PETALING JAYA: Selangor are determined to make home advantage count when they face defending champions Buriram United in the first leg of the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup final at Petaling Jaya Stadium tonight.
The Red Giants head into the two-legged showdown full of confidence after beating Vietnam’s Nam Dinh 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals, following a 2-1 home win and a commanding 2-0 away victory.
Despite the challenge, coach Kim Pan-gon believes Selangor are ready for the occasion.
“We are always strong at home and we want to use that advantage. We hope the Ultras and the supporters can make it a full house because we want a great atmosphere.”
Pan-gon warned against underestimating Buriram despite the Thai club missing suspended duo Guilherme Bissoli and Goran Gausic after both were sent off in the semi-finals.
“Buriram are representing South-East Asia in the AFC Champions League Elite and they have strong individual players,” he said.
“We fully respect them, but we also want to attack them. Even without two important players, they still have quality throughout the squad. What matters most is how we maximise our own potential.”
Attention will also fall on Selangor striker Chrigor Moraes, who previously played for Buriram and scored all four goals in the semi-final triumph over Nam Dinh.
“Chrigor has extra motivation for this game,” said Pan-gon.
“He is fired up and I hope it helps the team.”
For Pan-gon, winning the regional title would mean more than just club success.
“Becoming champions would be great not only for Selangor, but for Malaysia as well.
“In South-East Asia, we are often seen as underdogs, but we want to show how strong Malaysian football can be. We will do our best.”
Meanwhile, Selangor’s French midfielder Hugo Boumous described the final as a special occasion for the squad.
“It is very exciting to play matches like this, especially on the continental stage,” said the 30-year-old.
The midfielder credited Selangor’s unity and tactical discipline for their run to the final.
“Collectively we were stronger. We were clinical in attack, solid defensively and tactically disciplined.
“There is a great atmosphere in the dressing room and the coach has played a huge role in that. We all share the same target – to lift the trophy for the club and for the country.”
