Selangor FC failed to advance to the Unifi Malaysia Cup Quarter Finals after losing to Sri Pahang FC in the second match in the Round of 16 with a score of 1-2, losing 2-3 on aggregate, at the MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya last night.

In the second match  of the 2024/25 Unifi Malaysia Cup Round of 16, Manuel Hidalgo scored a penalty for Sri Pahang FC, putting Sri Pahang ahead in the first half. Ali Olwan gave the team a boost in the second half with his goal in the 64th minute but the goal was disallowed by VAR. Not long after, Safuwan Baharudin, Selangor FC Captain, managed to equalize by scoring in the 77th minute. The match became increasingly intense with the pressing from both teams. However, Sergio Fabian’s penalty goal in the 85th minute put Sri Pahang FC back in front and the match ended with a score of 1-2, thus qualifying them for the Unifi Malaysia Cup Quarter Finals winning by 2-3 on aggregate.

According to Selangor FC Head Coach, Katsuhito Kinoshi, he apologized for the second consecutive defeat but is confident that the team will progress.

“Football is a sport full of ups and downs, and of course we are disappointed with these two defeats, but this is a fact that must be accepted and we need to learn from this situation. The VAR decision was not in our favour, but these decisions are a part of the game. My responsibility is to help Selangor become stronger, and in this difficult period it will only make us stronger from time to time,” he said

“I have not been able to secure the victory that the fans expected in these last two matches, but I want everyone to know that this is not the end. We must learn, grow, and use this experience to build consistency and improve ourselves to continue to progress,” he added

“I would like to express my infinite gratitude to all the fans for their strong support during this difficult time. In moments like these, is when we need you most. I am confident that the players and coaching staff will rise to achieve the success that we all dream of,” he concluded the interview.

However, the Red Giants squad still has a chance to redeem yesterday’s defeat. Selangor FC will compete in the 2024/25 MFL Challenge Cup alongside Kedah Darul Aman FC, PDRM FC, Kelantan Darul Naim FC, Penang FC, Melaka FC, PT Atletic FC and KL Rovers. The team is scheduled to face Kelantan Darul Naim FC in the Quarter Finals round very soon.

Selangor FC would also like to thank the 7,065 fans who attended the MBPJ Stadium, Kelana Jaya yesterday to support and stand behind the team.

Next, the Red Giants will fly to Manila, Philippines for the sixth match of the 2024/25 ACLTwo competition against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC this Thursday, 5 December 2024, at 6:00 pm at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Demi Kebanggaan!