PETALING JAYA: Selangor may have rediscovered their form under Kim Pan-gon (pic), but their late-season resurgence was ultimately not enough to secure a spot for the continental tournament.
Selangor narrowly missed out on qualification for the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two after finishing third in the standings.
Selangor had wrapped up their campaign with 52 points from 24 matches, just one behind second-placed Kuching City, who claimed the coveted ACL Two slot with 53 points.
The race went down to the final day.
Selangor did their part in style, thrashing Police 6-0 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday, but Kuching City sealed qualification with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur at the State Stadium in Kuching.
Pan-gon apologised for the club’s failure to secure continental qualification, but vowed that better days lie ahead.
“On behalf of the team, I apologise to our Red Giants supporters and Ultras because we could not deliver the result we wanted this season,” said Pan-gon.
“After I came here, we tried to build the Selangor way, the Selangor characteristics and DNA. I believe the progression has been very good.”
Since arriving at the club on Jan 5, the South Korean tactician guided the Red Giants to an impressive 11-match unbeaten streak in the Super League.
“You can now see our identity, attacking football, controlling matches, scoring goals and defending better,” he said.
The former national coach also praised the squad players who stepped up against Police, saying their hunger and intensity reflected the direction he wants the club to move towards.
“I wanted to see their reaction and performance tonight, and it was excellent. They showed passion and gave us hope and momentum for the future,” he said.
The South Korean also reserved special praise for midfielder Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, who responded to recent criticism with a hattrick performance against Police.
He scored his goals in the fifth, 42nd and 90th minute, while Cape Verdean winger Alvin Fortes scored a double in the 27th and 29th minute.
Another goal was scored by winger Alif Izwan Yuslan in the 61st minute.
“He (Mukhairi) has been struggling and going through a difficult period, but on Sunday night he reacted very well,” said Pan-gon.
“I told him before the match that I would be disappointed if he did not score. After scoring, he came to me and showed that he is still an important player for this team.
“I want Ajmal to come back stronger and become a leader for Selangor.”
Pan-gon added that Selangor’s immediate focus remains on tomorrow’s first-leg Asean Club Championships Shopee Cup final against Thai giants Buriram United, where they hope to restore some pride by delivering silverware.
“Reaching the Shopee Cup final proves we still have hope and a strong future,” said Pan-gon.
“As representatives of Malaysian football, we want to show how strong we can be against Thailand’s representatives. We will fight together,” he said.
