KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor began their Challenge Cup quarter-final campaign on a high, securing a dominant 5-1 win over Kelantan Darul Naim in the first leg at the MBPJ Stadium on Thursday.
After their early exit from the Malaysia Cup, Selangor are now competing in the second-tier Challenge Cup.
They marked the occasion with the return of key players, goalkeeper Samuel Somerville and midfielder Alex Agyarkwa, both of whom had been sidelined since the Red Giants' heavy 6-1 defeat to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the FA Cup final in August.
The standout performers of the evening were Ronnie Fernandez, Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi and Quentin Cheng.
Fernandez and Mukhairi each scored a brace, while Quentin not only found the back of the net but also contributed two assists.
Chilean striker Fernandez gave Selangor an early lead in the second minute before Mukhairi doubled their advantage in the 37th minute, sending the team into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second half saw Mukhairi add another goal in the 48th minute, while Fernandez scored his second in the 74th minute.
Quentin then capped off the dominant performance with a goal in the 80th minute. Kelantan's consolation came from Arip Amiruddin in the 70th minute.
The return leg will also take place on Dec 22.