Chrigor Moraes (right) evades a tackle from Kelantan’s M. Rakesh. - Photo by Selangor FC
PETALING JAYA: Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes finally found his scoring touch to fire Selangor into the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup.
On Friday, Selangor sealed a 5-1 aggregate win over Kelantan’s The Real Warriors in their round of 16 tie with an emphatic 3-0 triumph at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
The Red Giants had earlier escaped with a narrow 2-1 away victory in Kota Baru on Jan 19.
The 25-year-old, who missed several chances in the first leg, was happy to find the net this time.
“I’m thrilled to get on the scoresheet and contribute to the win, but this was truly a collective effort,” said Moraes.
Moraes scored twice in the 19th and 68th minutes and setting up Faisal Halim for Selangor’s second goal just before half time.
The Brazilian striker’s clinical display ensured Selangor remained firmly on course for a record extending 34th Malaysia Cup title.
The home side faced adversity when centreback Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar was sent off in the 60th minute for a dangerous challenge, but Selangor showed composure and discipline to see out the match comfortably despite being reduced to 10 men.
They will face either Negri Sembilan or Immigration in the quarter-finals.
Moraes, who joined Selangor from Thai giants Buriram United in July last year, has enjoyed a sensational season with the Klang Valley club.
He believes Selangor’s form will continue to improve under South Korean head coach Kim Pan-gon, especially with the addition of new signings such as French playmaker Hugo Boumous, who debuted on Friday.
“I’m confident that under coach Kim’s guidance, we will achieve our objectives this season,” he said.
“And Hugo is a quality player. He just needs a bit of time to settle in, and we’re all supporting him so he can adapt quickly and find his rhythm.”
Moraes currently leads the Super League scoring charts with 16 goals and one assist from 15 matches.
He has also netted five goals and provided three assists in the FA Cup.
In continental competition, Moraes has been equally influential, scoring four goals and one assist in six AFC Champions League Two matches, as well as one goal and two assists in three Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup fixtures.
Overall, he has amassed 28 goals and eight assists across all competitions, underlining his status as Selangor’s standout signing and one of the league’s elite forwards this season.
Attention now turns to the Asean Club Championship, where Selangor will host Vietnamese side Cong An Hanoi in a Group A clash at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday.
“It’s a very demanding competition with high-calibre teams,” Moraes added. “Our focus is clear, we want to be fighting for the title in the final.”
Selangor currently top Group A with five points from three matches, with Cong An Hanoi close behind in second on four points.
