KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil hailed his team's return to Asian football as a "new beginning" after an eight-year absence following their 1-1 draw with Thailand's Muangthong United in Thursday's Asian Champions League 2 (ACL 2) Group H opener in Bangkok.
The Red Giants took the lead early in the second half, with Ronnie Fernandez finding the net in the 47th minute. However, Muangthong hit back just six minutes later, with Purachet Thodsanit equalising at Rajamangala Stadium.
Nidzam praised his side's performance, describing it as a promising step for Selangor in the ACL2.
"I'm proud of the players for showing great determination after being away from Asian competitions for so long. It's not easy to come back and secure a point, especially against a strong side like Muangthong.
"This result is a positive start for us, and it shows we're moving in the right direction," said Nidzam.
As the only Malaysian club in this year's ACL2, Selangor are under intense pressure to deliver.
"We need to compete on this stage regularly if we want to grow and become one of the top teams in the region.
"It's through these experiences that we'll learn the intensity and demands of international football. This is just the beginning," Nidzam added.
Selangor will now focus on their next Group H match against the Philippines' Cebu FC at home on Oct 3.
Nidzam's side are eager to build on this positive result and secure a victory to strengthen their standing in the group.