Key player: Selangor’s Faisal Halim (left) scoring against Kelantan Real Warriors in the Malaysia Cup match last Friday. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Selangor captain Faisal Halim is rallying his men to up their game when they take on Vietnamese club Cong An Hanoi in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup today.
The Red Giants, playing their penultimate Group A match against Hanoi at the Petaling Jaya Stadium, could use the three points to solidify their spot in the semi-finals.
The 28-year-old Faisal said things are never easy on this stage, and the players need to step up because it’ll be different compared to their domestic matches.
“I’m excited to play because we’ll be at home, and that’s a small advantage. But it does not guarantee a victory,” said Faisal.
“It’s not going to be easy. I think it will be tough and tight, and we can’t afford to relax because we will be punished for it.
“If the players can stay strong for the 90 minutes, then I think it’s impossible for us not to win.
“We have a quality squad, but at the international level, we can’t afford to make mistakes. It’s going to test us mentally and physically.”
Selangor are currently in second place in Group A with five points, behind Singapore’s Tampines Rovers who have seven.
Hanoi are fourth with four points, equal with Thailand’s BG Pathum United who are third on goal difference.
Meanwhile, coach Kim Pan-gon was glad to have more availability in the dressing room, but noted that their tight schedule ahead needs careful planning.
After the match today, Selangor will play Terengganu in the Super League on Sunday, before their final Shopee Cup group stage match against Pathum next Wednesday.
“We have a very tight schedule coming up, but we have been focused on recovery and setting up a good game plan.
“But I’m quite confident that we have done well in our preparations and I have high expectations,” said Pan-gon.
The South Korean also agreed with his captain.
“As Faisal said, international matches must have high intensity. Hanoi are a good team and we fully respect them.
“But even though they are strong, we want to build our team, and it’s important for us to get to the semi-finals.”
