Selangor FC secured a 2-1 victory over Nam Dinh FC in the first leg of the ACC Shopee Cup™ Semi-Final at MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya yesterday.

In the first half, Selangor FC began the match by dominating possession and creating several chances, until Chrigor Moraes scored in the 38th minute, giving the team the lead before half-time. However, Nam Dinh managed to equalise in added time with a goal from Nguyen Van Vi in the 45+1 minute, adding to the suspense of the first leg of the Semi-Final.

The team continued to control the game, particularly in midfield and defence. Chrigor Moraes boosted the team’s confidence by scoring his second goal in the 58th minute. Nam Dinh did not sit back, they launched wave after wave of attacks to equalise, and the Red Giants squad also continued to press. However, strong defending (71% tackles won) and the goalkeeper’s efforts (5 crucial saves) kept the scoreline in Selangor’s favour. The match ended with a 2-1 victory.

According to Selangor FC’s Head Coach, Kim Pan-gon, he expressed his delight at the players’ performance in executing the planned tactics and hopes the team will not let the opportunity to reach the final slip away.

“It was a very challenging match. Nam Dinh FC is a physically strong and well-organised team. The game was very evenly contested. I am extremely proud of all the players. They played with determination, unity, and effectively implemented our tactical plan. Every player knew what they needed to do, and I am very pleased to see it executed so well on the pitch. Chrigor Moraes scored at the right moment, and the team managed to overcome their mistakes. At the same time, the support from all Red Giants fans present was fantastic and motivated the team,” Kim Pan-gon commented about the match.

“We know Nam Dinh FC will provide an even tougher challenge in Vietnam, especially on their home ground, so we must be fully prepared. The team will ensure we do not waste this opportunity. Nam Dinh will certainly attack, but we also have excellent forwards and wingers to create chances. Our goal is to maintain our advantage and be ready to deliver our best performance in the return leg,” he added, looking ahead to next week’s match.

Next week, the Selangor FC squad will fly to Vietnam for the second leg of the ACC Shopee Cup™ against Nam Dinh FC at Thien Truong Stadium on Wednesday, 13 May, at 5:30 pm.

The Selangor FC management is proud of the fighting spirit displayed by the players in securing the lead in this first Semi-Final. Come on, let’s continue our fight!

Demi Kebanggaan!

Starting XI: Sikh Izhan, Quentin Cheng, Nooa Laine, Faisal Halim ©, Noor Al Rawabdeh, Hugo Boumous, Zikri Khalili, Kim Ji-ho, Safuwan Baharudin, Mamadou Diarra & Chrigor Moraes.

Substitutions: 70’ Syahir Bashah > Kim Ji-ho, 81’ Harith Haiqal > Hugo Boumous, 89’ Faisal Halim > Vitor Pernambuco, 89’ Fazly Mazlan > Zikri Khalili.

Suspension: Alvin Fortes