PETALING JAYA: Selangor coach Kim Pan-gon (pic) was in no mood to celebrate despite the Red Giants’ progress into the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.
The South Korean was critical of his charges’ sloppy second-leg display as they squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 2-3 to Star City at the Petaling Jaya Stadium.
But thanks to Selangor’s 4-1 cushion from the first leg, they still advanced 6-4 on aggregate and will face Kuching City in the last four.
“I feel very sorry for our fans. We can’t afford to lose at home or give them this kind of display. We must come back stronger,” said Pan-gon.
“We created many chances and could have made it 3-0, 4-0 or even 5-0. However, we were too casual in front of goal. If we do not score when opportunities arise, we will be punished.”
Pan-gon also pointed to a lack of defensive work from his forwards.
“Some of our attackers failed to track back and help defensively, which made things very difficult for our defenders.
“At 2-0, perhaps we became too comfortable, both mentally and psychologically, and that cost us.”
Ahmad Zikri Khalili and Brazilian playmaker Victor Pernambuco put Selangor in control with goals in the ninth and 33rd minutes.
Bahraini midfielder Moses Atede launched Star City’s fightback in the 62nd minute before Brazilian midfielder Pedro Santos levelled the score in the 75th.
Brazilian striker Ramon Machado scored the winner for Star City, but it was too little, too late. But for Star City coach Mehmet Durakovic, it was a night to savour.
“It was a very good win. The players gave 100% from start to finish,” said the Australian.
