Selangor FC’s Family Spirit Shines In Win – Faisal Halim

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Selangor FC captain Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim has stressed that the tight schedule faced by the Red Giants is not a major problem.

Mohamad Faisal, who scored twice in Selangor’s 4-2 victory over Singapore club Tampines Rovers in their second Group A match of the 2025/2026 ASEAN Club Championship yesterday, said the situation instead demands maturity from players in managing themselves.

“We know the current situation isn’t easy for everyone and for the team... as captain, all I can do is to encourage and motivate my teammates. What’s important is that Selangor is now like a family — as the coach says, we are united.

“Every match is different, and we give our best each time. What I can say is that tonight’s (yesterday’s) win is the best gift for the fans and the club,” he said at the post-match press conference at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.

Commenting on his two goals, the 27-year-old said the team’s victory matters more than personal achievement.

“Even though my two goals helped the team, I don’t see myself as the main factor behind the win. I just tried to give my best and regain my performance. This is the best reward for me, and I will keep going, insya-Allah, with everyone’s support,” he said.

Selangor went 2-0 up through goals from Mohamad Faisal in the 18th minute and Zach Clough in the 29th minute, but Tampines Rovers pulled one back when Kohya Kazama converted a penalty in the 41st minute.

In the second half, Selangor punished Tampines Rovers’ lapse in concentration with two quick goals — through Mohamad Faisal in the 52nd minute and Alvin Fortes in the 58th minute — before Tampines Rovers responded with a second goal through Hide Higashikawa in the 65th minute.

Selangor head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi praised his players’ strong mentality and discipline despite struggling with fatigue from a tight schedule, which requires the team to play four different competitions in just 11 days.

“I’m very proud of my players; they were very tired and struggling to recover. We also had to recover quickly after the match against Kuching City FC. We needed to find a way to stay in good shape, and our opponent was very strong.

“I know this is an international match, so we could not afford to give up. That’s why I’m very proud of my players… this shows we have a strong mentality. This win is huge for us,” the Japanese coach said.

Selangor now lead Group A, level on four points with Thailand’s BG Pathum United in second, while Tampines Rovers are third with three points.

-- BERNAMA