PETALING JAYA: Selangor forward Chrigor Moraes is looking to be a major threat again when Selangor face Thailand’s Buriram United in the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup final next week.
The Brazilian forward has been a goal-machine for the Red Giants on their road to the final, netting all four goals across both semi-final legs against Vietnam’s Nam Dinh.
With 42 goals in all competitions this season, Moraes will be expected to lead Selangor’s charge when they host defending champions Buriram in the first leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Wednesday.
The second leg will be held in Bangkok the following week.
The 25-year-old scored twice in Selangor’s 2-0 return leg semi-final win on Wednesday after also firing two in their 2-1 first leg win.
Moraes believes Selangor deserve to be fighting for the title.
“It is our dream to be champions. There are a few days for us to regroup and prepare for the next game and we will give it our all,” he said.
Moraes praise the team for great teamwork.
“I am happy to have scored two more goals. For me, it’s great,” said Moraes.
“But what’s more important is that our team fought our way to the final. We’ve worked hard, trained, and done everything for this moment.”
Thai powerhouse Buriram will be a formidable opponent as they toppled Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), beating them 4-3 on aggregate on Wednesday.
But before the Shopee Cup finale, Selangor will be out to wrap up their Super League season on Sunday against Police, a must-win fixture in their bid to finish second.
Head coach Kim Pan-gon thanked his team for their determination on the pitch to bring pride to the club.
“To me, this is a very big present from the players to me since I joined here.
“We showed our football DNA and characteristics. Day by day, we are getting better and I’m so proud of the team.
“We knew Nam Dinh were not going to be an easy team to beat. We did our homework and studied to figure out their strengths. We had to learn,” said Pan-gon.
The South Korean has had an impressive record since taking over the helm at Selangor in January, winning 14 of his 20 matches and only losing once.
