Selangor FC lost 3-2 against Terengganu FC (TFC) in the first semi-final of the 2024/25 FA Cup yesterday at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak.

The first half saw the Merah Kuning squad dominate the match, but the first two goals were scored by TFC; Safawi Rasid with a free kick in the 30th minute and Nurillo Tukhasinov scoring from outside the box in the 35th minute. The following minutes, Mukhairi Ajmal's good pass was blasted in by Alvin Fortes in the 39th minute, Selangor FC trying not to put TFC in the comfort zone. The Red Giants squad started the second half on the right foot when Noor Al-Rawabdeh managed to score the second goal three minutes after the match resumed, in the 48th minute of the match. However, the draw was not ideal, but Ismahil Akinade scored the final goal in the 70th minute, separating TFC and Selangor FC in this first Semi-Final.

According to Selangor FC Head Coach Nidzam Jamil, looking at the devotion of the players, and sure that the squad would rise again at home, "I want to emphasise the commitment of the players, where they managed to score two goals at Gong Badak yesterday. We didn't come here just to defend, we came here to score goals. Although they want a positive result, we still have the second Semi-Final at MBPJ Stadium later, which I am sure will show a better performance. However, the third away defeat is my responsibility and the thing I need to concentrate on." explained Nidzam Jamil.

From #TERSFC's FA Cup first leg Semi Final match yesterday, some important things can be seen, such as:-

Noor Al-Rawabdeh's high commitment

Before the incident of the cut above his eyebrow bleeding after a duel, Noor managed to make good passes especially in the attack helping the team make several attempts in the TFC goal. 

According to Nidzam Jamil, "I was told that Noor needed five stitches in the first half but he stated that he wanted to help the team. I am very grateful for his commitment. So are the other players."

As a result of his high commitment, Noor managed to score the second goal for Selangor FC yesterday even though his head was bandaged.

Fortes' 5th goal in the FA Cup

Alvin Fortes rose from the previous match to prove the advantage he has. His goal in the 39th minute yesterday has somewhat encouraged his teammates and supporters because at that time the team was two goals behind. Attempt after attempt, he finally scored the Red Giants' first goal yesterday after Fortes received a good pass from Mukhairi Ajmal. So far, Fortes has scored five goals for Selangor FC in the 2024/25 FA Cup competition.

The second FA Cup 2024/25 Semi-Final match will take place at the MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya on 3 August at 9pm. The Red Giants squad still has hope to qualify the team to the Finals of this competition. 

The management of Selangor FC would like to say a thousand thanks to the supporters who fought together in Terengganu yesterday. See you at the MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya for the Super League match against Penang FC next week.

Demi Kebanggaan!