Selangor sent out a clear message to their rivals ahead of the Malaysia Cup with a 1-0 win over the national team at the Shah Alam Stadium yesterday.
The Red Giants’ attack, which was well-organised, was the difference and was highlighted by a well-taken goal by Rudie Ramli in the 64th minute.
Selangor coach K. Devan, while admitting that the victory was a perfect tonic for his team ahead of next month’s Malaysian Cup competition, was quick to play down its significance.
“The victory is a perfect boost for the players’ morale for the Malaysia Cup but, we have to remember, that this is just a friendly match,” said Devan.
“The national players may not have been motivated to play their best against us as they have nothing to gain from this match ... so we must not take the result too seriously.”
The Red Giants, who last won the coveted Cup in 2005, are hoping to get their hands on the trophy again after what has been, by their lofty standards, a dismal season.
The Klang Valley giants finished third in the Super League behind champions Kelantan and Terengganu. They were also ousted in the FA Cup semi-finals by Kelantan in May.
Selangor may have won the Malaysia Cup a record 32 times but have failed to get past the quarter-final stage in the last two seasons.
Devan reckons that his players’ positive display and attitude is a good indicator for their Malaysia Cup campaign.
“If the players can repeat the kind of performance they showed against the national, then I think we should have no problems winning the Malaysia Cup,” he said.
Selangor are drawn in Group D with T-Team, Kuala Lumpur and Police for the Malaysia Cup. They will kick off their campaign against Police on Sept 6.
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