KELANA JAYA – Selangor FC displayed an attacking masterclass as they thrashed Negeri Sembilan FC 4-0 in their second Super League encounter at the MBPJ Stadium today.
The Red Giants, utilising a 4-1-4-1 formation, demonstrated stability in both defence and offence from the opening minutes of the game.
Dancing to the catchy beats of the Selangor ultras, the squad penetrated Negeri Sembilan’s backline through the explosive runs of Alvin Fortes and Ronnie Fernandez on the flanks.
Fortes came closest to giving Selangor the lead in the 15th minute after receiving a slick pass from Mukhairi Ajmal from the left corner.
Selangor’s Nooa Laine, who started the game in central midfield, made use of the freedom granted by head coach Nidzam Jamil to launch a total of six direct passes to his teammates in the span of 18 minutes.
In the 20th minute, the 21-year-old’s precise pass to Mukhairi resulted in a missed flying header.
Negeri Sembilan’s Takumi Sasaki, who was brought into the Jangs in the recent transfer window from Ehime FC in the Japanese league, nearly recreated a “Messi moment” with a solo dribble past six Selangor players, only to be stopped by goalkeeper Samuel Somerville in the 30th minute.
Mukhairi had another missed opportunity in the 40th minute, failing to convert a perfect cross from Fernandez with the goal gaping.
It was a much deadlier Selangor side in the second half as they created more chances while dominating 80% of possession.
Controversy arose shortly after the restart when Yohandry Orozco’s left-foot stunner in the penalty box was disallowed by match referee Amirul Izwan upon review by the video assistant referee.
The decision sparked frustration among the thousands of Selangor fans present at the stadium, who could be seen jeering at the match referee.
Despite this, after 24 attacks and 15 shots on target, Selangor’s breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Fernandez scored with a half-volley, easily beating Negeri Sembilan goalkeeper Aqil Abdul Razak.
The 33-year-old Chilean, who joined the Red Giants from Club Bolivar, then recreated Marcus Rashford’s iconic “temple point” gesture with the home fans.
Orozco finally earned his reward with a brace, scoring two left-foot crackers in the 68th and 76th minutes to give Selangor a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Jordan-born Reziq Bani Hani, who was brought on for Fortes in the 64th minute, sealed the victory in the 90th minute after a perfect counter-attack by the Red Giants.
Selangor currently rank fourth in the Super League table, with six points from three games – but having only played two after pulling out of the Charity Shield, which granted a walkover win and the three points to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC. – May 26, 2024