Selangor coach calls for defensive fixes as Faisal return nears
Kim Pan Gon says Faisal Halim will return within weeks, but remains concerned about Selangor's vulnerability to counter-attacks.
Selangor head coach Kim Pan Gon called for better defending against counter-attacks after his team beat Kuching City 2–1 at MBPJ Stadium in the first leg of their FA Cup semi-final. He also said winger Faisal Halim would be back in action within weeks.
Faisal is recovering from a calf muscle injury suffered during an international window. Pan Gon confirmed that the winger would return before the end of the calendar year.
Despite the victory, Pan Gon said Selangor had again allowed opponents to threaten on the break, a problem the team had worked on in training. He urged his players to remain alert and continue playing until the whistle rather than assume play had stopped.
Kuching coach Aidil Sharin Sahak had to adjust his attack without injured striker Ronald Ngah, using Jerome up front before trying Dylan Wenzel after the interval. Safawi Rasid also suffered a hamstring injury during the match, while Joao Pedro played despite doubts over his fitness.
Aidil praised his players' effort and pointed to chances for Jerome, Dylan and Gabriel Peres. He said Kuching had been unfortunate not to score in the closing moments.
