PETALING JAYA: The Selangor football team are savouring a rare luxury that many teams can envy in the Super League.
There are two ‘’generals’’ whom the Red Giants can rely on - in defence and midfield.
In the backline, Senegalese centreback Mamadou Diarra - fondly known as “The General” among his teammates - is the steely presence keeping his department solid as a rock.
And in the middle, French playmaker Hugo Boumous is earning a similar reputation, orchestrating play with composure, dictating tempo and creating numerous chances.
Best of all, the two instrumental figures even got on the scoresheet in Selangor’s 3-2 win over Kuala Lumpur in the Super League on Sunday.
Diarra, 28, found the net in the 60th minute before Boumous, 30, struck the decisive goal in the 70th minute. Earlier, captain and winger Faisal Halim had opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
KL mounted a late comeback, with Spanish midfielder Madger Gomes scoring in the 72nd minute and winger Safawi Rasid adding another in the 85th.
But the night belonged to Boumous and Diarra, who excelled in their leading roles to inspire Selangor to a hard-fought win.
Both players waxed lyrical about each other’s displays.
“I’m happy for Mamadou. He’s a good defender and usually doesn’t get many chances to score unless it’s from set-pieces. Against Kuala Lumpur, he took his opportunity well and fully deserved that moment,” said Boumous.
Diarra replied by saying: “Boumous brings control to our play, allowing the team to express themselves with freedom — and that is what makes us a strong, united side.”
Boumous also hailed the great fighting spirit of his teammates.
“It was a tough game, but we kept fighting and believing. I’m glad I could contribute to the three points — we deserved the victory,” he said.
Diarra added that Selangor are still very much in the battle for the second spot and the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two spot.
“Every match is now like a final, and we will see where it takes us at the end of the season.”
Selangor are second in the league with 42 points from 20 matches.
They will next take on Kuching City in the Malaysia Cup semi-final first leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on April 5.
