats, and Gamel admitted that consistency and individual errors have cost them dearly in previous matches.
“We have a couple of injuries, and it affects our possibilities. Every day is a new challenge, but I trust my team. We need to be consistent in the process – that is my concern.”
“I have to play some young lads. They have to enjoy this moment but understand the responsibility and importance of this game.”
The coach also acknowledged Persib’s strength under Bojan Hodak, a familiar face in Malaysian football.
“They are a complete team with 20 top-level players. I respect Bojan, but my focus is on what I can do with my boys.”
Defender Quentin Cheng said the team were determined to make amends.
“It’s a big game for us. The boys are ready, and we’ll put our best foot forward to get the three points,” said Quentin.
“We have to pride ourselves on defending our goal – a clean sheet would be the main goal. Hopefully we can achieve that.”
“Three defeats are not ideal, but it’s not doom and gloom yet. We still have the competition to push for.”
Selangor will need nothing less than a win to keep their hopes alive, but with a youthful squad and a coach preaching belief, the Red Giants will look to turn adversity into opportunity on home soil.
