Red Giants captain Faisal Halim
PETALING JAYA: Selangor fans could no longer contain their anger and frustration as they demanded an explanation from the management following their team’s 3-2 defeat to Persib Bandung in a Group G match of the Asian Champions League (ACL) Two on Thursday.
What made the loss even more disappointing was that Selangor, playing at home at the Petaling Jaya Stadium, had taken a comfortable 2-0 lead through Chrigor Moraes’ strike in the third minute and an own goal by visiting defender Patricio Matricardi in the 17th minute.
However, Persib Bandung, led by Bojan Hodak, mounted a strong comeback in the second half, starting with a goal from Andrew Jung in the 49th minute before Adam Alias struck twice late in the match.
The defeat confirmed Selangor’s exit from the competition after suffering four consecutive losses and failing to earn a single point.
In the aftermath, many Selangor supporters gathered outside the stadium demanding answers from club chief executive officer Dr Johan Kamal Hamidon.
He, however, was not seen, leaving striker Faisal Halim to take responsibility by meeting and trying to calm the angry fans.
Earlier during the post-match press conference, acting head coach Christophe Gamel apologised to the fans for the Red Giants’ poor showing in the ACL Two campaign.
Gamel did not mince his words as he expressed disappointment with several senior players in the team who failed to play their part, resulting in the bitter defeat.
“We were in control of the game but let it slip away. As I’ve said before, it comes down to consistency, continuity and mental strength,” said Gamel.
“We were punished at the highest level, so of course we’re disappointed to be eliminated from this competition. We know our weaknesses, and it’s clear that we lack physical strength.
“I thought our first half was excellent, but then we gave hope to the opponents. It was down to individual mistakes, and when you make those, this is the outcome you have to accept.
Selangor still have a chance to turn their fortunes around this season and ease their fans’ frustrations when they take on Sabah in the first leg of the FA Cup semi-finals at the Likas Stadium on Sunday.
