PETALING JAYA: Just when it looked like they would have to settle for a point, Jefferson Tabinas had other ideas.
The Filipino wingback struck a dramatic injury-time winner to hand Selangor a thrilling 3-2 victory over Melaka at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Sunday, extending Kim Pan-gon’s side’s winning run to three matches in the Super League – despite playing over 45 minutes with 10 men.
“The amazing atmosphere was the reason why the goal happened. I am happy to be here and hope this energy continues for the upcoming home games,” said the 28-year-old, who joined the Red Giants from Thai club Buriram United in the recent transfer window.
“This is our home and we need this energy all the time. We do not want to lose at our own ground, and I always feel the energy of the fans – it rubs off on my performance.”
Selangor took the lead in the 11th minute through Brazilian striker Chrigor Moraes, who headed home a Tabinas corner.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 43rd minute when referee Tuan Mohd Yaasin Tuan Mohd Hanafiah upgraded a yellow card to red for Dutch striker Kay Tejan following a VAR review, after an aerial challenge caught a Melaka player.
Undeterred, Selangor doubled their lead in the 50th minute when Moraes netted his second, latching onto a Hugo Boumous through ball before rounding goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat to finish.
Melaka hit back through Syahir Rashid’s long-range effort in the 58th minute, before South Korean winger Do Dong-hyun levelled in the 74th minute, converting a low pass from Ali Nouri Zangir.
Moraes had the chance to complete his hattrick from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute after being fouled by Syahir, but his effort struck the crossbar.
The miss looked costly until Tabinas produced a moment of magic deep into injury time, latching onto a pass from Nooa Laine before beating two defenders and firing home from a tight angle to spark wild celebrations.
Pan-gon praised his side’s resilience despite a congested fixture schedule.
“It’s really difficult to accept this kind of schedule. We need to protect the players and give a good performance for the spectators. I think this momentum can make us stronger, more united,” said the South Korean, whose side now turn their attention to the FA Cup last 16 where they take on Sabah in the second-leg at the Petaling Jaya Stadium tomorrow.
He also hailed Moraes’ commitment to the club.
“He has a big heart for Selangor. He always says this club feel like a mother club to him – he contributes not just with goals, but defensively, and as a leader too.”
