PETALING JAYA: It's not often that Malaysian football clubs match their fancied South Korean counterparts.
So, Selangor's 2-1 win over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in an Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) match at the MBPJ Stadium Yesterday (Oct 23) was quite remarkable.
Selangor defied the odds as they won despite missing several injured key players.
Here is the unexpected scenario.
Nidzam Jamil's team have found themselves on top of Group H.
They are just three games away from advancing to the knockout stage of the ACL2.
Despite having to do without key players Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Alvin Fortes, Safuwan Baharuddin and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi, Selangor stunned the Koreans.
Nidzam praised his team and said: "It's a testament to our depth and teamwork."
Midfielder Ali Olwan, who played a key role in the victory, said the team pulled themselves together in the face of adversity.
He also thanked the fans for their support.
Selangor took the lead in the 31st minute through Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar who was Selangor captain for the first time.
Olwan doubled their lead just two minutes later before Jeonbuk's Kwon Chang Hoon pulled one back in the 40th minute.
"The players who came off the bench maintained the tempo and secured our lead," said Nidzam.
Jeonbuk coach Kim Do Heon said: "Conceding early goals affected our morale, but we fought back. However, we couldn't maintain the momentum. Selangor are a formidable team that counter-attack effectively. And they didn't give us any breathing room."
Selangor's win over Jeonbuk will boost their confidence for the Super League showdown aga-inst Johor Darul Ta'zim this Sunday.
Nidzam stressed the importance of recovery for his injured players and collaboration with team doctors to ensure full strength for the upcoming clash.