PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon believes his side have the edge heading into the Malaysia Cup semi-final second leg in Kuching, but expects a stern challenge from a resilient Kuching City outfit following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday.
Pan-gon is confident his team can dominate proceedings away from home – especially if Kuching opt for a more attacking approach.
“We have a higher chance than Kuching because our performance was better. We dominated and controlled the game,” said Pan-gon.
“If they attack us at home, we will be happy. We will also attack and make it an exciting game for the fans.”
Despite dropping points at home, the South Korean tactician remained positive, praising his players’ determination and overall control of the match.
“We started very well, but our finishing was lacking. Kuching were very strong defensively – organised and resilient,” he said.
“I cannot blame my players because we controlled most of the game, but we couldn’t create clear chances.
“There was also some bad luck, like Ahmad Zikri Khalili’s goal being ruled offside.”
Kuching had taken the lead in the 42nd minute through Cameroonian striker Ronald Ngah, who converted a penalty awarded after Safuwan Baharuddin was adjudged to have fouled him. The decision drew protests from Selangor, with replays suggesting the defender had made contact with the ball first.
Pan-gon, however, declined to dwell on the officiating.
“I don’t want to talk about the referee’s decisions,” he said.
Selangor eventually found their breakthrough in stoppage time when Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes tapped in a cross from Syahir Bashah to keep the tie alive ahead of the return leg at the State Stadium in Kuching on April 18.
“We will try our best in the second leg and hopefully bring good news from Kuching.”
Meanwhile, Kuching coach Aidil Sharin expressed pride in his team’s performance, embracing their underdog status.
“The boys worked very hard. It’s not easy to play Selangor away, and many expected them to win,” he said.
“We were a bit unlucky, but the players followed the game plan and gave everything.
“This result gives us confidence.”
