Right Step for the Red Giants in TM Piala Malaysia 2022

Selangor FC kickstarted their TM Piala Malaysia 2022 campaign on the right track after defeating Kelantan United FC 2-0 at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium, Kota Bharu, last night thanks to a brace from Herlison Caion.

Meeting for the first time, both teams started fiercely with several attempts on goal were made testing their opponents' defenses.

Despite playing in the Premier League, the home team managed to make numerous attempts on goal but the Red Giants goalkeeper, Khairulazhan Mohd Khalid managed to deny the attempts.

In the 37th minute, Hein Htet Aung cleverly found Fazly Mazlan on the left side before the player managed to make a beautiful cross for Caion to head in to put Selangor ahead right before half time.

In the second half, Kelvin Kyei came off the bench to make his first appearance with the main team, cleverly escaping from the markingl of Kelantan United's left defender after receiving a beautiful lofted pass from Mukhairi Ajmal before successfully making a low cross for Caion to double his goal tally and enabled Selangor to have a comfortable 2-0 lead in the 63rd minute.

The Red Giants continued to push, but were left to rue their luck after seeing three attempts by different players, Aliff Haiqal, Brendan Gan and Danial Asri hitting the goal post. Selangor were awarded a penalty kick in the 82nd minute after another substitute, Shahrel Fikri, was brought down in the penalty box but the 28-year-old's effort was saved by Kelantan United goalkeeper Fikri Che Soh.

Playing in the rain, the score remained 2-0 until the final whistle. When interviewed, Selangor FC Head Coach, Tan Cheng Hoe was clearly happy with the result but reminded his team to stay focused and correct their mistakes.

“I am satisfied with the game play, but the journey is still long and there are still mistakes that need to be corrected and improved," he said.

Here are some takeaways from last night's match:

• Herlison Caion's 20th goal
  By adding two more goals last night, Caion has registered 20 goals in all competitions this season.
  
  
• The first assists from two players
  Left-back, Fazly Mazlan opened his assist account with Selangor, in addition to debutant Kelvin Kyei, who also registered his first assist for Caion's second goal.
  
  
• 12 young players from the list of 20 players
  A total of 12 young players were brought by Tan Cheng Hoe from a total of 20 players where six of them featured in the first eleven and the other six on the bench.

The two teams will meet again for the second leg at the MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya, on November 1.

Demi Kebanggaan!