PETALING JAYA: Selangor face a stern test in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup today as they square off against Thai powerhouse BG Pathum United at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
Both sides are clear contenders to finish in the top two of Group A and book spots in the knockout stage.
Heading into the penultimate round of group fixtures, Selangor lead the group with eight points from four games, while Pathum sit second on seven.
Red Giants coach Kim Pan-gon admitted Pathum are one of the competition’s strongest teams and they command respect.
They are a well-organised unit brimming with skilful players, including Ikhsan Fandi - son of Singaporean legend Fandi Ahmad - and several Japanese imports who have added quality and wide experience to their line-up.
Pan-gon, however, stressed that Selangor’s identity - the so-called Selangor Way - will remain central to their strategy and they will not be intimidated by Pathum’s reputation.
“We will not step back. We will strongly stay firm against this kind of strong team ... We want to give them some pressure, that’s important.”
On Pathum’s attacking threats, Pan-gon singled out Ikhsan and the Japanese contingent.
“They are very skilful. As for Ikhsan, we know he is a very dynamic player, has good skills to score goals,” he said.
“So we are aware of all the players’ characteristics, but we also have a very strong squad here, so we will fully use our strengths tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Selangor midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh echoed his coach’s sentiment, acknowledging the significance of the match for the club and their supporters.
“Everybody knows how important this game is, especially for us and for the fans.
“It’s not going to be an easy game, but this is why we play football - to overcome challenges,” said the Jordanian.
“Every game for us is like a final, and today is going to be a big final for us.”
