PETALING JAYA: Selangor head coach Kim Pan-gon had to reluctantly accept a 1-1 draw against Terengganu, but salvaging a point on the road was the best his 10-man side could muster up on Sunday.
Pan-gon admitted that Terengganu were out on full force in the first half of the match at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kota Baru, taking the lead through Rainderson Da Costa right before half-time.
But Red Giants’ captain Faisal Halim came to their rescue to find the equaliser in the 57th minute.
“It was a very tough game, especially in the first half because Terengganu played better,” said the South Korean.
“Their players were aggressive and won most of the duels while we struggled. I think we deserved to concede the first goal because we were not in good shape.”
After Faisal’s equaliser, Selangor were hit with a red card as their new arrival, Hugo Boumous, was sent off for a challenge on Terengganu’s Gervane Kastaneer in the 73rd minute.
It was tough to accept the card, but Pan-gon was proud that the team dug deep despite being a man down.
“But it happened. Still, with 10-men, we created many chances and I’m very proud of the players because it was a tough situation.
“It’s sad, but we have to accept it,” said the former Harimau Malaya coach.
Pan-gon also praised Faisal for the equaliser, which kept Selangor in second place in the Super League with 32 points as they are one point ahead of Kuching in third.
“Faisal has really been showing his quality in the past few games, hopefully he can keep the momentum going and maintain his condition,” said Pan-gon.
Selangor’s next match will see them travel to Paroi to take on Negri Sembilan in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final first leg match on Sunday, before the return leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Feb 14.
