KUALA LUMPUR: For a team that reached the Malaysia Cup final last season, Selangor are in an uncomfortable position this time.
The Red Giants' presence in the competition this season could be all over next week by the quarter-final stage following a 2-0 loss to Terengganu in the first leg at Sultan Mizan Stadium yesterday.
Selangor manager Tan Cheng Hoe has 90 minutes to save his team in the return leg on Sept 24 at the MBPJ Stadium.
Though Terengganu lost 5-1 to Selangor in the Super League, it was the Turtles who turned the tables on the Red Giants yesterday.
In the first leg, Terengganu's 26-year-old Croatian striker Ivan Mamut and the Selangor-born Syahmi Zamri hit Selangor with a goal each.
Ivan scored a penalty in first half stoppage time and youngster Syahmi scored in second half stoppage time.
Cheng Hoe admitted that his men failed to control the game and paid the price.
"We have to work harder in the second leg. Mentally and physically, we need to be stronger," said Cheng Hoe.
Terengganu Croatian manager, Tomislav Steinbruckner said his team played a smart game and was more disciplined in the first leg,
"Honestly, it was a good performance from my players who intelligently controlled the game." Steinbruckner now wants his men to forget their win over Selangor, and focus on the AFC Cup (Group G) match against Australian club, Central Coast Mariners, at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Stadium on Wednesday.