PETALING JAYA: Selangor left Manila with heavy frustration after their 1-1 draw with Dynamo Herb Cebu in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup on Wednesday, a result coach Christophe Gamel described bluntly as a ‘’loss’’ given his team’s dominance and the number of missed chances.
Despite controlling nearly every aspect of the match, the Red Giants were unable to turn superiority into three valuable points.
Playing at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, Selangor fell behind in the 47th minute when Cebu forward Rico Ofredo Andes pounced at the far post, finishing a flicked header from Senegalese midfielder Abou Sy off a corner.
The goal came against the run of play and sparked Selangor into a swift response. Seven minutes later, Willian Lira levelled the match, turning in a low cross from Zach Clough to restore parity.
But that was as much joy as Selangor would find. They controlled the tempo from start to finish - enjoying 68 percent possession, taking 17 shots and placing six on target - yet the winning goal remained elusive.
Cebu, meanwhile, earned their first point of the tournament, while Selangor have five points from three matches.
Gamel, however, was visibly dissatisfied.
“For me, this draw is a loss. We missed too many chances. We dominated the game, but we were too rushed and immature in key moments,” he said.
“Even in the box, I saw one or two handballs - clear penalties, but since last week, I’m used to that. Still, I can’t rely on that. The players gave their all, but our final pass, our composure, our decision-making... we were not good enough.”
The French coach admitted he was disappointed with several individual performances but said squad rotation was unavoidable.
“Some players needed rest after playing 120 minutes in the last match. We have injuries and a game every three days. I have to trust the boys. We must see who is fresh enough to travel and perform again.”
Afghanistan international midfielder Omid Musawi, named man of the match, echoed his coach’s frustration.
“I don’t think they (Cebu) deserved to score, but they did. We kept fighting like the coach told us, even with the penalties we should have had. The only positive is we got a point, but honestly, it feels like a loss.”
