Football

Red Giants in a quandary

SELANGOR may have to rely on their President’s Cup players for Sunday’s Malaysia Cup quarter-final first-leg match against defending champions Perak.

This is because several regulars are on the crock list following the 2-0 win over Felda United at Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka in Thursday’s Group D match.

“I may have to call up our President’s Cup players if my regulars do not recover before we leave for Ipoh,” said Selangor coach B. Satiananthan on Thursday.

“Endrick Dos Santos suffered a muscle strain today (Thursday) while Khyril Muhymeen Zambri and Syazwan Zainon are also carrying injuries.

“Playing on an artificial pitch is never easy. Players tend to suffer knocks and injuries, so today’s win here has come with a cost.

“Brazilian midfielder Sandro Mendonca, however, who missed today’s match due to injury, will be available.”

Satiananthan, however, will not instruct his team to hold back against Perak.

“We want to go far in the Malaysia Cup.

“The mission in Ipoh is to score goals and avoid conceding any.”

On Thursday, Selangor scored through Ifedayo Olusegun (16th) and Khyril Muhymeen Zambri (73rd) to top Group D with 10 points, followed by Melaka (eight points), Felda (seven) and Police (six).

Felda coach Nidzam Jamil said his players performed well despite the defeat.

“We did everything right except bit scoring any goals.

“It was always going to be tough against a team like Selangor but the boys managed to give the Red Giants a tough time.

“I am happy with our achievements this season.

“Let’s see what happens next year,” he said.

Nidzam has also pledged to remain with Felda for another season.

“When I was appointed the head coach, I promised that I would work with a young squad and also help them put up a strong performance.

“My contract ends this year.

“I have discussed next season’s plans with the management but nothing concrete has been finalised yet,” said Nidzam.

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