PETALING JAYA: It was a day of mixed fortunes for Selangor midfielder Hugo Boumous (pic)against Buriram United in the first-leg of the Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup final on Wednesday.
The Red Giants lost 0-1 to the defending champions but despite the narrow defeat at the Petaling Jaya Stadium, the 30-year-old Frenchman was named as the man of the match.
“We showed good football and proved that we can compete against the best in the region,” said Boumous.
“There was a big difference between the first and second halves. In matches like this against tough opponents, you have to be clinical. They took their chances and unfortunately we did not.”
Thailand winger Suphanat Muenta proved to be the difference when he headed home in the 25th minute from a pinpoint cross by veteran midfielder Theerathon Bunmathan.
Still, the playmaker Boumous believes Selangor’s second half display should give the team confidence heading into the return leg at the Chang Arena in Buriram on May 27.
“In the second half, we controlled the game and created chances, which is positive for next week,” he said.
“In football, you have to be brave and that is very important in matches like this. We can be proud of what we did, but now we have to bounce back. I trust the boys and I believe we still have the quality to turn things around.”
Head coach Kim Pan-gon admitted Selangor struggled early in the match and paid the price for several costly mistakes in the first half.
“I am very disappointed because we could not make use of our home advantage,” said Pan-gon.
Despite trailing after the opening leg, the South Korean tactician believes the tie is far from over and called on his side to respond strongly in Thailand.
“We still have another 90 minutes, although it will be tough,” he said. “But Selangor must make a strong comeback, stand firm and bring pride to the fans and the nation.”
